The following day arrives like any other; 10 voicemail messages, 100 emails (mostly spam), and a few notes from you sister.  One of the emails is a schedule request from Security; they'll need at least half a day for a planning the security adjustments.  You will not be needed, but they will have a few people coming and going during that time period.  It could be distracting.  There is nothing from Shadow or the good doctor in the lot.

The news on the drive into the office has a short personal interest report on the missing Paragon.  After a few support roles and sightings, he has gone missing.

When you make it into the office, you do have an interesting voicemail from your father.  He is looking for an update from the recent marketing campaign and also asks a few questions about you and your sister.

[OOC] Please fill in anything you would like to for the day.

Rei goes about her day. She never expected any word from Doc or Shadow since she was informed to call them after a given time. The Paragon story lingers in her mind though. She doesn't know if Paragon just stopped or something happened, but either way, a hero is not longer around.

The security scheduling is a bother as she expected the head of security to be able to arrange everything, but she fits it in.

The voicemail from her father is nice. She gathers everything for the marketing campaign for the new cancer treatment supplemental and sends it via email. She then looks over the questions regarding herself and Hiromi.

[OOC] Just to fill you in, and to add detail, as I know you are not reading the other threads.
1) Paragon appeared one night and helped with a 'possible bomb' situation at the John Hancock Building.  It turned out not to be a bomb, but he was the 'safety net' for the police and bomb squad.  This was his first appearance in front of the news for sure and he did talk to them.
2) On a even a few nights later, he helped with a car chase on the south side.  He was able to pursue the car and apprehend the two inside when they had a minor crash and ran.  The two men in the car were wanted for a robbery at gun point.  He was able to apprehend the first suspect without issue, but the second did pull a gun on him.  The lone witness to the end of the incident said the suspect shot at him four times, but seemed to have no affect.  Paragon knocked him out with a single punch.  All of the stole items and gun were recovered.  [note - added history]
3) A boat in Navy Pier Marina took on water and began to sink in a storm.  Paragon was there when the storm started and helped to get two boats out of the water before they sank fully.  Some of people leaving the Billy Goat Tavern said they saw a woman (covered in lightning) fighting with Paragon over the marina, in the storm, about the time the two boats sank.  This was never confirmed by any evidence or first responders. [note - added history]
4) He went missing not long after this event.

He could fly, was very strong and highly durable (based on reports).  He was flashy, handsome and seemed to like the spot light.

***

Your father's questions are congenial and 'of a father'.  Concern so far from home is a theme in his language.

Rei reassures her father that all is well personally for herself and lets Hiromi know to respond as well.

During your discussion with your father, various people (including Hiromi) come and go; drop offs of materials, signature requests, etc.  The hum of the office is like any other day.

After the discussion, your father seems pleased and starts into a familiar topic for him (even if it has been a while since he last brought up the subject).  "Have you thought about what we talked about last?  About NOT dressing up and going out any more?"

Rei smiles, "Not in the slightest."

"It's good PR, and you know it. It also lets me do something that...feels like I'm doing something even if it's something small."

"It's different here in Chicago than Paris though. They have more of a history with powered individuals here. I'm just learning more about some of them."

"You've met heroes in Chicago?  They are all about guns.  Who?  And why?  This sounds more dangerous.  You did not get your sister involved, did you?"  He sounds concerned, and a little mad.

A little away from the phone, you hear your mother's voice, but it is hard to tell what she is saying.  It is a good guess she has heard your father.

Rei's voice drips with sarcasm, "Yes, Americans are all about guns just as we French are all about surrender."

She then says, "Hiromi isn't involved in anything I do outside of work."

She then sighs with exasperation, "You watch too many movies, father. For mother's sake, perhaps you should watch some romance movies."

"Your mother and I understand that this is something you like to do...even need to do.  But we worry.  You two are not here.  You are forging ahead with your lives far from us here.  It is harder for us to help you.  And YOU are taking some risks.  <sigh> And yes, there is goodwill built by doing this, but that does not mean we do not worry.

And do not mock my gun comment. They do worry and use them too often in the US.  You need to promise me that you are not taking too many risks."

