Kokoro, Kyle, Robert, and Xhiva:

It is approximately 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 17th.  Unless you chose to put in overtime today at Presidio, the large mixed convention construct located in Albuquerque, New Mexico where you all work, you have been off duty for several hours.

You each receive the following message on your preferred work device, “Code Red.  There has been a level 4 breach in the space time continuum in a residential area of Mendocino, California.  Breach appears to have occurred near the cross streets of Williams Street and Little Lake Street.  You are tasked to contain the situation, investigate, and prepare a report indicating exactly what happened, why, and how the situation can be prevented from reoccurring. The jet is being prepared and will take off at 2200 hours.  You will be meeting a potential new recruit, Bernard Hathaway, at the airport in Santa Rosa and driving to Mendocino.  He will be assisting in the investigation.”

Xhiva receives an additional message notifying him that his trainee, Ashley Collins will be accompanying the group on this mission.


Bernard

It is approximately 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 17th.

You receive the following message from Kiki Roswell:

“There has been a level 4 breach in the space time continuum in a residential area of Mendocino, California.  The Presido Construct is sending in a team to investigate and handle the situation.  Please meet them at the Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport at 11:00 pm.  Rental cars have already been arranged for the drive to Mendocino.  This is your chance to see if you work well with the team and if you would be interested in becoming part of the Presido construct.  I’ve called in a few favors to get you this opportunity.  Don’t disappoint me.”

Bernard, if you watched the news tonight, you are aware that there is a very nasty storm that was supposed to hit Mendocino California and the surrounding areas tonight.  The forecast was for high winds and heavy rain including possible flooding.


OOC:  This is your chance to introduce your character to the group.  Please indicate what he or she was doing when they received the message, their reaction, and any special preparations or research they are doing prior to boarding the jet.   If you would like for me to provide you with the information privately at any point so that you can choose what to share with the group and how, just let me know.

A level 4 breach indicates either a moderate continuing disruption in space/time over a relatively large area or a significant continuing disruption in space/time occurring over a relatively small area.  The only higher level is 5 a significant continuing disruption in space/time occurring over a relatively large area.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):



Robert and Rose are currently in the mansion of a very VERY rich man doing some robbing:

As Robert is working in cracking a safe open he hears the voice of his familiar on his shoulder “How much longer is this going to take you and what’s in the safe that’s so damned important? We only have about another hour before Mr Hanson gets back from his office” Without pausing in his work he replies to his closest friend “Do you want the alarms to go off? I’ve almost got it in answer to your first question and as to the second, I’m after the Fabergé egg that the asshole who lives here just paid a few million for and has stashed inside here.” “A FEW MILLION!?” Her tiny voice yells out in his mind, “DAMN! We’re going to be rich, do you know how many grapes were going to get for that kind of cash?” “None, we’re not stealing it to sell, this is a retrieval job for a family that this egg was originally stolen from during the war, and also it’s a bit of payback since this is the same guy that used his influence to try and get the vote passed to have the park closed so he can build his factory”.  Rose tilts her head to the side “So stealing and returning the egg is your revenge on him? Sure he will be pissed but his insurance will cover the loss, seems a bit light on the revenge part of you ask me” she replies in a disappointed tone. “The stealing part is the job, the revenge part is already in the works. He has an important board meeting first thing in the morning with his backers from what I’ve learned and well, it seems poor Mr Hanson suffers from sever allergies and has to take medication for it every morning. So I replaced his meds with something else entirely and the effects of the new pills should kick in sometime during the meeting with his share holders”. The safe lock clicks and the door swings open revealing the jeweled egg inside, Robert takes the egg and places it in a pouch which he pockets. “Ok we got what we came for, let’s get out of here” just as he finishes his statement his phone vibrates in his pocket, drawing his attention. He looks at his phone and reads on the screen “CODE RED, level 4 breach in place. Report to Presidio ASAP.” Robert curses under his breath “well guess we’re not getting any sleep tonight”.

Roughly 20 minutes latter Rose inquires absently while munching on an apple slice on the drive back to work “By the way, what did you put in Hanson’s new meds?” “A combination of speed, acid and viagra.”  I reply. Rose stops in mid bite and looks shocked, “sick, that’s just sick Robert.”   (Not enough drugs to kill the guy, just enough to make for a SERIOUSLY awkward/embarrassing situation)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

Bernard raised his eyebrow at Agent Roswell’s text message. He annoyingly typed the response “You cleaned out the entire fridge. I had 4 meals ready, and you ate and drank everything!” He didn’t hit send yet. The realization and his nerves began to act up, this was his first real assignment since he learned of the true world around him, and this was a doozy too. His thoughts returned to that brutal vampire that nearly killed him. He needed a smoke. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at his empty fridge again...still empty, only the baking soda was left. Feeling his annoyance rise again at his mentor/handler, he clicked on send without another thought. It took only a few moments before a reply was sent back.

