He gives a small smile at the young woman's approval.  Since the others had apparently gone their own ways to seek information through their contacts, he closes and locks the door behind them.
He moves towards the kitchen, his denim jacket coming off and being draped over the back of the recliner closest to the kitchen.
The sofa and recliners are along the wall next to the kitchen, while the small dining table and three chairs is on the opposite wall between the door and the hallway.  I want to alter the location of the kitchen escape hatch to the other side of the island from the front door, concealed by a throw rug.  The TV is mounted on the wall, above the table.
Moving into the kitchen area, he goes tonthe refrigerator.  It seems I have a six-pack of cheap beer, and a few bottles of water.  I have a bit more to offer than I thought.  The food, however, is basic kibble.
Despite the neighborhood, and the outward appearance of the house, Phoenix does not seem the type who is used to cheap beer and kibble.  Be advised that I do not have net access here.  But, the neighbors have reliable connections.  They just are not that fast.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Tue 18 May 2021.

Dossier on Wells:

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=72735/Fargo%20Wells

Some Potential Rolls:

• Stock Market
• Education & General Knowledge
• Expert: Business
• Streetwise
• Forgery

My mistake.  he has not paid for net access.  Part of his paranoia about being found.

Gomen nasai, Phoenix says to Salaryman, then turns to Prodigy, I am sorry.  I must make some discreet inquiries on our target.
He looks at both of the younger women.  Feel free to make yourselves at home.  My home is yours.  I do have water and a few cheap beers in the refrigerator.  Help yourselves if you wish.

He is basically using a neighbors net access to look up Fargo Wells using his phone implant.  when that yields little or nothing, he decides to make some call to actual people:  Lady Koi, Killroy, the nomads, and a police contact.

16:35, Today: Phoenix rolled 28 using 1d10+11, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17.  Streetwise.

16:34, Today: Phoenix rolled 19 using 1d10+11, rerolling max with rolls of 8.  Stockmarket.

16:34, Today: Phoenix rolled 14 using 1d10+11, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  General Education.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Mon 03 May 2021.

After Prodigy is done looking through the house, she will go to the refrigerator and grab a drink. While doing this she will go online and see if she can find any general information on their query.

[OOC: She doesn't have much in the skills like that department, but she can do general searches. :)

23:42, Today: Prodigy rolled 16 using 1d10+14, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Education and General Knowledge.]

The Salaryman waved her hands and then gave Phoenix a few quick shallow bows.

She then got down to doing a bit of work herself using her built in communication lines.

After socketing in a cable she began looking for information.


The SalaryMan rolled 20,16,11.  Stock Market, Education & General Knowledge, Streetwise

As you each pick up on the brown envelope containing the dossier you begin to to look up details.

In his bedroom, Phoenix makes three calls using his cellphone implant.  Hae speaks quietly, leaving messages on each voicemail.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Wed 12 May 2021.

Less than an hour had passed between Phoenix making his call and the arrival of the bike. The observant could easily hear it pass the building once before returning a few minutes later, idling for a few moments and then dying all together.

The kick stand came down as the young nomad eased off the tan dirt bike to the sound of the creaking motocross armor that covered him head to foot. Even the eye protection was tinted against the glad of the sun, and hooked to the helmet by a "flip up" mount.

He approached the door slowly, taking in the surroundings, then knocked lightly with one hard knuckle before settling back with his thumbs hooked in his belt.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:36, Wed 12 May 2021.

Cal sat on his second hand couch and listened to the message for the third time.

There was no question it was a voice from beyond the grave.

Not exactly a friend but someone who had played straight with him in a business where that wasn't exactly the standard.

He scanned his account and the flashing "11" in his Times Square Marquee motivated him to investigate the mystery at hand.

He blinked a couple of times and sent back a simple text,

He phoned a friend for a ride and the time for the meet found him lurking nearby as the single Jodes rider arrived. If the dead man had a problem with the Nomad clan it was probably a deal breaker. Some of them were like family to Cal.

Instead of crossing the street immediately he took a minute to see if anyone else was coming, or just observing the area.

After leaving his messages, the young-looking older man leaves the bedroom and returns to the livingroom.  He sits in the right-most recliner, next to the kitchen, turning it on its swivel to regard Salaryman.
I have made some calls to some old friends.  Hopefully one or more of them will have some information on our target, he says flatly.  He seems to be subconsciously using his thumb and pinky to rotate the plain gold band upon his left ring finger.  They will most assuredly be surprised to receive my call.  He gives a wan smile, then turns to turn on the TV on a news station, providing a bit of background noise.
At the knock, he practically springs to his feet and draws his Militech Avenger from its holster at the back of his pants in one smooth motion, belying his augmented reflexes.
For a moment, he seems to listen at the door, then slowly opens it.  The young man at the door matches the description given him by the nomad tribe elder, and he reholsters the handgun.  Rip.  It is not a question, but an acknowledgment if the name given to him.  It might be better to hide your bike at the back of the house.
Even as he speaks, his eyes are scanning the street, catching sight of an old friend.  He makes a small hand gesture, indication for Killroy to come on over.
Though Phoenix looks younger, there is no denying his resemblance to a Special Projects division head once known as Scorpio with whom the solo had once worked.