He takes another deep breath, "Your mother wants me to change the subject. No..no..I will.... <another sigh> She has asked how are the night clubs and if you have met anybody.  That is her way of getting me to shut up."

Rei sighs, "You and mother both remember I'm bulletproof, right? In the few times I've seen a gun, I have never been concerned for myself. I just hope whoever has the gun doesn't shoot anyone other than me."

She feels bad about what she has said, but the worry of her parents is something all children must contend with no matter their age.

When her father relays her mother's questions she is sure her eyeroll can be heard, "No, I haven't met anyone, and I haven't been to any night clubs since Hiromi is too young to join me at clubs here in America. I have heard they are nice and have been given recommendations."

A little away from the phone receiver, "Guns come in many sizes."

Then quickly, and a little more clearly, "I do want to talk to you about information security briefly.  We have been going though a post-incident audit here.  We had a board member release their personal credentials in response to a email.  It does not seem that they got into our extranet or accessed any board materials; this was found quickly after the hacker tried to access a bank account, but the bank stopped the attempt.  I want to make sure your division (and all eventually) do the same as we do here.  You're in particular because you are much larger target within the company.  We need to show that we are taking this seriously and that we get the audit results.  I'll have our contractor reach out to you shortly."

Rei sits up, "When was this? I'm sure the board member is updating their security."

She then muses to herself how she had a similar conversation last night as she adds, "We must oversee ourselves or others will demand to do so."

"The board member has had his machine updated by the same team that is doing the investigation.  Let me see...the email says they changed his passwords, backed up his data, rebuilt his machine, installed a new anti-virus, updated his network security at home and then added something called 'DNS filtering' to his home and laptop.  I don't know what that means.  That is why we have a CISO.

He is genuinely embarrassed by this incident.  We will be having the remainder of board do the same.  I figure that we and you should as well.  We are bigger targets, I'm told.  They are recommending credit monitoring and a cell phone review as well.  They would like us to not bring our own cell phones and to have discrete phones for work and personal use.  This is a large hassle."

[OOC] What does your mother do/not do; work or not, philanthropy, shopper, down-to-earth, etc.?  Can you RP your response??

"This is the down side of being rich and in a position of power and authority. Now you see why I need something to let me forget for a while?"

"I'll make arrangements for Hiromi and I to have new work phones, and I'll get new numbers for our personal phones."

"When and where is mother's next gallery? Has she become a muse for anyone new?"

[OOC: As she married a Frenchman, there is no way Mika is a full on Japanese traditionalist. She's primarily an artist and has taken courses to be considered a capable chef of French and Japanese cuisine though she has never done so professionally. She is a socialite given the inquiry about clubs.
I figure she's an accomplished artist that also uses her position to help new artists she finds intriguing.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:59, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

"Your mother has one fawning English woman.  And she, 'must simply have that'.  I'm sure she will be back in a few months and say the exact same thing again."  He put on a fake English accent as he imitated the woman and chuckled.

"Otherwise, I will always appreciate your mother's art work.  It is why we are together in the first place."  There are a few comments out of reach of the phone that are not repeated.

"I'll let you go.  Do follow up with David, as being a good CISO, he is hounding me for action plans for the different departments.  I'm sure he'll have some form for you...but as we pass audit, he is only doing his job well.  I'll have your mother call next time, so you two can catch-up with everything not work.  Au revoir."

"Let me know ahead of time, so I can have Hiromi with me for that call. Au revoir, papa."

The remainder of the day is rather typical; several meetings, Hiromi gets lunch, and then several more meetings.  There are a few press releases for Canada (in French and English) that are approved, the introduction for the company prospectus to approve and a meeting on photo shots to add to the 'release pool' for future use.

The only unexpected thing to happen today is that WGN Noon news reported Predator had been active last night.  He had broken into a gang house and hurt several members severely.  This is met with general positive interviews from the community and a news conference from the CPD promising to stop him.

[OOC] I don't want to assume anything about the day; please add detail where you would like before we move to evening or next day.