“:p Come on, you knew I was hungry. Think of it doing little ol’ me another favor. I did save your life after all.”

Another beep.

“You got this, right? You’ve been wanting your chance to do some good, and this is it. It’s a lot bigger than what I had in mind for you, but this group I’m sticking you in would be a great fit if it all works out. I believe in you, Darling~”

Bernard’s nerves were acting up again, his right foot wouldn’t stop bouncing, and he really needed that smoke. He stilled himself for a moment before typing back “Yeah, I got this. I think I’m ready. Also please stop calling me that. It stopped being funny after the first 2 dozen times.”

Send

“Please send over the Presido Construct info and the dossier. I’ve got calls to make.”

Send

Beep

“You got it Darling~ email with dossier attached should be coming in to you shortly. You’ll leave me a meal in the fridge after you leave, won’t you???”

Bernard slammed the empty fridge closed before walking into his small home office. He opened the window, letting the cool March air into the apartment, before lighting up a cigarette. He accessed NWO services about arranging transport to Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport...thank god, they’ll fly him out there. Sure, he could have made the six hour drive from LA to Santa Rosa, he’s been driving all over the state lately, but driving well into the dead of night afterwards, that would have been pushing it. Doable, but pushing it. Economy? Fine, he’ll take it. It won’t even be a 2 hour flight. Alright, booked.

Next was contacting Mendocino’s Sheriff, to confirm and let know about him and the Presido Construct’s arrival, and to clear up as much red tape as possible. The smoother the transition, the better this will all be. No stupid mistakes, not during his first rodeo. Locating the contact info, he rang up the Sheriff's office.

A harried sounding female voice answered, “Mendincio Sheriff’s Office, Clara speaking, how may I help you?”

"Good evening, the is Federal Agent Hathaway with FBI's Special Division. I'm calling in regards of the recent anomaly that's occurred in your area, can you please put the Sheriff on the line?"

It sounds as though Clara had put her hand over the phone, but you can still hear her easily enough as she calls out, “Hey Chet?  CHET!  I’ve got some FBI agent on the phone wanting to talk to you about some sort of anomaly.”

“Hello, this is Sheriff Chet Powell.  Officer Fellman said you wanted to talk to me about some sort of anomaly?”

"A pleasure to speak with you Sheriff. My department specializes in unique events and anomalies, tell me, have you or your men and women noticed anything odd around town lately? I'd like you to tell me in as much detail as possible of any occurrence."

You can almost hear a frown in Sheriff Powell’s voice as he says, “Could you please provide me your credentials?”

"My credentials? Yes, one moment. Expect a fax in just a moment." Faxes sent. "You should be receiving them now. Let me know once you have at it."

His tone is a bit friendlier but still gruff as he says, “Okay, it looks like you’re legit.  But I have no idea what you are talking about.  Does this have something to do with the Wish Upon A Star! embezzlement case?  Was there some sort of issue with the paperwork or something?”

"While the scandal is definitely something of an interest to us, they may play as only a small factor to a newly separate investigation. So are you saying you...haven't noticed anything unusual in your area? Nothing out of the ordinary? Hmmm. Our sources indicate we have abnormal activity occurring in the residential area of your town. The matter of these activities are meant to be classified unless they're absolutely needed to be disclosed, so I cannot divulge the exact nature of the matter. Usually there are noticeable signs of such events, and our sources have never been wrong yet. These signs are usually crucial in bringing matters to a close, so please warn your men and women to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. As we are speaking, we're having a small response team to assembled and prepped to arrive in Mendocino, myself included. We're due to arrive between 1-3 AM depending on inclement weather. Please bare in mind that desecration is to be maintained."

“You mean other than this god damned storm?  Sorry, forgive my French.” The Sheriff continued, “No, nothing that I can see the FBI being interested in. The diver’s death was clearly an accident. Several people drown each year looking for abalone. The two missing hikers were found. They just managed to get themselves turned around. Obviously, you don’t care that a bear got into the Harker’s house and damaged their kitchen. And you are even less likely to care about the possible dog-nappings. So, no, I think your sources are probably confused. But, anyhow, I need to get back to filling sandbags and helping the O’Malleys board up their windows. You and your team are welcome to take a look around, but be careful on the drive in. The storm is supposed to be really bad by that point.”