Rip glanced back at the bike, and the distant figure, at the suggestion. He considered it for half a moment and then nodded as he backtracked. "On it, be right back."

It only took a minute or so, and soon the young Nomad was making his way back into the structure, moving with a little reservation through the unfamiliar home filled with strangers.

"So I won't pretend to know what kind of pull you've got..." he began, still looking around as he slowly navigated the interior. "But I really did not expect to hear from you know who...at all, if you follow." he reached up and gingerly lifted off the full faced helmet before he let it hang in his left hand by the mouth piece. His dirty blond hair was matted down from the ride, and he hadn't shaved in a week. What's more the pressure from the helmet had left red marks on his forehead that were slowly fading.

He met Phoenix's eyes with a nod and a knowing look. "But I'm here to honor that arrangement he mentioned." he added more seriously. "So consider me at your service." at this he glanced around at the others, obviously curious, but saying nothing.

Phoenix gives a small smile that lacks warmth as he steps back inside when Rip returns and closes the door.  Those in the know would see that as a potential sign that he is highly cybered and may not be too far removed from cyber-psychosis.  He knows Killroy will let himself in, as he has done on a number of occassions.
I have done a number of favors for the Tribe and its packs over the years, and numerous favors have been done for me.  It has been a mutually beneficial friendship.  He extends a hand.  I am known as Phoenix, though I was once known by another name to the Tribe.

"Well, here's hopin' we can keep it up" he took a few more meandering steps as he continued to take in the interior. "Not a lot of old friends left, or so I'm told. This cities a..." He seemed to search for a word. "Meat grinder. Reason we try to steer clear."

He turned to face Phoenix. "But tonight it's just me" he returned the smile, not seeming to notice the oddity in man speaking to him. Probably limited experience with Chrome in general, the young man looked au naturale.

"So what were you thinkin'?" He asked, starting to get down to business.

Understandable.  It certainly is a... meatgrinder, Phoenix responds.  My companions and I have been offered a bounty on the finding and collecting of one Fargo Wells, a heavily cybered corporate problem solver.  I was wondering if anyone in the Tribe, anyone, had had any dealing with the man.  Professional or otherwise.
Suddenly, he cocks his head, as if something had occurred to him.  Pardon me a moment, he says suddenly and steps into the hallway by the kitchen.  Though he is facing away, it seems he may be speaking.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Thu 13 May 2021.

Killroy crossed the street very quickly and very quietly and entered Pheonix' home without a knock or signal.

He closed the door behind himself and, since it sounded like there was about to be some explaining done, simply waited behind the young Jodes rider he had seen for "Pheonix" to return.

Killroy was only normal guy big, over six feet but less than six and a half, despite that he seemed to cast a long shadow and darkness gathered around his eyes regardless of the light sources nearby.

Once the plain brown envelope is handed to you, still slightly damp from this evenings rain you'd wager, within you find a folder with the name WELLS,FARGO stamped across the label portion of the folder. Within is a series of documents:

As Phoenix was pulled away with his call and the envelope was passed around, Rip pulled out the contents, nodded to Killroy, and then held the contents in a way that was easy for them both to read.

With his free hand he rubbed at his face, and the somewhat itchy stubble as he read.

When he returns from his messaging, he steps up to Rip.  I have a request, but it is strictly voluntary, he says.  One of my contacts is a lovely young woman currently residing in the combat zone.  She does not have a vehicle of her own, and could use a ride.Would you be willing to go pick her up for me?  I have a cheap but cold beer in the fridge as a down-payment.  If he agrees, Phoenix gets him the beer and writes the address down on a sticky-note from a pack in finds in the drawer of the island.
Phoenix gives a slightly warmer seeming smile to Killroy.  It has been awhile, he says as he extends his hand for a shake, his arm steady as a rock and his grip strong for a man in his fifties.  Apparently he has had a bit of work done, his face looking closer to what it had in his early thirties.
As you can see, "reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

"Mind your OpSec Kid.", Killroy actually tipped the page up so that he could not see it but Rip still could.

"I don't work against the Jodes but we don't know if I'm involved in the job yet."



"Wasn't sure it was real."

The statement was flat. Could've even been meant as a thought rather than a comment.

"Good to see you Scorp, or Phoenix if you prefer. Real shortage of Straight Shooters out here."

That bit was accompanied by a smile but like too many Solos it didn't reach his rather expensive eyes.

"Is this just a reunion or is there something you need me for?"

There was a brief glance to Killroy, a shrug and Rip continued reading, pacing a few steps away as he turned a page.

About as he finished looking over the contents, he looked up to Phoenix. "I'd be glad to" he assured him, referring to his request. "But my bike won't carry two, it's been stripped for cargo." he admitted.