Rei has her lunch with Hiromi, sushi, and informs her of the call from their father. She goes over the security issue and the personal part of the call.

The news about Predator bothers her. Rei says, "Someone needs to take him down. He does more damage than good."

Then it's back to work. She makes a note to double check the Canadian French since some of it seems off to her. She doubts it's wrong, but it doesn't sound correct to her Parisian French mind.

Hiromi asks, "Are you thinking about going after him?  He seems to be 'trying' to do the right thing.  I agree that he is putting a lot of people in the hospital...." She goes quiet and chews for a minute.

She also remarks that French Canadian always sounds odd.

[OOC] Give me an INT vs 5 OV/RV for a realization.

Rei ponders over the roll in her chopsticks before she answers her sister, "Yes. I think I will."

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 15 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 8, 7.  Int 5 AV/EV vs 5 OV/RV.

Cajun French would probably cause them physical pain.]

Concern shows on her face immediately, "I don't think that is wise.  Do you even know what he can do?  He has put holes in walls.  Think of the strength it would take to do that.  If he is hurting others, do you think if you try to stop him he won't hurt you too?"

Rei shakes her head, "That's why we do opposition research first. We get all the information on his capabilities we can from past appearances to get as full a picture of his capabilities as we can. He seems to be only a street vigilante even with his powers. He looks to avoid other powered individuals, and I can get some help after that dinner meeting last night."

"Get the two of us a pair of prepaid cell phones. Nothing fancy. They just have to be able to call and text. Do your best not to be seen getting them if you can, and try to hide your identity when purchasing them."

Rei then holds out her right hand flat just above and perpendicular to her desk. By force of will, a blade of rosy colored telekinetic force which she then drops a pencil onto. The pencil lands in two halves on the desk with a perfectly clean cut.

She then looks at Hiromi, "You have never seen me use my powers other than flying. That is the only power I use at my full capability. When I've used my powers to help people, I have held back because I was like Predator and fighting others without powers. In interview, I always downplay my capabilities because I don't know who might be watching."

She nods her head as you talk about research, but perks up when you talk about dinner last night.  "You haven't said much about the dinner last night.  And what was it that this can help you research Predator?  And don't forget, best laid plans can still fall apart."

She takes a few notes, and wrinkles her nose and says, "Walmat." when you talk about the phones.

She raises her eyebrows when you cut the pencil.  "He isn't a pencil and has been street fighting for some time now.  And I'll get more pencils."  The last statement is added with a little snark.

"There is a gentleman, Dr. Ferrand, who wishes to create a team of supers here in Chicago. Chicago used to have an active hero community that helped people. I need you to do some research on a local event called Red Monday. It seems to be the catalyst for the disappearance of the best local heroes. After we research and quantify Predator's abilities, I will contact Dr. Ferrand and see if our first task can be bringing in Predator. That will be a good start for a new team."

On hearing Hiromi mention Walmart, Rei blanches a bit, "No. Get the phones from a corner store. If you can, get them from a store with no cameras or where the cameras don't tend to work. Pay with cash. Leave as little of a trail as you can."

She then looks at the pencil, "I'll just take the pencil out of your pay. That is the American thing to do, no?"

"'Red Monday'...I have not heard of it.  But I have a few friends that can get me started down the right track.  And Google always works...."

She listens intently for a minute and then looks at you very seriously, "You think you can trust this guy that just took you to dinner and started talking about heroes?  You had mentioned the other person once (assuming they are the same group), but seems a little flimsy to build upon."

She shakes her head a lot as you talk and takes notes on her phone.  She only sticks out her tongue when you mention the pencils.

"Red Monday is a local incident that didn't get much national or any international attention. It seems to have been devastating for the city."

"He seems sincere, or he's a very convincing liar, and while Shadow is rough and more in line with common folk, I don't think he would be involved if he thought things were sinister. I have no reason to doubt the sincerity for now, so I'll go along with it and see where it leads."

"I'll definitely see what I can find.  As to the other two, I'll have to go on your intuition.  I still don't know if you should trust them, but if they can collaborate what I find and we can then collaborate what they provide on Predator...."  She shrugs.

