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Shadowrun Play-By-Email Game Log
Last Updated: 02.27.02
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GM: Here we go, here we go, HERE WE GO! Well it's finally time for Tim to get his hoop in gear and write you guys an email.  After many complains and much procrastination, I can at last tell you that this is the email you have been waiting for.  Let the mayhem begin...

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"Of course it's a simple mission." Yeah, that's what I've been hearing for a long time.  When the Johnson called you up, thoughts of shattered Stuffer Shacks, and corporate players raced through your mind, "Mommy, I don't want to talk to the rich man." But your fear soon waned, and you were able to make it over to the sky scraper, downtown.  Seattle does that to you.  One minute you are putty in the troll's hand, and the next you are riding high on the wings of a badass helicopter with green flames painted on the side, all in one big whirring motion.  That's life at it's best.

When the Johnson, he said his name wasn't important, had his secretary escort you into the office, you thought to yourself, "What a suit," and your concerns were answered with an offer of a spritzer (with or without ice).  But hey, nuyen is nuyen, and that rent bill was starting to look awfully expensive.  So the plan unfolded before you.

A corporate data steal was how Mr. NoName titled his little escapade.  Boring is what the thoughts in your head screamed out in agony with.  The target was to be a division of Sincad Incorporated.  Sincad is a puny little drek of a corp with some interesting research stored within their walls.  Looking over at your comrades, their expressions didn't seem to show any more enthusiasm then your own.

To one side your decker sat.  A scraggly looking human, with more ware than she knew what to do with.  Aged in about her thirties, she had seen her days in the shadows and beyond.  A backpack was slung over the chair she sat in, and the heavily modified body of what was once an Excalibur deck was sprawled out, and overflowing from it.  She wore a sleeveless undershirt, with no support underneath, and her red hair was cut just above her shoulders.  The leather boots she was wearing corresponded with her pants, but you could just make out the form of a Phoenician tattoo on her mid torso.  All in all, and accomplished looking young woman, but in need of a high priced salon.

(Depending on who you are, skip as appropriate)

A bit farther down, was another human, male, and a bit foreign looking.  His arms were covered with tattoos.  He looked as if he was a wild soul in search of something.  Around his neck he wore a medallion, and on his back was a nasty looking sword.  Personal hygiene wasn't his game, but his eyes burned with anger.

On your other side was a man, and a huge one.  First noticeable was his hulking cyberarm, that was obviously there to intimidate.  His silver eyes only added to the effect, as he sat there listening with utter silence.  His expressionless, unshaven face showed no emotion, but mystery, and the bulges at his side indicated that he was packing.

Adding to the fun loving group was yet another human male standing, not sitting, somewhat in the shadows and off to the side.  His dress was hinting at a background in killing metahumans, and his hair was short enough to trigger thoughts of the military.  He was otherwise silent and intent on listening, but with an air of displeasure and boredom.

Surveying the group you could only remember thinking to yourself that this group of losers better know what the hell they are doing.

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WHAM! The slugs from an oversize Predator slice into the concrete next to you.  The deed is done, and the data is stored safely in the Excalibur, but somebody has fragged up, and how.  You can hardly hear the screams of your comrades as they bark out commands, because the sirens are blaring and at an ungodly decibel level.

You are starring up at a catwalk above you in the industrial complex of Sincad Inc.  The place smells of toxic waste and burning plastic, but you hardly have time to notice.  Three guards are shooting every piece of lead they have at you.  Mati is located behind a pillar, and at about ten meters distance Sammy is behind another.  Lil (the decker) is sitting underneath a metal grating that serves as a walkway just behind Ethan who is crouched next to a stack of metal crates that are in between, and directly behind, the two pillars.

Catwalk
=============

+(pillar)   +(Mati)

    --(crates)
   xxxx(grate)

Concrete is flying everywhere as the guards now open fire with full auto machine guns.  Pausing only for a second they yell out, "Just give us the deck you fragging drek-heads.  You're pinned down and you know it!"

They are beginning to rip threw your barricades, and as you poise for action, you notice a small bead of sweat form on your brow, make it's way to your eye lid, dodge the small creases of your skin, and come to a small pause on the tip of your nose.

The decisions are all yours now... Fight or Flight... or I guess you could talk too.

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See I told you I could do it.  Please don't feel the need to write a novel.  When big events happen I will probable go overboard, but you don't have to.  It's kind of like FF7.  They use CG's at the major events.  But you aren't Squaresoft so just tell me what your character is doing (all in character of course) and what he plans to accomplish.  You will get the hang of it soon, I promise.

Hope you enjoy,

-Tim-

Mati: I slowly scan the area and pick out the closest guard to my position.  The sweat has now thoroughly soaked my brow and I urge to rip through these corporate drones.  I take a deep breath and focus my full attention on that one guard.  I cast my control actions spell on the guard, and attempt to turn him and his machine gun on his own men.  Then I quickly dart behind the grate and boxes hoping to dodge as many bullets as I can, all the while searching for an exit of some sort.  This has been a rough day and I must control my urge to destroy everything in sight.  These corp buildings make me sick to my stomach, I can feel all the greed and pain these places have caused and all the fraggin corporate moguls who dwell within them.  O, Maruk, how I hate this job.  I slowly rub my medallion as I listen to the bullets all around me...