"Would you prefer I go and escort her by foot?" He asked next with a helpful tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Thu 13 May 2021.

The Salaryman gave Phoenix a nod when he mentioned calling for help.

She then closed her eyes and stayed that way as her attention was elsewhere, oblivious to the new arrivals, and trusting their host to safeguard his guests.

I'd like to see if there's any recent news regarding Akaromi BioCorp, announcements, scandals, acquisitions, etc.

I'd also like to search out the other people and places given in the dossier to see if any hits come back that might be pertinent.  Making sure the locations listed still exist, obituaries for the names given, etc

Phoenix nods at the folder Killroy had just turned away from his view.  Actually, that is why I called.  I was wondering if you had heard of a man named Fargo Wells.  If you may have met him, or had any dealings with him whatsoever, directly or indirectly.  Either through the Company, or not.  He indicates Salaryman and Prodigy.  My companions and I have been hired to do a bit of... headhunting, and he is the target.
To Rip, he says, Thank you for the offer.  Give me a few moments to contact her.
He turns away, and subvocalizes, Text to 私の娘 (watashi no musume):  No vehicle with passenger capability available.  There is, however, an offer to escort you by foot.  Or, perhaps there is a taxi that may be available.  I can call.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:33, Sun 16 May 2021.

10:08, Today: Killroy rolled 11 using 1d10+7, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Streetwise.

10:08, Today: Killroy rolled 16 using 1d10+10, rerolling max with rolls of 6.  Edu & Gen Know.

Prodigy nodded at the mention of calling for help. However when the help arrived, she stood up and moved over to the newcomers, looking them over. It's obvious she was the suspicious sort, for good reason.

[OOC: An FYI for those that are new, Prodigy is a blonde teenage girl that does her best to hide her features within a hoodie. :) See pic in character details.]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Sat 15 May 2021.

Another subvocalized text:  Primarily need information.  I also have some to give.  If need more, there will be a share.  Keyword will be "meteor shower".
He steps back to Rip.  Thank you.  It is appreciated.  The keyword is "meteor shower".  Just use it in a sentence, she will know you were sent by me.  Again, thank you.

Rip nodded in a friendly way as Prodigy came over, the young man apparently not from the city or even from the area. The openness also marked him as fairly new unfortunately, not a glint of chrome on him and a little out of place in the mixed company.

"Not a problem" he assured Phoenix, took down the address, paused in a thoughtful way for a moment and then moved to leave, slipping his motocross helmet back on. "Be right back." he added in a somewhat muffled way.

He went out the back, and a few moments later the sound of the little CHOOH2 powered engine revving away into the distance could be heard just over the other ambient sounds of the city.

Salaryman after some quick system searches  you are able to pull up some information on both the contacts within the file.


Rip and Killroy looking over the Dossier

Before Rip leaves she motions to her ear, then makes a talking motion. While he does hear her over the radio link, Phoenix and TheSalaryMan do. --If he doesn't catch what I am trying to get him to do, tell him to sync his radio link to ours.--

Phoenix tries to catch Rip as he heads out, but he makes sure to let Killroy know as well by speaking to both.  The young lady here is called Prodigy, he says as he indicates her.  She only speaks through radio or cell, so you have to match our frequency on your transceivers to hear her.

"Not a problem. Just tip me the freq."

"There are some leads in that dossier we may be able to look into but I don't have any intel on the Primary myself."

He glanced at Prodigy, nodded, and then gave Phoenix a meaningful look.

"How are we getting paid for this?"

When the frequency is given she speaks up over the radio. The odd thing is, she is not speaking normally. At all. --When our contact pays me, I'll make sure everyone gets paid an  equal share. As he said, I'm Prodigy. Need your cyber fixed, I have you. Need your guns, vehicles, what have you fixed, I got you. Need a exit route because we're trapped, I got you.--

Killroy continued to await an answer from Phoenix.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Thu 20 May 2021.

Her eyes narrowed a bit, but she said nothing walking away and moving back over to TheSalaryMan. --Did you find anything on our query?--

Phoenix subvocalizes to text another message to Lady Koi.  However, this time, he speaks the message aloud so everyone learns at once.
The pockets of our employer are apparently pretty deep.  They have insisted that the greater the success of the mission, the greater the reward.  As Prodigy said, everyone involved will receive an equal share.  This is a headhunting mission.  That means the subject is to be brought in alive and as unharmed as possible.  That increases the difficulty, which increases the pay.

The words were essentially the same but the prior relationship and the gravitas with which Phoenix said them made a difference.

"But the Employer is fronting nothing so we're operating on a shoestring?"

"Do we have time to do any "Fund Raising"?"

"Picking up a chipped hitter alive is going to require some basic gear that I don't keep in my flop."

--Yes, we have time. We'll need to gather information on our query so that leaves time to do light missions.-- Her voice came over the communicator again.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Sat 22 May 2021.

The SalaryMan continued to sit motionless as if she was asleep and dead to the world, but still breathing so she hadn't been flatlined by anything.