"Wait...did you just say 'common folk'?  How Parisian of you.  The next thing I know and you'll start smoking and send me for 'just the right cheese'.  Ohh...you remember the lady on the Rue des Rosiers and her little dog, toddling down the street trying to find just the right cheese and sandwich combination.  heheh...it could be you some day."  She smiles, giggles and snaps her chop sticks.

Rei laughs, "Oh, I wish I could be like her sometimes. If the only concern I had was looking for a proper cheese, I would be in bliss."

Then she smiles, "I wouldn't send you for cheese though. I'd send you for cake and hope I don't lose my head over it."

"No cake...what about a chocolate croissant from Vanille Patisserie?  I can get them for tonight."

The remainder of the work day is quiet.

[OOC] I'll write something up for 'Red Monday'.  I know what happens, just never wrote it down.  Let me know what your next move is.

[OOC: Pass another day. Hopefully Hiromi gets the burner phones so Rei can call Doc on his burner.

I guess you missed the Marie Antoinette reference there.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Wed 23 Sept 2020.

[OOC] She has two new phones (they are cheap and small) by about 8 pm, with the croissants.

And yes, yes I did.  Nicely done.

[IC]"You still want to do this?"

Rei takes a croissant and laments that they somehow just never as good as the ones back in Paris.

At Hiromi's question she nods, "Yes. I have to at least try."

Like ticking off a check list, Hiromi rattles off her next steps.
I'll hit a few of the web sites that track heroes and see what they or don't say about Predator.  They seem to have information, but cyphering good from bad is sometimes hard.  I think I can reach out to building security and see what they know or don't know.  I'll do it under the guise of 'employee and resource safety' and talk about heroes/villains in general, with Predator as an example.  I should be able to hit the newspaper repositories we have access to here and do research that way as well.  If you think of something else that won't raise alarms, let me know."

She sits back, looks up at you, and just nods her head.

"If you need to, you can use the security audit as an excuse which reminds me that we need IT to get us new work phones. Local online communities might have more relevant information even if it may be anecdotal. You can use that to point to more official sources for verification."

She continues to nod as she taps away at a few more notes.  She seems a little exhausted when she finally sits back.  "How are you going to contact your good Doctor?  What do you think he can give you?"

"I have a number to contact him which is why I had you get us personal burner phones. Hand me yours."

"Doc can give me networking to other heroes for larger problems like Predator. It will let me help others with problems as well."

Rei then puts Doc's number into both phones under Doc. She puts her phone's number into Hiromi's phone under her French name of Esprit Grève. As she puts Hiromi's number into her phone she asks, "What should I designate you as to avoid giving too much away?"

She sits back, crosses her arms and says, "How about Kyoka Jiro?"

Rei raises an eyebrow as she enters the name, but she never was much of a fan of My Hero Academia.

"Now we just get through tomorrow, and I'll call Doc."

The next day starts much like the previous, minus the call from father.  The emails, texts and odd document to sign or project to review.  You do have a meeting request from the Information Security Team, but it is for a week out.

Hiromi seems pre-occupied and you don't see her much of the day.

[OOC]
Feel free to fill in anything you wish.  And then night falls....

Rei enjoys the relatively simple day as she anticipates the evening.

After the sun sets, she takes out her burner phone and calls Doc. When the other end picks up she says, "It's Mindstrike."

A female voice answers the phone, "Hello.  I recognize your voice.  I will patch you through to the doctor now."

<click, click, click>

The doctor's voice comes on the line, <Blue>"Hello, I'm glad you called."<Blue>

"Bonsoir, Doctor. I'm glad you were able to receive my call. I have a potential first goal for the team. I want to go after Predator."

"I have to admit, that was not how I was thinking this conversation would start.  It is a round about way of saying 'yes'.  And I should point out, you need a team."

"We should talk in depth.  And work out better communications that cheap cell phones.  You need to meet a few people as well."

"I agree. I would rather not go after him alone, but I am having opposition research done on him as we speak. Who is it you wish me to meet?"