"I see, well, thank you for the info, and we'll be careful on the way in. As you can imagine, we will still be coming in to follow protocol. You and your boys and girls be safe now, too."

Bernard cracked his neck after hanging up the phone. He thought about getting a hold of mayor's office, but it appears that nothing major has happened...yet. No need to tangle more sleepers into this mess, especially those damn politicians. They'll only make the investigation more difficult than it needs to be. They can cross the bridge when the time comes.

Bernard swivel in his chair as his thoughts went to the Presido Construct. Agent Roswell, Kiki has really high hopes for him. In the two months he’s known her, she’s taken a great deal of interest and time to take care of him. She must obviously see something in him worthwhile. ‘I wonder what she sees in them, too?’ He decided that whoever he’s meeting on the team, he’s gonna get on the right foot with them.

He reached over and grabbed his phone before getting their info and dialed them...line’s busy. Of course it would be busy. He tried again and it was still busy. Putting down the phone, he hummed to himself. He can only hope for the best and expect the worse. To play things on the safe side, he'll be sure to get everyone extra coats, umbrellas, hot drinks and food when they touchdown in Santa Rosa. Coffee or tea? Obviously he'll get a bit of everything. He now needs to start packing to leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

     Going to the week long Paranormal and U.F.O. Convention of Albuquerque or P.U.C.A (Poo-Ka) was a mistake. It was great at first being able to walk around the place like i was somebody special instead of someone who just didn't fit in with the union, with there stupid suits and mirror shades. It was surprising to see that i could still pull a crowd after being out of the spotlight for so long. I mean i was never an A-lister, but its good to see i'm still a bit relevant. The girls though, they would not leave me alone, some of the guys too. Even the talent handler the Con assigned to me tried to corner me in my hotel room. Goth girls don't know how to take no for an answer. So much melodrama.

      I just had to finish this one last panel and i could leave. It was a Medium reading for the crowd. I hated these. The first three rows were nothing but fan girls in gothic lolita dresses. There were ghost and spirits everywhere. You have to be careful doing this kind of thing. Paying attention to, much less communicating with them gave them power and made them more real. I tried to pick out just the nice looking ones, peoples siblings and grandparents that were just a little too protective to let it go and pass over. I called upon a couple of significant others, but you gotta be careful with those because you never really know why they're sticking around. A little brush of the livings minds can help you avoid calling on anyone to crazy. The audience was so primed i didn't even need the chip adhered behind my ear that amplifies my power (focus). After about an hour of that the program director switched to a Q/A type format. As i scanned the crowd to pick the next question i noticed a hole in the center that the spirits stayed away from. Wierd. I squinted a little to see what was going on and... Shit! Bianca was here! I quickly pointed randomly into the crowd, "you there, whats your question" i said, not even looking. Bianca was like the Queen of all fan girls, really creative. She used to pretend she was a vampire but i knew first hand that she had a heartbeat if you know what i mean. Then she got super clingy and i had to cut her loose. She was crazier then i was.

       "so um yeah, how come you never showed these um so called" and he even made finger quotes "Psychic Medium Abilities" what a dick "on the show. That stuffs not real, I've watched the Mentalist and uh, is the last episode real it looks fake" The troll stammered. All the fan girls shot him daggers. Which is dangerous because most of them tended to carry blades of some kind or another. "The guys didn't want to take the show in that direction" i said touching my forhead. I thought i saw something move in the corner of my eye but when i looked nothing was there. "and thanks for reminding me of that."i Snapped at him. "Yes the video is fake, the building was old and in disrepair, it collapsed, we should have known better." The troll just stood there staring at me, drool sliding down onto his shirt. "Moving along, Next question." i said, bouncing back to put on a more cheerful face. I pointed to a happy looking fan girl reaching her hand so high she almost levitated out of her seat, "you there." The girl jumped out of her seat and ran over to the microphone. She pushed the troll out of the way and he stumbled into an empty chair and slouched down. "Like um, is it true that your totally using your Psychic abilities to like help the cops and like FBI and government guys solve murders and stuff. That's so Shwifty" she positively beamed with excitement. "Um Yeah, something like that, i do what i can"

      As if on cue my phone went off with the bad boys ring tone, "speaking of, thats those government guys right now" i accentuated checking my phone, thats right guys, im an actor too and... Shit! "uh yeah, i gotta go. Theres Ghost Bros merch in the back." I said leaving the room to a stunned crowd. Then i peaked my head back in threw up some devil horns and shouted "Love you P.U.C.A., i gotta go, have a great time and goodnight!"