Ethan: I slowly stick my head out so that I can get a fix on the guards position, and possibly find an exit at the same time.  I grip my AK-98, getting ready to fire off a mini grenade at the inexperienced guards.  I think of my motto, "Never Shall I Fail My Comrades." I spot the guards that are closest together and fire off a quick burst. "Eat That you pigs!" I yell as I duck behind a crate. "I should have brought my machine gun."

Sammy: I turn on my infrared vision and quickly scan the area to see how many fraggin troops there actually are.  Grasping the two hilts of my Aries Preds, I pull them out of their holsters and lean against the pillar for cover.  I look over the newly assigned team of crap I have to deal with and shrug.  This kind of combat reminds me of the many fond memories that I have of my former partner Xerc.  Last time I heard from him was he was somewhere in the Caribbean, but that was a year ago.  Now I’m with a bunch of fresh meat and I don’t know a thing about them.  Maybe they could turn out to be my new team of ultimate badasses.  Talk is cheap, and right now we godda band together to get rid of this scum.  I pick out the closest guard to me and lace into him with a full on barrage of ammo. "Time to dish out the candy!"

GM: As Sammy rounds the corner he can see the outline of the three guards in blazing thermo.  However the intense heat surrounding the machinery prevent productive sight much anywhere else.  Not that it matters though, before he has time to complete a full search the sound of twin pistols add to the already loud gun fire.  About thirty meters away on the catwalk you don't even see the guards flinch.  After some sparks fly off of the machine gunner's armor, you quickly shuffle behind the pillar again, but not before three burst of machine gun bullets whiz past your face and plow into the metal crates behind you.

At this point the other two guard grab their SMGs and move laterally down the catwalk towards some unseen stairs, but not without reminding you that they are quite able with their trigger fingers.  Under the heavy fire it's impossible to see where the bullets are hitting.

As the guards are making their way down the catwalk Mati steps out and peers through the smoke and dim light.  You enter into your ritual casting sequence and focus on the guard who is flinging bullets and incredible rates.  After a brief pause in the firing, the guard resumes without so much as a thought.

Ethan pauses only slightly to check the ammo in his gun.  When you realize that you forgot to buy any during your training, you immediately thanks the great beyond for the one FULL clip of AK-98 ammo that has fallen into your possession, and then precede to put it to good use.  A burst flies towards the machine gunner and into the gas tank behind him.  The leaking tank only adds to the smoky atmosphere.

GM: Also, as Ethan is firing his barrage he surveys the area and is able to see a passageway leading under the catwalk and straight ahead.  It weaves in and out of the machinery and conveyers and gears.  Behind you the floor opens up after a series of ladders that lead up to more catwalks.  The entire complex is smoky from the toilsome work that that goes on within it.  The lights are low, which makes sight somewhat difficult.

Because you have been running from the guards you have all become disorientated and are having trouble remembering which direction is out.

Mati: "Grrrrrr." The spell had no affect.  I sniff the air; gun powder, sweat, hot metal and fear.  The guards are ripe with fear.  My tongue lashes out to catch a bead of sweat that drips from my nose.  I breath slowly and steadily as I scan the area planning my next move.  The light is dim and useful.  The guards appear to have separated, I can see only the one I attempted the spell on. "Purrrrr." Alone and unaware, just how I like them.  I slowly remove my sword from under my cloak.  I glance around once again to make certain no one is around.  I hug the darkness and shadows as I sneak up on the guard using the pillars as cover.  My leather moccasins make no noise as I come up behind the guard and with the full force of my body attempt to thrust my sword through the back of his neck, cutting off any chance of him making a noise.

Sammy: "what the frag!?!" The armor piercing rounds had no effect on their armor.  It must be light security armor, not that I haven't dealt with it in the past.  I proceed down the passage under the catwalk and hope that Ethan hasn't gotten us lost with this path.  I search the area for a fire extinguisher. (Tim, keep in mind that this is a factory and there has to be some safety measures against fire starting, so we'll just say that there is one.) I grab it off the wall and search for the two guards who were walking on the catwalk.  Turning the corner ever-so-carefully, I hurl the extinguisher at them and shoot it with my Ares pred hoping to cause a big enough explosion to knock them down so that we can finish them off properly. (Note: I wish to use 2 of my combat dice when shooting the extinguisher, thus improving my ability to hit it)

Tim - so far this pbem game is great but the only concern I have is that there is no real map of the combat area.  This is very confusing to me because, as you know, I like to use my surroundings to my advantage.  So if there was any way to send us a map or draw one out for us on the screen, it would be much appreciated! Also, what the hell is that decker of ours doing! Tell us what her actions are.

Casey and Mike - Ok, so far we're doing alright.  The only concern for me is that there is no communication between us, the players.  Mike, you know how I like to play and you should be used to it by now so I say that you and me and Casey start coming up with a plan instead of just mindlessly spraying ammo in every direction.  Get back to me on this ok and if any of you have any ideas, share them to all of us because after all, we are a team.

GM: Thanks for the suggestions.

Just to clarify for everybody, because there seems to be some confusion.  All three guards began and are still on the catwalk.  The guy in the middle is firing a machine gun and the others have proceeded in opposite directions away from the other.