He chuckles, "Research...I think I can help with that.  When are you free?  And do you want a ride?"

"My work day is over. Just tell me where to go."

"I'll come pick you up downstairs in 30 minutes.  You'll know it is me when I arrive.  See you then."

To the second, a DMZ rounds the corner and pulls up in front of your building; black and in mint condition.  While standing outside, you get a text from 'Kyoka' saying that she has to show you something.



[OOC] Let me know any preparations you make prior to leaving.

Rei would have preferred to just fly to wherever, but she agrees to be ready in 30 minutes. She spends the time listening to music until 5 minutes before when she leaves via the front doors of the office building.

Upon seeing the DeLorean, she tries to remember where she's seen that car before.

[OOC: Rei has never seen the Back to the Future trilogy. Her cinematic tastes tend toward European films over American.]

[OOC] Int vs 3 RV/OV for further information upon car.

[OOC: Mindstrike rolled 28 using the Mayfair Exponential Game System with rolls of 10, 10, 1, 7.  Int 5/5 AV/EV vs 3 OV/RV.

What a waste.]

[OOC] A early to mid-80's hero in Chicago was called The Sentinel.  He drove a DMC, although this seems to be a more standard version.  He was 'Batman-esk', but instead of a fighter, he used a lot more gadgets (glue capsules, dart guns, sonic stunner, smoke bombs of various types, gyro-jet pistol, etc.).  He stopped by the late 80's.

I'll add that to the NPC listing.

If not for the research on local heroes, there is no way she would have known about Sentinel or this car. She steps to the passenger side slightly behind the door to allow the gull wing door to open before she takes her seat.

She then asks, "Were you Sentinel or an associate of his?"

[OOC]I'm sorry...maybe I confused PCs/players.  I was thinking there was some research done by you.  Sorry.

[IC]As the door closes, he smiles.  "Yes.  I guess the car gave it away?  This doesn't look the old one, but I guess I should think about when I drive this.  I had thought it would fit in with the high end cars of the area...and I don't get to drive it often.  Beside, Shadow said I need to show you the car."

As he puts it into gear, you realize there are a few more controls surrounding the driver that other cars.  As the car pulls away from the curb, the windshield goes a light green and although opaque, you can tell there are numbers, gauges, and status icons in front of the driver.  "The engine kicks out 50 horse power more than the original assembly line models, the windshield provides a HUD and night vision for the driver, and since the shell is still stainless, with a little re-enforcement, it can take most small arms fire without an issue.  It is not a tank.  The older version, with it's larger engine, armaments, and sensor/computer system was a tank.  And looked quite different too."

He smiles, and then seems to reclaim more of a poker face.  "Yes, I am still the Sentinel.  Even if I am not the active one any more."

“Is Shadow a protégé of yours?”

He screws up his face a little, but starts to talk as he drives.  You start heading south on LSD and merge onto lower Wacker.
 "Ah...Shadow.  Well, it is actually Shadow and Shade.  Shade is Shadow's sister.  She is less outgoing, but much the same as Shadow.  As to being a protégé...well, I would say more like they are my charges.  I'll be honest and open, although much of this will be up to them to tell.  They are very young and their abilities are natural.  They were found by an 'agency' when much younger and trained for 'black ops'.  I do not know much of what they went through or did, but they were secreted out and given into my care by a friend.  Their abilities do lend themselves to staying hidden, but we are prudent to keep them secret.  Next question."

Rei nods, "No one named Shadow or Shade are going to enjoy working out in the open. I hope more than myself will be willing to be seen in public."

Then she asks, "So where are we going?"

"Both of them have kept a low profile, but they have done a few critical things when needed.  We've changed their gear, they hold using their powers if possible, and we spent a lot of time changing their fighting styles.  These things will help, but there will be a time when our subterfuge will fail."

***

"I have my public face, as I'm sure you know.  And I have my very private face, which you are seeing now.  This car.  My other identity.  And now my mobile base."

He turns off the lights and immediately the internals of the car light-up an eerie green.  The full windshield turns to a high resolution green showing everything in the surrounding area, including a side and rear views.  "The 'glow' is not seen from the outside," he remarks.