Yet.

Lady Koi paid the taxi with care, painfully aware of how little money she had remaining, and then texted Jonno and Artemis (and by extension, Badge) with the address, adding, "Sounds like deep pocket client, but payment on delivery."  Then she will follow Rip up to Phoenix's apartment, knocking politely on the door.

Killroy responded with a thumbs up.

At the knock on the door he moved slightly aside from the entrance, reflexively taking a defensive posture.

He spoke quietly, "Two people. One of them smells really good."

Rip lingered aside Lady Koi, his helmet off once more and his bike cooling with little faint pinging sounds where he had parked it around back.

"Bunch of folks here already when I left..." He mentioned offhand as they waited for an answer.

--Open it. The one was here earlier, I assume the second is the one Phoenix sent him to got get.-- She said over the comlink, she tapped her ear's indicated she could hear them out there.

Phoenix had already begun moving towards the door, hearing the pair come up to the house.  He seems to straighten himself up, brush off his clothing, as if anticipating the entrance of some government official or another person of fame and/or power.
As he opens the door, he gives Lady Koi a small now.
Yōkoso, watashi no musume. Zenkai no go raiten kara hisashiburidesu he says to her in Japanese.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Mon 24 May 2021.

“おぶゆましまじ, 親父,” Lady Koi replies in a more casual form as she enters the apartment, stepping aside to make sure Rip can come in quickly and the door properly secured.  “I asked three others if they were interested on spec, as I gather the payment is on delivery, you said more may be needed,” she says entering the apartment and setting her bag down on the floor, a pronounced accent coming through in English.  “How can I help?”  She leans back against the wall with her arms crossed.

Rip was right behind Lady Koi, helmet in hand and he shut the door firmly behind himself.

He seemed to linger near her as they settled back down to business, and nodded to Phoenix as if to say he was ready for more work.

"Mind saying who you called? We need muscle if we're gonna roll up a guy with this sleeve."

"With what sleeve?  I'm not sure I understand, mister?" she asks Killroy, looking to Phoenix for a cue on the situation.  "A cop friend looking for some extra curricular and a couple of solos," she says, answering Killroy's question.  Her tone and body language are casual and friendly, no hint of sarcasm or ire.

---

21:09, Today: Lady Koi rolled 15 using 1d10+13, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Street Deal, mostly to see if she recognizes any of the others in the room.

Prodigy makes a grumbling noise. She didn't mind those already in her camp contacting friends to help, but the new people contacting them before she even met the new people bothered her.

Finally she gave a small whistle, then pointed to Lady Koi, and pointed to her ear. --Let her know to get on the channel.-- Came her voice over the channel.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Mon 24 May 2021.

The voice came over, faint but audible, from the helmet in Rips hand. An expression of recognition passed over his face, he nodded to Prodigy with a faint smile and then touched Lady Koi's shoulder.

"Oh, they are asking you to come up on comms, here's the freq." He told her softly, manipulated a few of the large, stiff buttons on the side of the helmet, and tilted it so that she could see the HUD inside where the numbers were displayed.

Taking out her cellphone Lady Koi tries to see if she can get the frequency on it.  "I don't have an audio implant, can this thing connect?" she asks, holding her phone to Rip.

"Gomennasai. I mean the principal target's file. His history."

His accent was atrocious but the attempt at Japanese was sincere.

"I'm Killroy. Phoenix called me in. I've worked for him before."

"Do you have Handles for the folks you called or is it a friend of a friend thing?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:33, Mon 24 May 2021.

"Tondemonai, Killroy," Lady Koi says mangling his name with her accent.  "Artemis, Jonno and Badge, I believe are their handles," she hands the phone to Rip hoping he can get her connected to the comms with the others.

Killroy nodded a shallow bow and smiled.

Phoenix looks about at each person as they speak, his eye finally falling on Lady Koi.  I trust you know these individuals well enough, he says.  Three more will cut into the pay for each of us, but I do not expect this guy is going to convinced to come with us by words.

"You haven't let me try, but it is always good to have a plan B," Lady Koi replies with an almost mischievous smile.  "Who are we looking for?"  Given the name(s) or a view of the dossier, she will recover her phone and move to a corner where there is the illusion of privacy to make a few calls and inquiries.

---

13:16, Today: Lady Koi rolled 18 using 1d10+13, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Street Deal.  Looking for any leads or information, will spend 2 Luck to make it 20 if needed.

---

---

Prodigy will hand Lady Koi the Dossier, then when her phone is setup to work as needed she will speak to her through the Communication link. --Keep it charged please. This is the only way I can communicate. Anyway here is the dossier.--

The Salaryman came out of her trance slowly.

Looking up she noticed the newcomers and got to her feet and gave them a shallow bow.

"Hello.  I am The Salaryman."  She offered aloud and over the radio simultaneously in heavily accented english.

"I have found additional information."  She continued, before walking over to the television.

She pulled out her pocket computer and a cable and connected it to the display were additional data began to scroll on a loop.