As far as maps go, I'll draw one up and post it on the web so you can see exactly where everything is. (See url below.)

One other thing, Matt.  If you are going to make a plan, all of the speech has to come through your character's voice.  There really shouldn't be long discussions out of character, especially in the middle of a friggin gun fight.  And don't worry about the decker, when she has something to say, she'll say it.  Wink, wink.

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As you scan the area for a fire extinguisher, one catches your eye.  It is, however about 20 meters away from you if you want to go get it you will have to open yourself up to the machine gunner.

In a moment of adrenaline rushed anxiety you break into a sprint dodging through the stream of bullets that has now turned on you.  As the structure takes unbearable damage you complete your final somersault and finish two meters short of your objective.  Between you and the extinguisher is a pile of chains.  Standing you and the left hand guard is his shouting voice and his H&K, "Eat lead you scum."

His SMG open fires making the hunk of chains next to you fly back in agony, but you and your body remains in one piece.

See map here:

http://people.ce.mediaone.net/petryt/Sincad1Map.JPG

Bookmark at will.

GM: As you make your way toward the right hand guard you walk with expert silence.  With the gunfire steadied on Sammy, you are not only able to dodge in and out of the machinery, using it for cover, but the noises of you purrs are hardly heard underneath the sound of gun fire.  As you rear up against a geared monstrosity of the modern age, you can make out the foot steps of a hurried guard some 10 meters away.  His feet clank against the metal catwalk, and you can only assume that he is getting closer.

Mati: The footsteps on the cold metal floor can only be approaching and quickly.  I quickly peak around the large machinery I sit behind, to see my on coming prey.  If it is a guard, I wait until he is closer then with all my speed and ferocity I step out and launch full force at the target with sword in hand and relieve his body of his head.  If I cannot make out whether it is friend or foe then I will remain where I am and hide in the shadows until a more opportune time arises.  This will be good hunting... "puuurrfect."

Ethan: Ok, I'm thinking that I fire a mini-grenade at the gas that is leaking out and try to start an explosion so that we can get some distractions by first the explosion, and second, the sprinklers or whatever fire prevention they have can kick in.  BTW if everyone agrees to this, this is what I am doing, and in the midst of the confusion I would like to fire short bursts towards the guards while I run for the exit.

Ethan: Ok, I'm going to shout out my plan to them.  after that I say "Hey, cover me, I'm heading for the exit.  Sammy, once I get there, I'll go for the guard on the left, you take the one on the right, then lets both try to take out the machine gunner!" "Mati, if you have any spells that will put that machine gunner out of commission, I suggest that you use them!"

Ethan: Also, I'm going to move to the pillar first, then fire the grenade.  then head for the exit.

Mati: Tim - Thank you so much for the map.  If you were here I’d kiss you.  Just kidding.  Also, thanks for clearing up the crap about the decker.  And if there is anything else you'd like to tell us about the pbem game, please do, we could use all the info you can give us!

Acknowledging what was just stated by Ethan, I quickly give him a nod and proceed toward the extinguisher.  As I’m running, I turn to Mati's direction and yell "Hey wondercat, if your gonna do something, do it now!" Also I yell at Lil, "Quit playing with your hard drive and help us out!" I grab the extinguisher and hurl it at the H&K guard and shoot it with my Ares pred. (Just like I planned on doing before, I use 2 combat dice) "Suck on this," I shout as the soon to explode tube floats toward the guard.  I just love explosions, especially when they are created by me!

Ethan: ok, I'm doing it, and if there are any enhancements for me running I want to use them.  tell me what they are first.  Also, to add to the moment, as I start firing the grenade and running, I yell "Come on ya Sons of Bitches, Do you want to live Forever!"

GM: The heat of battle continues, as Ethan makes his way to the pillar Sammy was formerly hiding behind.  The distracted machine gunner doesn't notice your movement, as he is still firing on Sam.

After staggering in awe of the flying chains, Sammy bolts again, but this time making it to the fire extinguisher.  You unlatch it, and hurl it at the guard.  The look on his face is enough to make you think he just pissed his pants, but you waste no time in readying your Preds.

As Ethan maneuvers to take a look from around the pillar, he sees the machine gunner awaiting a clear shot at Sammy.  The small break in the otherwise constant rain of bullets immediately triggers a reaction from you and you twirl out from your cover, letting go one of you grenades at the gunner, in hopes of starting the whole place a-blaze.

The grenade makes its way towards the guard, but without much notice from him.  In an amazing feat of aim and luck you manage to place the grenade at about 1 meter away from the gunner.  The clinking of metal on metal doesn't phase him as he resumes to throw bullets in all directions.

After Ethan dodges behind the column once more Lil decides to make her first appearance in the combat.  She draws her colt American, and slings her backpack over her shoulder.  Then preceding to take the advice of her comrades, she decidedly makes an effort to help.  She pulls into a full out sprint and runs past the boxes, right into the middle of the factory floor.  As she makes her way towards the underside of the catwalk she plugs away at the machine gunner.  Her shots are in vain, however as they only whiz past him and produce more holes in the already leaking vats of gas.