After a few turns, and several hundred yards, he turns into a 'back alley', where all of the lights are out (you are able to tell from how the lumens of the windshield adjust).  The maze that is Lower Wacker; with it's hotel alleys and access areas, parking areas that are seldom used, and dead ends where old ways ended and new construction started; allow a trailer to park and not be out of place.  He pulls the car around and parks it in the front of the truck trailer, which blocks it from view via Wacker.  The trailer is black, with the words 'PCH Construction' on the side, and a set of stairs.  "The cab is in another area, but we can be connected and moving in 10 minutes.  This is one of the locations in Lower Wacker that I've been able to construct a hook-up that is not restricted and hidden.  We have power and Internet from the surrounding hotels.  This is the mobile lab.  I have a permanent installation elsewhere, but this is what gets used the most lately.  I've been spending time up-dating the facilities at my 'Bat Cave', since it had sit so long, but it is not ready for prime time."  He looks at you and smiles when he makes the reference.

The car shuts off and the doors open.

The car is impressive as is the technology. At his Batman reference she only responds, "Please tell me it's not an actual cave."

After they arrive, Rei steps out of the car and looks at the trailer and nods, "This is all impressive."

As she walks toward the steps, she is surrounded by a rosy aura for a second. When it fades, she is in her heroing outfit. She glances at Doc and says, "I think this is more appropriate attire for a super team mobile base."

The doctor only nods and opens the door for Rei.  Inside, once your eyes adjust to the illumination, you see 20 some computer screens of various sizes, a square metal table with chairs here by the door.  You've entered in the rear of the trailer.  Toward the front, you see a wall and a door.  In one of the chairs (gaming chair) is Shadow, dozing (his mask is up part way).  In front of a quad of screens, looking your way, is Shade (looks much the same as Shadow, but her body language is not relaxed).  Down the center of the ceiling, on a track, zooms a small pod of cameras.  It stops just above you.  There is enough room to walk around inside of the trailer.

A mechanical voice says, "Hello doctor."

In order of sleeper, sitter and camera, "You've met Shadow.  That is Shade.  And that is Orwell."  He points to the back wall, "Maria's terminal is by the sleeping quarters.  You'll have to meet Big Brother and Little Brother when we get to the 'non-Bat Cave'.  But this is us now."

Mindstrike greets the assembly, "Bonsoir. I am Mindstrike."

She then wanders to an open seat and sits admiring the facilities.

"Will we be having any more members added to the team?"

Shadow sits up quickly and covers his face, "Hello again."

Shade turns to the monitor she is in front of and starts to type.

The camera pod on the ceiling spins and cameras center on the Doctor. He smiles, "That is the plan.  Who is the question?  Orwell, can you pull up a few of the flagged folders for me on the main screen?" The table's center glass display comes on and you see a few virtual file folders.  Shadow sits up and takes notice.

He turns to a little corner shelf unit and flicks the switch on an electric pot, and grabs a few mugs and small wood box, "Tea? And where would you like to start?"

Mindstrike takes a mug and a bag of chamomile thanking Doc as she then looks at the virtual folders and asks, "Who do we have?"

He sits down at the table and starts to move things around the touch screen, "Minus those that are assumed 'retired' and those that are hero is name and not-so-much deed, we have the following, in no particular order.  Interceptor X who seems to be a lightly armored but fast.  'He' I assume has not been around long, approximately a year.  'Bear' is a strong man, who has been around for a few years now.  Water Weird who manipulates water, but I fear his focus is environment almost to the extreme.   Red Back, who exabits the powers of a jumping spider (leaping, webs, high strength, high dexterity, etc.).  And Ghost Hand, who is a martial artist.  I know the least about him.  I had thought we could have 'the new Crusader' here as well, but Paragon seems to have gone missing."

While talking, he pulls pictures out of folders.  Each shows a photo captured by the a news agency (blown-up and corrected to get the best facial shot as possible) and an approximate strength level.