"I am sorry for the trouble.  I hope this will be functional, I do not have a printer for ease of duplication.  The Salaryman informed the others as she offered a deeper bow of apology before retreating to where she had previously been seated so as to not block the screen.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Sun 30 May 2021.

Rip greeted Prodigy and The Salaryman in a brief but polite way, and set to work to see what he could contribute. Tucked into his own little corner, his helmet resting on a side table, he reached out to a few people he knew and was in a series of familiar conversations while they worked to harvest intelligence for the job at hand.

The Vid screen pops up and begins displaying various images and data of information Salaryman has been able to pull from the net. Most of it has been easily attainable, some of it required a few backdoors.



OOC: Feel Free to use http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=72735/NPC%20Information to view all relevant information you can find.


Anyone that can get a Stock Market/Library Search of 15 or  Gen Know of 20 can know the following:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
ABC - Akaromi BioCorp is a small Japanese Company Based out of Chiba, Japan. Public records dictate that it primarily deals with biogenetics and growing parts.

---

"I've heard of this 'Toothpick', though not my kind of place, he has a pool hall in the combat zone, 24th street,"  Lady Koi says after reviewing the initial dossier.  She acknowledges Prodigy's statement with a brief nod, and then settles into a seat to see what the next move will be.

As the informatiin is shown on the screen, Phoenix closes his eyes and begins to run through his own memory if his dealings in the corporate world to see what tidbits he can find.


16:11, Today: Phoenix rolled 18 using 1d10+4+7, rerolling max with rolls of 7.  Int+Stockmarket. – 11

16:11, Today: Phoenix rolled 15 using 1d10+4+7, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Int+General Education.

Prodigy looks over what is being shown, then begins pacing again. Considering things.

[OOC: 00:47, Today: Prodigy rolled 19 using 1d10+14, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Gen Know.

Dang, almost got the Gen Know check. To bad the family history doesn't help. lol]

Outside in the distance Riot looked over to Artemis with a raised eyebrow, "This is the place?  I'll let you do the knocking and introductions."

Artemis nodded, walked up and knocked on the door.

Once let in, she introduced the other PC's briefly. She made sure to give respectful nods to the host (because it was their home), Koi (she'd hired him), and Killroy (who she deeply respected as a badass).

Once brought up to speed on the capture of their target, she considered*.

Does Wells have a rep as a solo? Artemis generally would pay attention to that sort of thing, though if he only works for the Yak there's a good chance she knows nada. Streetwise maybe?

* I'm just going to gloss by this in the spirit of getting on with it if that's ok.

"What's up Arty."

Killroy fistbumped the much larger woman.

"Riot, Arty we need to get you guys on comms. Tech support doesn't do noise."

He gestured at Prodigy though he was tempted to watch her try to pantomime the message again

Riot's curiosity shot up instantaneously as the young doc looked over at Prodigy, "Can't or won't?" to which he waved his hand at Killroy to forestall any response, "Nevermind either is personal and for her to answer or not.  That said I never got comms.  Too much trouble to be deep in the middle of closing up a mono-puncture and laceration of the heart and nearby lungs to have someone hack it and start playing Beethoven's 5th or Roc-it-Jok's latest bad rap single."

It is unusual for Phoenix to have so many people in his home, and another knock at the door would indicate more want to join in the festivities.  Looking through the peephole, he reaches for the weapon at the back of his belt.  It seems we have more people interested in the job, he says.
He opens the door, stepping aside to let the new folks in, giving each a small bow.  Have you all come to sample the pie?


06:17, Today: Phoenix rolled 14 using 1d10+11, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Streetwise-Who is Badge?

06:17, Today: Phoenix rolled 19 using 1d10+11, rerolling max with rolls of 8.  Streetwise-Who is Riot?

06:17, Today: Phoenix rolled 16 using 1d10+11, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Streetwise-Who is Artemis?

"Of course. Hopefully its keto friendly. I am trying to keep my girlish figure."

Artrmis somehow said with a straight face.

Artemis is new to soloing, but has some good words from the Russians, and has been cleaning up minor jobs where muscle is required. Terrifying in hand to hand, and a good archer. Doesn't use guns.

Riot returns the small bow to Phoenix, "I am curious as to the flavor and texture yes..."

ooc: Riot is a young doc not even out of his teens employed by the NCPD for pickup patching and more often than not to Psycho Squad because besides being a good patchman he also is a fairly skilled ripperdoc to help handle the Psycho Squads problems.  So tend to wounds, major surgery, tend to cyberware and implant/remove cyberware.

After a little bit of time looking at the dossiers that were provided he looked up and asked since it hadn't been discussed as of yet while he was there, "We've got ID's, locations...lots of potential things you could do with this intel.  So what's the op?  Surveillance?  Snatch and grab?  Rub out?  Blackmail?  Recover something they liberated from someone else?  Have a birthday party?"

Actually, we are to acquire the target and bring him to our employer, Phoenix responds.  What can you tell us about his medical information from the dossier?