At this point Mati manages to peer out from behind the machinery and get a glimpse of the guard who is now climbing down a ladder from the catwalk.  With a hint of glee, you bound from your place of camouflage, sword in hand, and leap up towards the guard in an attempt to bring him down without his head.  The guard screams out in pain, as he tumbles down the ladder, but his luck is with him today, and your sword manages to part only half way through his light security armor.  As you withdraw your sword for another attack the blood drips from the tip, and saturates your limb, but you quickly compose yourself for a retaliation.  The guards cocks and lets rip a deadly looking fist.  You try to counter, but the heat of the moment flusters your concentration, and the fist lands, square in your face.  You wince only for a moment, shaking off the punch without so much as a thought, and you then proceed to deal with the guard below you.

And now back to the machine gunner...

He yanks on his trigger and plows a stream of bullets towards the unlucky human with the Ares preds.  To this person's great pleasure, however, the only thing this doofus is able to hit is everything but what he is aiming at.

At this point the H&K guard has managed to fall on his hoop at the mercy of a large red fire extinguisher.  He manages to remove the thing and to get to his feet again, but doesn't know that the two guns pointed in his direction could land him right back down from where he came.

Sammy raises and fires twin shots at the extinguisher, only seconds before a lone grenade is about to unleash it's fury.  The bullets race towards their target, and bore their way to the interior of the unfortunate container.  The resulting explosion echoes throughout the factory ,and is quickly joined by the grenade hiding in the crevices of the high catwalk.

The first guard to feel the bite of shrapnel and power is Mr. H&K guard.  His armor protects him well, but now well enough to protect him from getting flung back 5 meters with ity bitty pieces of red metal protruding from his body.  His gun also flies with him but lands a couple of meters away.  Sammy stands with a presence, looming over his work, as the bits and pieces of safety equipment settles at his feet, just short of biting his legs.

The machine gunner atop the catwalk is next and he is going to take some punishment.  The blast erupts in a fury of flames.  The gunner then flies into the air, and yells out in pain and agony, swearing all the way.  His butchered body lands lifelessly on the ground 5 meters from Lil.

But these explosions don't come without a price.  Four jets of leaking gas are now burning as they escape.  This lasts only for a second, as the flames then proceed inward.  The ball of flames that follows makes the two previous blast look like something your kids light off on the 4th.  A wave of heat assaults everyone in the area, but that's not what's on your mind.  The entire catwalk and support structure is beginning to crumble under it's new found pressure.  In addition there are countless tons of machinery on the second level, which now threaten to crumble over your heads.  The last thing that rushes through your mind before the word "action", is Lil's screaming voice, and the sight of an I beam slipping from it's support structure, teetering ever closer to the edge, and towards your decker's head.

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Have fun with this one guys!

Mati: The explosions rattle through my skull.  Those idiots are going to get us all killed.  I must finish my kill.  I attempt to thrust my sword into the throat of the guard beneath me, and twist it to ensure a strong kill.  I don't like weak kills.

Little bastard got my cloak messy.

Now where are those other idiots and what is that burning smell and that screeching sound.  This is all going to hell.  I had better make a lot of money from this one.  If I do, my mom is getting a new blender.  She'll like that, then she can make those margaritas.  Well I better go find my crew, and find a way out of this mess before the whole place goes up in flames.

Ethan: "Let's get the hell out of here" I yell as I start to go for the door.  Then I notice Lil on the ground, so I run back to get her.  The things I do for these people.  I had better get a heck of a lot of money for this one.  Still should have brought my machine gun.  Stupid me.  As soon as I get Lil, I head as fast for the exit as I can. "Runners, WE ARE LEAVING!!!"

Sammy: all this chaos reminds me why I love these jobs we go on.  it seems that no matter who I’m with or where I am, I’m always looking the devil straight in the eyes and cheating death.  this sort of reminds me of the time me, Xerc, and Slag had to escape out of that horrid Frupps building.  if you ask me that whole field trip was suicide, and I liked it! but anyways its time to blow this pop stand! I quickly burst from my position and head toward Lil in a full on sprint, hoping to grab her and dive out of the way of the falling beam.  while doing this I scream at Ethan "Get out of the way, I got her!" on man I sure hope this works, I hate losing deckers, and trust me, its happened before!

Sammy: Tim, on that sprint my character is taking, I’d like to use my athletics skill with it and also I’d like to use 2 combat dice.  by doing this I hope to achieve victory in my stride to save Lil.  also get back to me on that whole deal about not having ammo.

Ethan: I nod to Sammy and proceed out the exit as fast as I can.

GM: Looking around you can tell that this entire section of the factory is about to come down and make you a whole lot smaller.  Concrete and metal is flying everywhere.  The catwalk is now about to topple, bringing it's weight to bare on anyone in the vicinity.

But the only thing going through your mind, Sammy, is Lil's screaming voice.  The I beam has left it's resting place, and is on it's way, crashing through hanging chain and beams, towards you and Lil.  You break into a sweat and an all out sprint.  You dodge your way through the debris ridded floor, and the flames that have started up in these piles of ruble.  The lights flicker as you make you final leap towards Lil.  You feel the weight of your body plow into hers, and the weight of a ton of steel plowing into the floor behind you.  As you wipe your face off in relief, your efforts are only answered with a shriek of agonizing pain.  Quickly looking behind you, your face is horror struck at the sight of Lil's mutilated leg trapped underneath the jagged metal.  Her blood is beginning to collect in a small pool just below her knee where the crushed limb vanishes.