      Somewhere in the middle of the crowd a girl squealed "He called me Pooka, i love you too Kyle"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

“Well, that should just about do it then.”

Akari yanked herself out from under a wide, futuristic style armored custom Humvee as the vehicle rolled itself down from the ramps back onto the garage floor. She wiped sweat from her forehead leaving a black smear of grease instead. “You have a hybrid powertrain that can push out a combined 2000 horses…..and you strain yourself driving down a country road.”

If a vehicle could look embarrassed, it did. “….that pothole was enormous.”

“Stop downshifting to brake. If you idle too fast and throw yourself into too low a gear you risk wearing out your transmission prematurely.” Akari stood up to stretch but frowned at the truck.

“Oh, leave the poor AI alone.” A second voice from nowhere sprang up. “You know you don’t mind working on it.”

She turned towards the partially reconstructed cyborg laying on a table nearby. “I’d rather be working on you, Ryuichi.” She fussed. “I still have a LONG way to go before your body is going to be ready for you, husband.”

“I know.” He answered, pausing a moment. “Although I do wish you’d put down the tools and go out every once in a while.”

“Go out?” She repeated, heading over to her workbench and picking up new tools and a project. “Go out….where the people are?” Akari glanced up briefly at the holographic figure now sitting backward in her desk chair. “Why so ever for?”

Her husband smiled and chuckled a bit sadly. “You’re always alone.” He said, his voice dropping, “…you used to be so outgoing. So...social.”

She stopped and put down the tool, biting on her lower lip a moment, clearly awash in painful memories. Then looking up with a smile, “I’ve got two amazing guys right here to keep me company. I’m never alone.”

Ryuichi’s eyebrows furrowed and he frowned. He knew when she was hurting. He opened his holographic mouth to say just that but then, “You have an incoming message from Kiki Roswell.”

Oh, the boss. She listened to the message, “I’m on my way…but uh.” She said pausing before she hung up. “I’m not using a rental car, I’ll never hear the end of it….”

It only took about 15 minutes for her to throw some clothes in a bag, throw that bag in her truck, and gather her tools and put the MarkIV back into its place in the trunk. She had her computer, her foci, and her glasses. It was all she needed.

Within the hour she was at the airport, standing on the parking apron looking up at the company jet as IVAN was being pushed into the cargo area underneath. She turned down the volume on her two-way and popped in her AirPods to drown out IVAN’s never-ending stream of complaints coming over the comm line.

“Cheer up beloved.” Said a voice in her ear. “Now you get to go out and ‘people’ for a while.”

If she could have glared at her husband she would have. Instead, she headed over to board the aircraft.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

Upon arriving at the airport and getting checked through security, Robert makes his way to the private jet that the team will be flying on. Walking towards the jet to board on he sees the team milling about and notices Akari watching the crew load an impressive looking custom Humvee onto a transport plane, a truck that would make Batman himself jealous of. With a tone of dead seriousness “ Rose, I will say this once and only once so you better listen carefully ok? When and if at anytime we are in Akari‘a truck, you will ride either on my shoulder or in your pouch at ALL times got it?” Robert shivers at the memory of the last time they rode in that truck, “And why is that?” Rose inquires’ “ her truck is much nicer than that old beetle you drive around, and it’s so much cooler”. “HEY!” I exclaim, “I love my beetle, it’s a classic, and I’m saying this because the last time we rode in her truck you put tiny claw holes in the seats” I start counting off on my fingers, “first I hade to pay a fortune for the repairs to the seat, it’s a custom job damnit, second she was so pissed at me that she made me wear a damned tutu and sing I’m a little teapot as revenge for that damage that YOU caused, it’s a blessing that videos and paperwork on me tend to disappear thankfully (cloaking background), and third, she’s a freaking hacker Rose, for weeks she was turning the heat up and down in our house, couldn’t get a decent nights sleep all that time so NO SITTING ON THE TRUCK SEATS!”
With a disappointed sigh from Rose “Fine!  But there better be grapes on this flight damnit”

   While waiting for the rest of the group to show up i worked with Akari on designs for protective outfits for everyone. She did all the hard work i just helped add a little flair. I could tell that she was a little down in the dumps so i was playfully flirting with her the way i do with my fans. Not enoph to make anyone think theres anything going on, but enoph to make them feel special. I even saw the corner of her mouth turn up into a little smile. That was a lot for her lately. Don't get me wrong, shes cute and all, but she was a long way from being ready for anything like a real relationship. You dont even gotta be psychic to figure that one out.