Pointing at the sheet he replied, "Typical interface plug and smart weapon link to his neural pathways.  Works well in concert with his replacement eyes...low light and targeting scope with less combat related marquee and color shifting.  Ears have been swapped out for enhanced hearing and radio link along with the complimentary parts in the digital recording link and sound editing."

He glanced down at the dossier for a second again before adding, "Chances are that the surgery that he had that lists a heart and lung transplant is a partial cover for some additional cyberware that was put into his torso.  Depending on his or another's with deeper pockets bioware hidden under that transplant information."

Looking up Riot concluded with, "That's a fair amount of hardware for the average person.  Depending on whatever was also added he could be pushing some boundaries when it comes to psychosis."

"So how do you want to play this?  Split up and hit all leads at once?" Lady Koi asks, looking to both Phoenix and Prodigy, holding her phone casually near her ear to hear what the latter says.

After an uneventful stroll across the park, Jonno reaches the street outside Phoenix's house.
He decides to call ahead rather than just marching up to the door. He dials's Lady Koi's number.

OOC; Assuming she picks up...

"Hello? It's Jonno. I'm just outside, is it okay to come in?"

Lady Koi's phone vibrates and she looks at the incoming call.  Rather than answering she sends a text in the affirmative.  "The last person I recruited is here," she says aloud.

Phoenix walks to the door, opening with a small bow.  Welcome to my home.  You may call me Phoenix.  You, of course, know Lady Koi.
He begins introducing him to the others.  Prodigy can only speak by radio, so, if you have one on you, or implanted, this is the frequency....  We have an interesting offer of employment.

"Alright lads?" he nods companionably to those present, 'lads' seemingly gender-neutral when used in this form. "Sorry no radio only a mobile. What's the gig?"

OOC Jonno has a Yorkshire accent that hasnt been fully diluted by his time in SoCal. Sean Bean but not quite so polished.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Wed 09 June 2021.

She seemed a bit frustrated at the pair that lacked a radio. --We'll have to see about getting them a radio at some point to ease communication.--

Then she considered the other questions. --Since there are so many of us it will be best to split our talents towards each of the leads to cover as much ground at once as we can.--

She then pulled out a notepad and wrote a note for riot. And that appears to be where she ended the note. She motions that he can pass it on to any other's without a radio.

Rip sat upon the arm of the sofa, his hands between his legs, and he nodded with evident approval as Prodigy suggested that they be split into smaller, more manageable groups..

"Agreed. Good thinking." he then turned to Phoenix. "Since you're runnin' the show, did you want to divy us up for assignments?"

Killroy nodded.

"That is the logical way for this to work."

Phoenix shakes his head in the negative.
 I am not really "running the show ."  I was brought in as extra help.  Unfortunately, many of the original crew have gone to seek their fortunes elsewhere, leaving just Prodigy and Salaryman to take the bounty.  We are their crew.  I just happened to have a place to use as a "base of operations."

--I'm the one running the show. He offered the crib, because my place is a closet at the Battalion. Not exactly comfy and private when you try and stuff this many people in it.-- She stated matter of factly, though hearing a teenage kid say she was in charge had to be, odd. --You can ask SalaryMan, I am quite capable.-- She finally pulls her hood down, to reveal that she was in fact a young teenage girl with short length blonde hair.

--All of that being said, who feels best suited to follow which lead?-- She asked, looking at each in turn a moment. She felt it best to let them decide on their own talents where they would better fit for now. --As a suggestion, at least one muscle should go with each group as a precaution.-- Then she considered a moment. --My speciality is Cybernetics, Electronics, Electronic Security, Escaping, and picking any known lock. Even the high tech mag locks. Pretty much any type of tech.--

"I'm good with people," Lady Koi says in response to Prodigy.  "And I know my way around the Street.  Perhaps it would be good if I sought out this 'Toothpick'," she offers, crossing her legs and and settling into the seat comfortably.

"I can watch your back then." Rip volunteered as Lady Koi settled in to her seat. He crossed his arms, his armor creaking as he made the motion. "Might even need a few more if we are headed back into the Zone"

\

"Your not understanding me kid."

"That is a really impressive list of skills for someone your age, Hell twice your age, I genuinely mean that, but it doesn't include "Coordinate a professional operation" on it. Pheonix' does. He's an expert at it."

"If he's not running this crew he's being wasted. If you ARE running this crew your tech skills are being wasted."

"I could do it but he's better."

"...and don't call your team mates "muscle". You know everyone's name here and you're way to smart to have forgotten."

Artemis tilted her head a little.

Artemis thought Killroy was being a little harsh. Heavy and muscle sounded better to her than "security assets" or whatever mil or corp speak was good today. Plus, he'd called her "Kid" while admonishing her to use her team's nicknames.

Wait, that must have been the point.

She wasn't about to say anything to Killroy about that at the moment anyway. That gato had earned about a million respect points with her.

Best just change the subject. She still had questions anyway, and it was better work work that out in advance.