As you hear the I beam levy it's weight upon the floor, Ethan, you pause underneath the teetering catwalk, just in time to her Lil's voice, now weaker than before. (ooc: If you didn't want to stop just let me know, and I'll just assume that you continue on into the rest of the factory.  I just wanted to give you a chance to react.)

Meanwhile, the struggle between Mati and his new friend rages on.  In a swift move you maneuver your sword over him for the kill.  You straddle the guard as he lays sprawled on the floor.  You hold the blade with both hands and bring it down onto him, but his will to live is stronger than you anticipate, and he manages to swing out his left arm in defense.  Your blade rips through his forearm as he pushes the sword away from his throat.  However, you can see the grimace on his face as it slides into the shoulder of his left side.  Your prey still alive, you can feel the rage building within you.

Ethan: I move out from underneath the catwalk (towards the exit, not towards Sammy and Lil.) After I get out from underneath it, I yell to Sammy "Do you got her, or do you need some help." Always keeping an eye on the catwalk while I'm doing this.  Tim, can I pick off the guy that Mati is fighting? If I can I'm going to yell to him, "Mati, hurry up or I'll kill him from here!"

Sammy: I pick myself up off the ground and scream over to Ethan. "Find us an exit, and fast!" Then I turn to Mati and shout "Just kill the bastard and then get the hell out of here!" Now all of my attention is focused on getting that catwalk off of Lil's leg.  I say to her "Hold still, I'm gonna lift it up and you try and slide your leg out from under it." I turn on my strength enhancement within my arms (which I might mention is level 3) and focus all of my energy into lifting up that catwalk.

Ethan: "Ok" I yell.  I run like hell towards the exit, trying to get out, I want to use 1 combat die with my athletics skill so that I can go faster and get to the exit.

Mati: This little fragger won't die.

"I'll be right there, just get out of here I can take care of myself!!"

I continually jab the guard repeatedly all over until he stops moving.  Then after a few jabs alive or not I leave him there and run like hell.  I run in the direction of the others.

"GRRRRRRRRRR, I hate these corporate fraggers!"

GM: As you get up Sammy, the first thing that you notice is the excruciating pain that you are in.  Your lower torso is searing, and as you look down towards it you notice a gash in your armor.  Blood is oozing out of it slowly, and your first guess is that the chemicals on the floor that you were laying in were not good for the wound. (ooc: take a medium physical wound)

However your attention quickly turns towards your even worse off partner.  Lil is writhing in agony, and you have noticed that the screams of pain have been weaker and weaker.  Her body is laying in her own blood, and the I beam is twisted over her leg.  Gathering up all of your strength you walk over to the beam and begin to lift.  However, as you stagger at the immense weight of the beam, your eye catches a glimpse of the actual situation.  Lil's leg has been severed from here body.  With every beat of her heart, more and more of her precious blood squirts out of the battered limb, and splashes against the beam.

As Ethan runs from the falling catwalk you, enter into another section of the factory.  The catwalk was actually an underpass into the rest of the complex, but to your great relief you spot a door to your right.  It lies about thirty meters away.  To your right, you see another catwalk towering above the floor, which seems to have been unaffected by the recent events.  Attached to this walk, is an office.  The mirrored glass prevents you from seeing into it, but you have an aching suspicion that there may be some real mother fraggers behind it.  The rest of the area is littered with machinery, and paths leading to more of this hell hole.  You quickly make you way to the door you have spotted and make it about half way of the total thirty meters.  Behind you, the catwalk that once was is beginning to wail out, and the screeches leave you wondering about the fate of your friends.

In a secluded corner of the action, a battle continues.  This a struggle of epic proportions.  Is it good versus evil? Man against beast? NO!... MATI VERSUS THE HELPLESS SOLDIER WHO JUST WON'T DIE!! Hooray!

You poise your sword to strike again; you let loose the furry within.  You express your bloody vengeance in a mad frenzy of steel and sweat.  With as much malice as you can muster, you thrust over, and over again at the form below you.  Dodging his fists of fury, your blade enters the body over and over again.  Long after the lifeless putty beneath you has breathed his last breath, your mind drive you forward, until you have achieved what I like to call the "swiss cheese effect."

Swinging your head up in a violent motion, you realize that the man is dead.

Your attention then turns towards getting the hell out of here and make your way back to the room where Sammy is struggling with a near death Lil.  Trying to decide whether or not to assist or to leave, your decision is made for you...

The catwalk rocks on its thin supports for the last time.  It's own weight and the weight of heavy machinery on top of it is forcing it to crumble.  The beams closest to you (Sammy and the gang) give out bringing the whole mess of gangled metal screaming down, which in turn allows all of that machinery sliding down in your direction.  This entire mess stops about 2 meters away from you, but the wall of metal is now blocking the once apparent path.  The catwalk and its counterparts are in a ramp type formation leading upward about 40 meters towards the area where Ethan is residing.