Interceptor X - armored visor - medium-high
Bear - a man with a very hairy visage - medium
Water Weird - a comely face made of water - high
Red Back - red and black masked woman (guess from features) - medium-high
Ghost Hand - man in a very simple hood and eye-mask - medium-low
Paragon - stunning man with a electric smile - medium-high

Shadow is watching things as the flip by, "That guy needs a shave."

At Shadow's comment Mindstrike looks at him, "How many bears have you seen that are clean shaven?"

She then says, "Water Weird is probably unwilling to even consider this due to the ecological focus. The rest could be very useful and complimentary."

She then looks at Paragon's photo and sighs, "Of course the best looking one disappears." She adds, "C'est la vie" with a shrug.

"How do we think they will react to being asked to join?"

Shadow only shrugs and says, "True dat," when asked about the bear.

"I always start with observation.  Ghost Hand seems to be the easiest as he is local to 'chinatown'.  We can put a few sensors up (we wouldn't need sound for this) and have people on-site for a few nights.  Orwell and I can monitor and move you to the right location when he is seen."  He pulls two 4"x4"x3" cameras blocks from a shelf and puts them on the table.  "Those will give use a few days with cellular access.  As to what they will say or how, that I'm leaving to you.  You can be persuasive."

Shadow looks at the blocks and frowns, and sighs, "I got placement."

[OOC] Chinatown is on the south side bordered by I-55, I-90/94, Cermak and the river.  It is dominated by 3-7 story business buildings and housing.

Mindstrike shakes her head, "Do you have a listing of sightings and police reports for the area? That might be a more effective and faster way to find him. I can give him an assist which will aid the elevator pitch."

"We can hold-off on the stakeout.  Orwell, please bring up all police reports, CCTV footage and newspaper/online articles on Ghost Hand.  Prepare it for a USB download."  He looks at you, "Anything else you can think of?"

At the mention of not going on a stakeout, Shadow pretends to act disappointed, "Oh darn."

"Understood doctor.  May I recommend we try to see what the ATCPE has on file for any of our prospects?"

Mindstrike shakes her head, "Nothing I can think of at the moment."

At Oewell's question Mindstrike remembers her own dealings with the ATCPE, "Ugh...I know they have a dossier on me, but I had to interview with them to get my work visa. They are terribly insufferable."

The Doctor chuckles, "When they first were created in the 80's, they were not just insufferable, but they actively stuck the nose into situations with mixed results.  They had a few capable agents, and a few dangerous ones, but over all they were ineffectual.  Their current state bares that 'uselessness' out.  But, they do have files and some could be of value.  I hate to draw attention to use upon a mistake. That is the only downside I see from accessing their files."

Mindstrike says dryly, "They might accidentally get something right."

Then she grins, "If you can, get my dossier. I'm curious as to what trash they have to say about me. Can't be much worse than the tabloids in Paris and London."

"Orwell, please have Big Brother do a search on a one of ATCPE's data base servers for Ghost Hand and Mindstike.  Use a southern node for access and use type 5 protocols.  Anything else?"  He looks back to you.

On the screen, still picture of Ghost Hand is shown.  He is in a white tight gi (tight around the legs and forearm) with red trim and shoes.  The collar of his gi flairs into a hood and a small black mask covers his eyes.  His belt is black and there is a red and black yin-yang on his left breast.  His is wearing red fingerless driving gloves.

Mindstrike shakes her head at Doc's question, "Not for now."

She then looks at the image of Ghost Hand and says, "He looks nice."

Shadow perks up, <Green>"White, black, and red...doesn't say 'ghost' to me.  Just sayin'."<//Green>

Orwell responds to the Doctor's request, "Big Brother reports that using type 5 protocols will take approximately 3 hours to exfiltrate the data on Ghost Hand and Mindstrike.  This is based on our needs and the last time we attempted to access those servers."

"That is find Orwell.  Thank you.  Well...I guess we have some time.  Let me introduce you to Shade."  He turns and Shade is not at the terminal anymore.  She is not in the trailer.  "Well...how about I introduce you to Maria.  She handles all of the security (physical and communications) for the trailer.  Maria...Please record physical traits for on Mindstrike for security access."  He walks over to the last terminal and holds his hand out to a small black cube with red highlights, with a camera on top.