"Ok, so, our assignments. Lets work this out formally so we're all on the same page as far as legwork goes.

What, specifically, is each team going to do first?"

Phoenix looks to each of the others as they speak, or as if he is guaging their reactions.
We are going to need a legwork team, to comb the streets to find where he may be hiding.  We are going to need a netrunning team, for the same purpose.  Both will pull surveillance and run back-up for the capture team.  We will need some funds for bribery, maybe something for extortion in order to get information from people.

"What level are we operating on? Above or below?"

"Are we jacking Boosters for cash or looking for quick turnaround work?"

"You don't get yer best officers t' dig trenches." Jonno nods sagely, then grins "They wouldnt know which end a' shovel t'use for a start.
He looks over at Phoenix. "So boss, looks like I missed a bit of the brefing, whose this fella we're after?"


OOC I'm more or less up to speed, a 'xx tells Jonno the neccessary' will do.

She made a whistle, and a motion for everyone to be quiet a moment. Once she had everyone attention she then walked up to Killroy and looked him straight in the eye. --First off, you preach respect to me while being disrespectful to me? You ever do that to me again, you can leave. There are plenty of doors, you can choose any of them.--

--Secondly, he himself told you he was not the leader. I took charge of the group before he came in because no one stepped up. If you cannot handle either of those, see the first point.-- She said calmly.

--Third, just because I am leading, does not mean I do not know how to use everyone's talent's efficiently and to their fullest. It is also why I asked what task every felt best suited for, and stated my skills in the manner I did to give people an idea of what I was looking for. I was not looking for some arrogant egotistical asshole to step up whip his dick out and try to show me how long it is. I'll be more then happy to show you mine's bigger if you wish.-- If it wasn't for the fact it was coming from a teenage girl...

--Fourth, anyone can run the crew. It does not mean that their base skills are being wasted. I have already proven that, ask SalaryMan.-- She continued calmly.

--And lastly, there is no need to list every single 'muscle' person's name when I need to group them all into one group. It's inefficient. Naming 4, 5, or 6 people's names? Seriously? If I say 'the muscle' you all know what I mean, and it's not out of disrespect. I have the utmost respect for the idea of brute force. Considering all the times I've had corpo hit squad's after me, I have the utmost for 'the muscle'. You should be smart enough to see that.-- She said with a small nod.

Then she paused a moment, considering. --I guess I had one more point. My name is Prodigy. Use it, do not call me kid, or again, see point one.--

She then looked towards everyone gathered, and considered. And nodded once to herself. --Look, I do not like dick measuring contests. This is inefficient and wastes time and energy. -- She said softly. --That being said, I am willing to listen to advice, even take advice. Even follow it. Every leader needs council. Also, when this job is done, I might be hiring you myself. So, lets do this job and move on.--

"I'm not going to kill you. Because your a kid and you don't know how things work."

"But your are going to take two steps back out of my face."

He waited a second but whether she had the sense to step down from her aggressive posture or not he continued.

"You have not paid me. This means I don't work for you."

"This job is on spec. Meaning no guaranteed money. That means we are working together in the hope of making money together."

"This is not a "dick measuring contest", if it was you'd be spitting blood right now, it's a simple explanation of how things work."

"The proper way for this job to get done is for you to do what you do and Phoenix to do what he does."

"Only person here having an ego problem is the twelve year old barking about being the leader of a crew that isn't here."

Rip glanced between the two, Killroy and Prodigy, and he seemed hesitant about getting involved. But after a few moments he turned to Prodigy.

"Do you want to roll with us to the pool hall?" he asked the girl with a jerk of his head towards the door. "Unless we can take things down a notch here, I don't think we are going to get very far...and we could use a gearhead anyway." he stood slowly. "'Cause I don't know about you guys, but I'm itchin' to get started."

He took a few tentative steps towards the door.

Riot had shown the note to anyone that had wanted to see it and had given Prodigy an understanding nod knowing he was going to have to at least get himself a suitable subvocal and earpiece to listen in on the conversations and keep in touch with everyone.

Then it got into a tiff about who was running the op and organizing things.  Or at least that is what it looked like when he was only hearing half the conversation and reading the body language of everyone present when they were speaking.  It caused Riot's head to tilt some as if reassessing everyone.

The argument seemed to him be a waste.  The money, whatever they were going to get, was going to come through Prodigy so she had the final call on things.  If she wanted to be anything from efficient to inefficient it was ultimately her decision.  His argument of being on 'spec' was often what any job was.  Do it and then get paid.  Only if you were actually well known and regarded would any face put up funds before the job even began.  After another look at Killroy up and down he came to the conclusion that Killroy hadn't been laid in some time and nodded sagely it seemed to Rips suggestion before his brow furled as if his ears were coming up to speed with what had been said and needed more thought.