Mati: "oh Maruk." I look over Lil and Sammy carefully.  Attempting to assess their damages.  I determine that Lil is definitely in the worst shape.  I cast heal on Lil and then after some rest I cast heal on Sammy.  I tear a piece of cloth from Sammy’s shirt and wrap it around Lil's stump.  Then using the shoelace from her shoe, I tie the cloth tightly around her stump to slow the bleeding the best I can.  I then turn my attention to Sammy and see if he can stand. "Sammy, take care of Lil, I'll get her stuff." "Just pick her up and lets get out of here." I then proceed to look for the nearest area to somehow get out of here.  I look at the ramp in front of us as a possible escape and slowly make my way up motioning for Sammy to stay back until I think it is safe to climb.

"grrrrr, what a crappy day." I mutter as I continue my climb...

Sammy: Acknowledging what was just said by Mati, I stand over Lil's body and say to her calmly "Just hang in there Lil, we'll get you safely out of here." I use the strength enhancement once again on my arms so I can pick up Lil and move her around with out putting any strain on my body.  I then proceed to lift up Lil ever so carefully and place her on the ground away from the sharded metal and spilled chemicals.  I stand up and scream to Ethan "We gotta go now, just go out the way we came in, and don't do anything to attract more guards!" Then I look at Mati and say "Just gimme the go and I'll get Lil outta here!"

"Man, I should have stayed in bed this morning!"

GM: Ok, imagination would be nice, but for all you uncreative people, here is a map for the factory floor surrounding Ethan.

http://people.ce.mediaone.net/petryt/Sincad2Map.jpeg

Ethan: Ok, If I can, I want to run and jump through the glass that goes into the office.

If I can't do that, I’m going to find a place out of view of the glass, and wait for my partners.

Ethan: Tim, scratch that last one, I'm just going to take cover and wait for them.  sorry.

Sammy: I very quickly turn to Mati and say "Stop him now! I don’t want him entering any new places and getting our butts slagged! Tell him to get over here so we can regroup." I'm not really in the mood to deal with any more fraggin guards.  The only thing on my mind now is getting the hell out of here so we take care of our fallen comrade.  First we need a plan, and then later on we can play GI Joe!

Mati: "Ethan! Ethan, get over here and help us with Lil.  She's hurt bad and Sammy isn't looking any better." " We need to regroup and find a way out of here without arousing any suspicion.  Come quickly." Then I look down and nod at Sammy.

Ethan: Rodger.  I run over to Lil and fireman carry her (put her behind my head over both shoulders so that I can move better) down the hall. "I'm ready to get it on!"

GM: To start off with, I just wanted to point some things out to you guys that you may be unclear about.

1. You don't need to "turn on" strength enhancement.  It's always working.

2. Combat dice can ONLY be used for combat related tests. (e.g. shooting your gun)

Ok, now back to business...

----------------------------->

As you size up the situation further, Mati, you begin to concentrate on healing your fallen comrade, who is now fading in and out of consciousness.  She is hardly awake when your Sammy begins to notice your face taking on a blurry form.  As you dance and utter silent words in a distant tongue your body seems to turn a pale white color.  You channel the power of the spirits towards Lil, and as you lay your hands upon her, you can see the wound enjoy the relief, however to your dismay, the bleeding does not stop.  You quickly realize that Lil is in worse shape than you had first thought.  Walking over to Sammy you rip off his entire sleeve before he knows what’s going on, and as you turn to Lil once again, a feeling of light headedness comes over you. (light stun) You then proceed to tie up Lil's leg with the bit of cloth that is now missing from the shirt of Sammy.

Sizing up the situation you decide that it would be wise to cast the same spell on Sammy before he makes his trek up the grate.  Putting yourself through the same ritual as before, a look of impatience arises on Sammy's face.  You notice that Lil is now conscience, but in an enormous amount of pain.  Your spell manages to achieve a whole lot of nothing because of the spell you are sustaining on Lil (+2 mod. made it more difficult), but on the plus side, you hardly notice the effects of this second spell on your mind.

While this is going on, Ethan, is trying to decide on the best course of action.  After debating whether or not to fling himself through a window, or just hiding, you respond to the calls of your magician friend, and begin to search for a path around the fallen catwalk, and machinery, however you are unable to locate a suitable walkway.  The only ideas that pass through your mind are, one, to somehow rig a rope to the upper level and climb, or two, make your way around by navigating through the rest of the huge factory.

After Mati finishes his work on you, Sammy, you can see him make his way up the catwalk.  He dodges around the tangled chains and twisted metal on a slippery grate.  Just when you think that he has made it to the top, you see his foot slip.  Almost reaching out to catch him, you manage not to drop Lil as Mati falls backwards.

Mati, your body flings back in the direction of the ground, but gravity, instead hurdles your body into a rusted piece of equipment which jabs into your left abdomen appropriately. (take a light physical wound) Blood gushes from you wound, but you manage to pull yourself from it's grips, and crawl to the top of the grate.  From your vantage point you can see Ethan scrambling around in indecision, but no immediate way down.

Sammy, the weight of Lil combined with your wound, is becoming burdensome, but you quickly put that thought out of your mind, as you hear Lil whispering something in a frantic tone.  Bending you ear to her mouth, you make out the words, "where's my backpack..." She then, realizing that you have her message seems to be squirming in your grasp looking around on the ground for her lost possession.

Off in the distance to the south (opposite of Ethan and Mati) you can now make out the sound of footsteps on metal...