    "...He said you gotta go out and people?" i said with a chuckle. "well he's right. Luckily for you i'm a pro at people-ing. Why im the best People-er around. I'll teach you how i do it and nobody will be able to tell we're not normal." That got a snort out of her. "See its working already"

    She was still talking to her dead hubby, which was a little upsetting. So long as she kept paying him attention he would always be trapped, unable to move into the next frequency. Alas who was i to argue with love. She definitely had some co-dependency issues she needed to work on though.

    Suddenly i felt that sensation that deer get when a mountain lion sneaks up on them. A massively powerful predator had just entered the scene. I turned around and saw the thing. Its deadly Maw dripping read from its most recent meal. I literally hid behind Akari cowering. I pointed at it and yelled to alert everyone in the bay, "Demon! get it out! get it out! get it out!"

     The sugar glider on Roberts shoulder looked cute and innocent holding its little strawberry, but I had seen the truth of the enormously powerful entity that it truly was. "I told you to get rid of that thing Robert. Its just biding its time till we're weak, then it'll devour all of our souls". The little sugar glider cocked her head to the side and made a questioning sound. Then took a huge bite of the strawberry, red juice running down her mouth, and chewed in exaggerated motions. I shivered.

In reply to Sheriff Chet Powell (msg # 6):

I rolled a 10, 6, and 2. If the target is 6, I have two successes.

There was a fairly lengthy segment on the news last night about the Wish Upon a Star! Embezzlers.

Prosecutors have filed a 200 page indictment against the Wish Upon a Star! Foundation, a charity that claimed to sell stars and planets to donors with the promise of sharing the profits with cancer researchers.  The owners of that "charity," Bill and Georgia Hayes, are accused of embezzling that money and fleeing the country.  Not a dime of the $5 million went to cancer research.

Wish Upon a Star's social media campaign involved giving people who donated to the foundation the "deed" to a star or planet, which they were able to share on their Facebook profiles.  Donors were told they could own their own star, which they could use to wish for a cancer free future.  This generated publicity for the scam, allowing them to fleece more people out of money.

Federal law enforcement believes Bill and Georgia Hayes transferred their money into an overseas bank account before fleeing the country.  An international manhunt is on for the couple.  There are very few leads, but a picture was posted yesterday to Bill Hayes' Instagram account showing the reputed conman in what appears to be a new speedboat.  He's shown making a rude gesture at the camera, a possible insult to the federal investigators who are looking for him.

"Powering On! on a permanent vacation!" the Instagram message reads.  "Try and find me, (expletive)."

In addition to the speedboat, the couple are believed to have purchased homes, cars, gym equipment, and several all-expenses-paid vacations to a health spa called Portals Bermuda.

From what you have been told by Agent Roswell, it is highly unlikely that the Technocracy would be interested in this type of situation. It certainly would not be a class 4 alert.

Instead of laughing at the his reaction and outburst, I opt for a small sigh instead, "Shes not a demon Kyle, shes a spirit familiar. I really do think you've seen one too many demon possession films, if I were you id worry more about all those goth girls running after you trying to take your soul. The way they're after you I wouldn't be surprised if you vanished one day only to later be found chained up in one of their basements" I reply with a laugh. "As for you Rose" I look pointedly at her as she slowly and methodically eats her strawberry, "Please stop antagonizing him, we're all on the same team and are supposed to be getting along and your tormenting him doesn't help." (telepathically I send to Rose "you do of course get extra munchies for that later on though, it was actually comical but I do have to make the appearance of keeping peace lol")

Xhiva “Resurgence” Gopala and Ashley Collins are chatting with each other as they arrive at the jet.  Xhiva has been a member of your team for a while now and you are all aware that Ashley is his new trainee.  He was showing her around the facility just a few days ago and likely introduced her to each of you at various points.  Both are carrying a small suitcase and wearing raincoats.  Ashely is also carrying an umbrella.

They set their luggage with the other items to be loaded on the plane and everyone begins to board.  Ashley glances around as she does so, wondering why the baggage handlers are whispering comments to each other and staring a bit at the party.

The jet is similar to the one that was used on the Criminal Minds TV series.  Comfortable seats arranged in a way that makes it easy to talk with the other members of the team.  Enough room to hold a dozen people easily.  Actual tables where you can set a laptop or papers.  A small fridge with an assortment of drinks and snacks.  And a reasonably comfortable bathroom.

After greeting the other members of the team, Xhiva moved to a seat that was a bit away from the rest of the group and pulled out his laptop.  “I’m sorry,” he said to the others, “But I have a report that I simply must complete tonight.  If I focus on it during the ride to the site, I should be able to give all of you my full attention once I am there.  Ashley, why don’t you use this as a chance to get to know everyone else.”  Then, after putting on a set of noise cancelling headphones, he began typing.