Upon his command, a few lights blink and a few lines of code pass by on the terminal.  The camera scans back and forth a few times and then stops. A female voice responds, "All done.  And hello Mindstrike."  The audio comes from the small cube (maybe 5").

"I guess Shade isn't a social type."

"Bonsoir, Maria."

Mindstrike sips her tea, "So do we have anything we need to work on while we pass the time?"

The Doctor goes to panel, presses it with his index finger and it slides open. He pulls a USB drive and hands it to you.  "Here is the data we have thus far.  This is public info and some items summations I compiled.  It is safe to view.  What we get later we'll need to control more tightly.  I don't have anything specific at this moment, but there are a few items you should still see, if you have time."

Shadow gets up from the table, "I'll check on Shade."

[OOC] Time is 9 PM or so.

"I have time."

He directs you over to the multitude of displays.  "These other displays show the multiple terminals that are here in the trailer and these show a few critical CCTV, general media feeds, sensor pods and CPD cams.  A few are dubiously legal, but it seems that they are critical to monitor.  We can channel any feed that Big Brother is ingesting to any of these monitors and Orwell can then store the data and manipulate it.  Big Brother is taking in approximately 105 feeds and storing them.  Little Brother, at the "cave", does the same as Maria and monitors communications, local security, and feeds.  Orwell and Big Brother are true AI.  Little Brother and Maria are sophisticated programs with a large DB of responses to questions and events.  Behind that door is a small sleeping area with two bunks and small powder room.  All of the chairs at the table to laydown and have leg support."

As you are talking, he is pointing to different screens and used air quotes a few times.  The camera pod on the ceiling is following the two of you and watching what is happening.  On the monitors you see an inside shot of city hall, a few of a park or open area, a inside shot of the Adler Planetarium, and various street level feeds from around the city.

"You have the ability to research and call up what you need.  If we don't have it, we can work to get it.  Big Brother has a large DB of "specials" that we can call upon.  That small reader there will allow us to scan your finger prints for access to various panels for inputs and outputs.  Oh...and the door, if Maria doesn't recognize you or is offline for some reason.  We look at the cave when it is in a better state.  Right now, Big Brother is working on it and I have a lot of clean-up to do."

On one of the feeds, you see Shadow (or Shade) walking around the outside of the trailer.

Mindstrike takes it all in, "Impressive. What's the estimated time the cave will be available?"

She then looks to the monitors and lingers on the monitor that shows Shade or Shadow outside the trailer.

"It is Big Brothers automations and I doing the work.  It will take some time yet...I'm hoping to have everything ready in six months.  Less if I concentrate on it.  Now, behind this wall is small arms and non-lethal arms for use.  There are also standard survival and communications equipment."  He walks back to the table and waves his arm at doors the far end of the table.

"And that ends the trailer.  I should show you where the tractor is kept, but we'll pass that when we drive back."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:02, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

"It seems to be an excellent setup."

She sets her tea cup down, "As it is getting late now, I should get home and to bed."

"Understood.  Where do you want me to drive you to?  Orwell, please send me an alert on my watch when the intel is gathered."

"Just drop me near my penthouse. I'll fly on from there."

The Doctor shakes his head and makes small-talk on the drive.

[OOC] If you have any questions or rp, please do.  Otherwise the drive is un-eventful and I'll change threads.

As the DeLorean cruises on an empty street, Mindstrike opens her door and pops her seat belt off. As she rises from her seat she says to Doc, "Au revoir, Doctor. I'll see you tomorrow night." Closing the door, she then flies up into the night and takes a meandering route to her penthouse suite.

Landing on the rooftop patio her Swarovski crystal outfit changes back to the business jacket and skirt attire she wore for her workday. She keys in her passcode and enters her home.

Seeing a note from Hiromi about leftover Chinese in the fridge, she partakes before she showers and readies herself for bed.

As she does so, she looks forward to meeting Ghost Hand.