Ethan: "I'm cut off" I yell to the others. "I'm kickin in the door to the office.  There must be something of use in there." I pull out the magazine to check my ammo. "30rds, I should be good.  Just keep it to a 3 shot burst Ethan." I tell myself.  I shove the magazine back in and cock the gun.  I move towards the door, trying to stay low and in the shadow's.  I stay below the glass.  When I reach the door I pause, debating if I should do this or not. "What the heck, those guards are coming, there all going to be in a heap of trouble soon.  I need to find a map to this place.  I need to start asking the Johnsons for one of those." I bend down, and look under the crack beneath the door, then feel it to see if it is hot or not.  I then wait for a few mins, with my ear up to the door, trying to hear something.

Mati: "ughhhh, I'm not feeling real well." I whisper to Sammy. "Sammy, help Lil find the bag.  We need that deck thing, whatever she calls it." "I want my money and I'm not leaving without anyone or anything.  Lil, how are you feeling?" Can you make it with Sammy’s help?"

I hear Ethan yelling in the background.  That guy had better have a good plan.  I start to look around for some better way to get out of here.

"Ethan, do what you can and look for some rope!" "We need something to get us out of here."

I look over Lil and Sammy's wounds.  The blood flows from my own wound.  It aches a little and my head is starting to spin a bit.  I'm tired and need to rest before I do any more spell casting that’s for sure.  I wait to see what happens with Ethan.

"Sammy, you had better load your favorite weapon.  This is going to get interesting..."

Ethan: From my position by the door, I look around the room I'm in for some rope, "I'll give this one more shot, then that doors coming down."

GM: As you look around the area from your vantage point on the catwalk, you don't see a rope, but distributed between the various machines are some extension cords that the workers were using while operating some of the more mobile tools.  Also, on you way up the ladder to the catwalk next to the office, you notice some rather long lengths of heavy chain hanging from hooks attached to the underside of the walk.  occ: Do you still want to bash through the office door?

Ethan: I move away from the door, and yell back to them "Ok, I found some stuff that can be used as rope.  You had better have a plan."

Mati: "Grab what you got, and throw one end over the catwalk to us.  Tie it down or hold on to it and we'll use it to climb over." "Find something that is strong and make sure you tie it down good." " You might need to help Sammy with Lil, she's hurt bad." "Got that."

Man I hope this works.

Ethan: "Affirmative!" I grab the chains, and the extension cords, and look around for something to tie them down with.  I move over to the boxes and wrap them around it.  then I toss the chain over, while still holding on to it of course.  If it isn't long enough, I tie the ends together and try it again.

Ethan: "Rodger on that one good buddy." I through over the cords. "ok send 'em over!" "Lets MOVE IT PEOPLE!"

Sammy: I pull off of my back the one gun I love to use, my FN-HAR.  after putting in a loaded clip and cocking the gun, I sling it around my shoulder and pull another little gadget off of my back: my grapple gun.  Looking over at Mati, I say "Screw the chains and the cords! You take the grapple gun and get us over that wreckage! I'll give you as much gun support as I can.  One thing though, Lil goes first." I then turn to Ethan and yell, "Get your fraggin hoop over here and bring your boom-stick.  We're gonna have a party, and you and I are hosting it!" I take a concealed position behind some of the wreckage waiting to fire at anyone whose planning on pissin me off.

(Note: The grapple gun has a motorized wench on it as well as 50 FT of rope.  Put it to good use Mike!)

Sammy: I quickly yell at Ethan, "When you come over here, try looking on the ground for Lil's bag! Its the only thing we're here for!"

Mati: "Sammy, forget the heroics, lets get out of here!" "Fire the grappling gun, grab Lil and take her over." "I'll look some more for her bag." "Ethan toss over the cord, I'll use it to get over.  You stay there and look for Lil's bag." "Sammy will be right over with Lil."

"Sammy, I know you want to blow some more guys away, but right now we need to get Lil to a doctor." "She has lost a lot of blood, and I'll let you blow some stuff up later."

"NOW GO!!"

I begin to search around the wreckage again for Lil's bag.  Keeping an ear out for any more guards.  Lil is not looking well, and I want to get out of this cess pool.

If I find Lil's bag and Ethan has thrown the cord over, then I'll take the bag and use the cord to get to the rest of the group and get the heck out of here.

Sammy: "What the hell you talking about heroics? Everyone is hurt and I just wanna get the hell out of here! And to let you know, I really don’t care if I get to blow the hell out of another guy, I was just planning on givin you cover fire, but since you don’t want it, I’ll let the guards bake your ass!" I then grab the grapple gun and fire it towards the ceiling, so I can create a way out.  I then turn to Mati and reply sarcastically "We gotta work on this whole fraggin teamwork thing! We'll discuss this thing later on, but right now lets just get going!" I then proceed to Lil with the grapple gun in hand and prepare to get Lil ready to be lifted up by the rope.  I look over my shoulder and scream at Ethan "Pack your bags 'cause the trains leaving!"

Ethan: "Hey, I'm already over here." "Care to join me before you all get wasted?" "Mati, hurry your arse up, those guards are getting closer and the smoke is starting to come over here."

GM: As the argument rages on, there doesn't seem to be any relenting in the amount of footsteps.  In fact they seem to be approaching at a faster rate then you had hoped for.