OCC:  Posted on Xhiva's behalf by the GM with his permission.

Looking just a bit nervous and rather stiff, Ashley takes a seat next to the person who appears to be the least intimidating -- Kyle.  “Good evening Mr. Moskowits.”  In an attempt to make a good first impression, she continues, “I was reviewing the current edition of the Mendocino Mercury before I left for the airport.  Do you believe that the article that was titled “Lights in the Sky” might be related to the reason why we are being sent to Mendocino?”


OCC:  Ashley is sitting close enough to the other individuals on the jet, that they can easily hear the conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

After getting seated on the plane I look over at Akari "Question for you Akari, realize its not top priority with what were heading to this evening but whenever you get some free time could I trouble you for a favor? Being that info gathering via computers and other means are more your forte and not mine, would you mind looking into the Wish Upon a Star fundraiser? Specifically any possible clues as to where Mr. and Mrs Hayes could be tracked to? Fleecing all those people the way that they did gets my nerves on edge and I feel a reckoning coming their way."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

"Thank you Kyle-kun, your American-style buffoonery is very entertaining," she said then jumped a little as he hid behind her screeching. She looked around, towards what he was pointing at.

She expected to see nothing. What she saw, she couldn't understand. "Sore nan desu ka?" She stepped back, her eyes wide then reached up to rub them. She MUST be seeing things. When she opened them again, whatever that was that she had seen, had vanished. Also, judging by Robert's reaction there was nothing to be concerned about.

More of Kyle-kun's buffoonery. She rolled her eyes and boarded the plane. She headed straight to the back row, last seat against the window, put both her feet into the seat, her knees to her chest, hiked up her hoodie, and stared at everyone boarding.

She hadn't brought much on board as the bulk of her things were still in IVAN. As Xhiva popped open his computer she glanced down at her wrist-worn computer and her keyboard flashed briefly, outlined in lines of light in front of her. Then just as quickly blinked away.

Nah...too much work. Maybe there's a movie on this flight...

It was then she realized Robert was speaking to her. "Huh? Oh.....Wish upon a Star foundation. Sure." Her keyboard flashed up again and she started first looking into this foundation.

On her initial search, Akari discovers the information that Bernard remembered from the news report along with additional details.

Bill and Georgia Hayes, a childless couple in their 30s, defrauded approximately 50,000 donors out of a total of $5 million.  They did this by claiming to sell the “deeds” to stars and planets to the donors with the promise that the profits would be shared with cancer researchers.

According to Cheri Black of the FTC when commenting on the case: “You can’t buy stars, solar systems, galaxies, comets, or black holes.  No one is authorized to sell those.  Any deeds you get from such deals are not legally binding.”

The Wish Upon a Star Foundation would sell donors the deed to various celestial bodies, the type of which was determined by the size of the donation which ranged from planets at the low end ($50) up to galaxies ($10,000).  The deeds were designed in such a way that users could share them on their Facebook pages and each donor was given a vague set of coordinates so they could find it with a telescope.  The campaign went viral especially among some of the older communities on Facebook and brought in a large number of donors, especially on the lower end.

Ultimately investigators determined that the “charity” was an embezzlement scheme.  None of the money ever went to cancer research.  A 200-page indictment has been filed against the Wish Upon a Star! Foundation.

You are able to confirm that over the last few years Bill and Georgia Hayes had purchased several homes in California, two luxury sports cars, gym equipment, high end jewelry, a speedboat and, multiple all-expense-paid vacations to a health spa called Portals Bermuda.

Interestingly, there is a rather lengthy editorial in the Mendocino Mercury relating to this issue and calling for the investigation of Positive Mechanics.  Apparently, Bill and Georgia Hayes were very involved with this “self-help” religion.  They attended three weekend seminars ($6,750).  Georgia Hayes purchased weekly “Zone of Influence Realignments” lead by the founder of Positive Mechanics “Master” Lucius Selig ($25,000) and Bill Hayes made a very large one-time donation to the “church.”  The health spa known as Portals Bermuda used to be owned by “Master” Lucius Selig (who lives in Mendocino).  The “Powering On!” reference in the Instagram message that they posted yesterday is actually a reference to one of the slogans of Positive Mechanics.

Apparently, investigators have determined that Lucius Selig was not directly involved in the embezzlement scheme, however, since he was not included in the indictment.  And while Positive Mechanics appears to have been popular for a while, it seems to effectively be out of business at this point.  Portals Bahama has been shut down and while Lucius Selig still regularly posts to the Positive Mechanics website and is apparently trying to sell a book, he no longer seems to have many followers.