Phoenix steps up to Killroy.  I am here to give advice and help things work.  I have already seen the kid in action.  This is apparently not the first operation she has run, and she has a level head in combat.  Unlike so many with whom we have worked in the past.  If there becomes an issue, I will take over operations.
But, for now, with my own resources limited by circumstances, I, like you, am primarily muscle on this operation.
I can not exactly call upon business associates for information or assistance.
I am dead after all.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Tue 14 Sept 2021.

Phoenix vouching for Prodigy seemed to be what was called for.

He cut his eyes toward Phoenix and then back to Prodigy and simply nodded.

"We could formalize arrangements, draft bylaws, and outline areas of responsibility and objective ownership if that would offer additional assurances."  The Salaryman offered in an attempt to help shore up the working relationships that seemed to be, if perhaps somewhat precariously, in place for the moment.

"Otherwise it may be most efficient to resume outlining our current goals and submit resource allocation proposals, before finalizing work teams and setting achievement targets."

The Nomad nodded to The Salary man. "I'm gonna delta then, get some eyes on that poolhall..." Rip took a few steps towards the back door, turned mid stride and started walking backwards. "I'll be up on Comms, let you know what I got." this was mostly to Prodigy. "You need anything else hit me up" he turned and slipped his helmet back on, then flipped down the visor with a solid metallic clack to cover his eyes.

A few moments later the tinny, somewhat gutless sound of his bike revving could be heard before he pulled away into the night.

Lady Koi waved good bye to Rip with a familiar smile.  When he left, she addressed Prodigy.  "Teams, then.  I who comes with me to the pool hall?"  Now that the chain of command was established it was time to gt going.

Rip has already headed that way, comes the emotionless response from Phoenix.  In fact, the closest he has come to showing emotion has been when Lady Koi arrived.  You may need to get moving.

"Right then, Artemis, shall we go?  We can meet up with Rip at the pool hall," Lady Koi says as she heads for the door to catch up with Rip.

"Sounds preem to me." Despite the tension, Artemis was still smiling. This seemed like a decent level job for once with a good paycheck: assuming it didn't get botched or she didn't get flatlined.

But hey, if you cared a lot about getting flatlined, solo was a gonk career choice, anyway.

She put on her helmet and threw on her pack as she headed to the door.

"I'll check out Caitlin Jones then. Starting at her Baker Street address."

This message was deleted by the player at 16:25, Tue 20 July 2021.

Going to give Artemis a chance to reply before posting.

In reply to Lady Koi (msg # 106):

OOC: She did above. msg 103

OOC: meant to post that in the caboose about the pool hall thread.

As folks headed out, The SalaryMan got herself ready and sent out messages across the array of communication devices the various members of the group had available (or assumed word would be passed to those who were without anything at all).

I am standing by if you require assistance.  I will be able to field most information requests, and reference the available known information if needed.  If anyone would prefer to have a hard copy of that information, please locate a Dataterm or Screamsheet box and I will initiate a printout.

If I am needed on location, please submit a request with accommodation for travel time.

Jonno sighs as half the assembled people get up and go, leaving him with a console cowboy (cowgirl?), a suit who claims to be dead and a kid who cant talk to him.
Checking the time on his phone he spies a discarded screamsheet and picks it up, leaning against the wall and reading through idly.

Killroy's eyes flickered as data ran across the TSM installed in them.

In reply to Killroy (msg # 111):

01:25, Today: Killroy rolled 18 using 1d10+9, rerolling max with rolls of 9.  Family.

A message rolls across your TSM with a near by corner and time. You likely know it won't be a pretty car, you're calling in a favor, and it better return in the same shape it was provided. But you got yourself a vehicle for a short window.

"Alright Phoenix, I'm out."


Killroy headed out on foot in time to make the pickup. No point in being late when someone is doing you a solid.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Thu 05 Aug 2021.

The rain was coming down hard as you made your way to the street corner, you see your nomad friends waiting by a beat up compact car and a motorcycle, the one holding a newspaper over his head. "Hey choomba, Boss said you need this. Bring it back in one piece. My Number is ---x---x----"

The rain didn't really bother Cal but it did create some hassels.

"Gotcha. Wilco. Tell him I said thanks."

He accepted the keys.

"As always, call if you need me."

Lady Koi sends a text message to Phoenix and Prodigy.

Text Message:
Fast Eddy's was not very helpful; circular lead back to the girlfriend.  Hanging around a bit to see if they do anything interesting.  Status of Baker Street gang?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Mon 13 Sept 2021.

Phoenix listens as the text comes in over his cyberphone.  The electronially recorded voice is nothing like LK's, the point 8s gotten across.  He responds with a dictated text of his own.
No word yet.  Sit tight for now.  Keep watch.  Maybe the target will make an appearance.
He then sends a text to Killroy.  Have you arrived at the home of the target's girlfriend?

Jonno finishes the screamsheet and looks at the clock on his phone, then around the room. He can probably catch train back South and be home in time to catch the match.
He fires off a quick text to Lady Koi, picks up his gear and walks out.

Killroy responds with a text of his own, "Just pulling up now. Update ASAP."

Phoenix awaits reports from the recon groups.