Federal law enforcement believe that Bill and Georgia Hayes transferred their money into an overseas bank account and have fled the country.  While an international manhunt is on for the couple, currently they are not certain which country they fled to.

OCC:  Determining which bank they transferred their money to or determining what fake name they used when they purchased their tickets and what country they flew to would require a hacking roll.  Since Federal law enforcement hasn’t had much luck finding them, they clearly hid their tracks well.  So the difficulty will be an 8 before any bonuses are applied.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:01, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 20):

Akari peruses the interweb a bit, reading up casually on these Bill and Georgia Hayes. They certainly stole a lot of money, and did a pretty good job of hiding their tracks from some of the most talented skip-tracers federal law enforcement had to offer.

But Akari wasn't one of the most talented. She was the best.

She quickly built a profile of the two Hayes and their closest friends. She pulled a few key pictures using steganography, and cross-referenced some facebook friends and likes. Digging....

Today: Akari rolled 10 successes using 10d10 with the World of Darkness 2nd ed, Specialised system with a target of 3, rerolling 10s ((8,8,10(+9),4,4,1,9,10(+4),6,8))

She smiled a bit to herself as her fingers flew over the light-created keyboard. Glancing up through her VR goggles at Ryuichi who was leaning over the seat in front of her. "Remember how much you hated flying?"

"Ugh. At least I can't puke on you....again. By the way IVAN says to turn your radio back up."

Akari shook her head. "Is he still complaining?"

The specter chuckled. "He is still complaining."

Akari sighed and turned down her radio even more.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

Bill and Georgia Hayes, or rather the person who they hired to help them hide their tracks, may have been good but Akari is much, much better.  Of course, it certainly didn’t hurt that Bill was foolish enough to post that picture to Instagram yesterday.  It gave Akari a very useful place to start.  And, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time that gloating got someone in trouble.

As Akari dug through the records, she found several traces that indicate that the Hayes probably hired Liberation, a hacker whose work she had seen before, to create their new identities and help them get themselves and their money out of the country.  That gave her yet more clues to work with.  After all, each hacker has preferences and quirks.  Knowing who did something helps make it easier to guess how they would have done it.

Before long she found her answer. Bill and Georgia Hayes are currently going by the names Thomas and Virginia Madison.  The flight pattern they took when they left the country was clearly meant to hinder pursuit including disembarking in France, remaining there for a day, and then driving to an airport in Spain to board their next flight.  But their ultimate destination was Herceg Novi, Montenegro.  Montenegro is a small country in Southeast Europe located on the Adriatic coast of the Balkins.   It does not have an extradition treaty with the United States.  Herceq Novi is a coastal city and quite possibly where the picture of Bill in the speedboat was taken. According to their credit card records they are staying in the Lazure Hotel, room 14.

Their money was transferred to the Erste Bank in Herceg Novi.  Akari was able to find their account number.  It appears as though they have already spent more than half of the $5 million.  Liberation does not come cheap.  Houses, sports cars, speedboats, jewelry, and other luxuries are expensive as well.  For some people, $2 million would be sufficient for a permanent vacation.  But with the way that the Hayes have been spending their money, Akari doubts it will last more than 5 years.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:31, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

Laying back to try and catch up on some semblance of sleep I peek through dark colored lenses to make sure Rose wasn't getting into any trouble which tends to be a full time job most days, she may appear to be a sweet innocent tiny furball that could easily fit in the palm of your hand but she's a powerful familiar who could rend steel to shreds if need be. At the moment she was merrily hopping from seat to seat and flying about the cabin, luckily this being a privet jet, it wasn't much of an issue. "Do try and behave please Rose, the newbie is looking nervous as it stands and if you freak out Kyle any more than you do already his nerves are liable to snap from the tension" I tell her through her telepathy with a chuckle. "Moi? Sweet harmless innocent little ol me? would I do anything of the sort?" she asks in an obvious mischievous tone. "Yes actually, yes you would" I reply back to her, please at least try and keep the trickery to a minimum while on flight lol" and as the hostess starts to bring out some snacks and food, I watch Rose start heading towards Kyle and Ashley as they're in their conversation, with a sigh I lean back and close my eyes and do my best to ignore the incoming yelp that's probably about to happen. I hear Rose's tiny form plop down on the armrest of Ashley seat and hear her ask in an innocent tone "you going to eat that fruit?" at least she asked the question telepathically, small favors there i guess, last thing i need is for the stewardess to get freaked out by a talking sugar glider.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 22):

It didn't take too long. Probably just long enough for Robert to enter REM sleep. Akari bit into the apple the stewardess had brought her and as she did, glanced up to see Rose staring at her with giant eyes.

Hungry eyes. Akari maintained eye contact with her as she bit into the apple again, making sure to crunch loudly. As she did, she used her magic to reach into Robert's pack. Surely he brought some grapes for Rose.

She grabbed onto the first thing she felt and pulled it to her. Hmm...nope tools. She put it back and reached a different direction pulling something else out. It was a small pill bottle. Viagra? oh kaaay, my lips are sealed on that one. She put it back and on the third try found a small baggie with some grapes. Daiseikou!!

During the minute it took her to find the grapes she continued to nibble on the While searching she continued to nibble the apple taunting Rose. She couldn't tell if Rose was sad or pissed, but before the glider could do anything she held out a small cluster of grapes. (arete: 1 success)

The change was immediate and the glider grabbed the cluster and jumped back down, across Kyle, and onto the face of the sleeping Robert, who grunted.

Unsure if Robert was awake or not, Akari said to the air, loud enough for anyone else to hear as well. "Hey Robert, Bill, and Georgia Hayes are in room 14 of the Lazure Hotel, under the names Thomas and Virginia Madison." There is a pause, "Using the hotel CC system, she's currently sitting on the beach sipping what appears to be a.....Mai Tai? maybe? In a ..." she squinted at the slightly pixelated image, "..red bikini? Really??" She mumbles with a huff. "She's much too old for that...geez she's in her 30's!"

"Anyway, only about 2.5 mil. left of that money. Let me know what you want me to do."

She pulls out of the systems and goes back to playing a video game. Ryuichi, sitting in the seat next to her glances over. "You have a 20,000 dollar bleeding-edge rig....and you use it to play Minecraft with IVAN."

She shrugs, "It's his favorite, and brace your ears...I'm about to kill him and take all his diamond ore."

The electronic shriek that came next was over Akari's comm. and luckily (probably) unheard by everyone in the cabin. Ryuichi winced and pixelated out of existence and Akari responded with her best villain laugh to date.

OOC: The scream came from a spirit, so if you have enough spirit or mind, you probably heard it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

  "you know i think the pretty red head is on to something" i said praisingly. "Don't get me wrong, stealing from charity is a dick move. But its not exactly our forte now is it. Now mysterious lights in the sky, that's like the beginning of a sci-fi movie. I totally think that... Ack!!" I startled and ducked as rose ran over me to get to the grapes.

   Its not my fault. That thing is a vicious spiritual predator that can rip a man limb from limb and she was coming right for me. Plus Akiri did it on purpose. She knew there was a direct line between Robert and her with me right in the middle. She was probably just upset with me flirting with the redhead. I had to duck again when it ran back over to Robert. This time i didn't scream out.

   I kept an eye on the beast till it settled down in its victims lap. he barely stirred. Then just 's i was about to relax i heard a deafening scream. Startled i shouted out again, "AH.. Who,s that screaming. someones in the back is being injured... badly." Then the Evil laugh bubbled out of the innocent looking tech girl.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

"Oof" I exclaim as Rose lands on my face "did you really need to land on my face Rose?" "Ummmmm.....you do realize who your talking to right Robert? where else would I land?" Raising my eyebrow at my own stupid question, of course she would land on my face as i was falling asleep, its her nature lol, shortly after I hear Akari start rattling off the information she found on the newly named Mr and Mrs Madison, their status and their new location. a low whistle "As always, I'm impressed Akari, not even halfway through the flight, in less than an hour you were able to get info that FBI teams have been failing to get for weeks, maybe they should change the I in their name from inspectors to incompetents, thank you for looking into that." Laying back once again I start to try and think up a plan on the type of reckoning the Madison's should receive, in mid thought I feel Rose in my head "You know, if you start getting funny looks from Akari in the future, its your own fault for not putting stuff up after a job" she says with a chuckle as she chides me. "Huh?' i reply, "What are you talking about?" "You left the pill bottles in your pack from earlier tonight, she saw them as she was getting the grapes that YOU forgot to give me, if she makes fun of you its your fault and you deserve it" Rose was enjoying herself at my expense way to much, with a low sigh I drift back to my nap, guess I was the incompetent one tonight, oh well, what lady luck givith, she can taketh away when it suits her fancy, at least I got to her Kyles shocked exclamation, though ill have to scold Rose later about that, she really does need to lay off on the tormenting of the poor guy.