Regardless of this fact, you (Ethan) manage to tie on of the chains loosely around one of the heavy hunks of machinery before you hear Sammy yelling to Mati about his grapple gun.  Realizing that you won't be needing to show off your knot skills you abandon that effort and instead begin to ready yourself for your team's approach.

Sammy, as the dust settles between you and Mati, you switch your attention to the grapple gun in you hand.  Lifting Lil up a bit higher on your shoulder to support her, you aim your gun straight at one of the remaining I beams not too far above you.  You squeeze the trigger, and the rope sails towards its target.  You hear the metal claw clank against something, and pull down to test the hold.  Satisfied that it will hold, you begin to walk up the catwalk towards the edge, where you plan on lower Lil down along with yourself.

Meanwhile, Mati, you are begin your search for Lil's backpack and deck.  It is nowhere in plain sight, and you decide to widen your sweep.  After, about a minute, your eye catches the outline of what could be a bag, below the original catwalk that Lil was hiding under.  And to your relief, upon further inspection, you swing your arm under one of the straps of Lil's pack.  As you open it up to make sure that the goods are still intact, you spot, out of the corner of your eye, Sammy at the top of the fallen catwalk, about to lower himself down to the opposite side.  Confidently, you start to make you way back towards him, but, as if all in stride, you ears pick up the stealthy voice of an orc behind you.  The owner of which could only be and executive.

You and Sammy both look back in the direction from which this whole party spawned from, to view, not only a greased orc in a designer black suit, but on either side of him, a guard in light security armor.

"Where do you think you are going with MY data, boy? I'll have you know I worked very hard to steal that, and I'm not about to let you piss heads just stroll the frag out of here! So why don't you take a look around you.  When you have seen enough, I'll expect to have your full cooperation... Go ahead... look around."

The words spew out of his face with a certain smugness that would make any man just want to haul off and beat the drek out of him, but as a practice in self-control, you lean your eyes about the room:

In two secluded and cover holes, just above the high catwalk, on either end of your new acquaintance, you spot the peaking barrels of sniper rifles.  Seeing the look on your faces, the Johnson, butts in,

"Don't think they're the only ones.  I've got this whole room covered, and they're damn good shots.  So be a good little freak, and give me the bag.  Maybe I'll leave enough of your remains for a funeral.  Hmmmf."

Mati: I slowly scan the area.  This is not looking good.  I eyeball the orc in front of me and his little snipers.  I slowly rub the tiger pendent on my neck and begin to mumble a chant, quietly enough so they don't suspect anything, in order to cast my shadow spell, this takes about 12 seconds. (The spell is going to be Force 5, I am going to use 2 spell dice from my pool.  The shadow spell creates a globe of darkness around myself that is 6 meters in diameter.  Every success imposes a +1 visibility modifier to targets within range up to a maximum of +5.) Then I will dodge behind the crates beside me in order to get out of sight.

Ethan: "Hurry up" I yell.  When Sammy and Lil get down, I take Lil and set her down behind the best cover I can find.  I then sneak back up to the door, ready my rifle, and kick in the door.  As I kick the door in with my right foot, I'm stepping in and bringing to ready my weapon.  I scan the room, shooting any guy I see, being sure not to hit any equipment that might be in there.

Sammy: oh crap! should've stayed in bed this morning.  while dangling in the air from the grapple gun, I use my thermal vision and scan the area to see how many of those snipers there actually are.  after figuring that out I notice that Mati is holding his pendant so I know that some shits gonna fly.  I hang there waiting for Mati's move and getting ready to fire my FN-HAR.

--Tim, can we have a map of the area please, with all the people labeled.  thanks.

GM: Ok you bums, you asked for it, so here it is: The map of the entire area, up to date, and labeled beyond belief.  And.....

To accompany such an accomplishment, I have, yes that's right, created an entire web page just for our game! (applause here)

And because I know you guys could care less, you will have to visit it to look at your maps.  Hehe.

The page to bookmark is:

http://people.ce.mediaone.net/petryt/pbemhome.htm

Ethan: Ok, after inspecting the map, I plan to alter my plan slightly.  Instead of putting Lil down and going through the office.  I set her down for a sec and kick the door down that is to the left of me.  If no one is in there I'm bringing Lil with me.

GM: As you hang with Lil dangling from your shoulder, Sammy, you manage to switch on your thermo vision, and scan the area for any life forms not already obvious.  Through out the darkness, you manage to pick out the outlines of both snipers and all three of the other badies, but no one else's signature makes it way to you cybereyes through all of the smoke and steam that is spewing from the various pipes and barrels.

After waiting for Sammy to drop Lil to you for a while, Ethan, you decide that he has things under control for a while and get down to business.  Readying your rifle, you jog over to the nearest door and pause only for a second before putting your foot into the steel plated mass next to you.  Your foot rams into the checked metallic obstacle, and manages to make a thorough dent in the security door.  Laying into it again, the damage continues, until you hear the bolt crack.  Turning the knob, the barrier releases, and you twirl into the new expanse enthusiastically and with all of your instincts flaring.  Probably the largest sigh of relief comes over you as you now stare into the night.  Straight ahead is a security fence raising up 6 meters and ending in barbed wire.  The fence proceeds to the left and to the right, but from you memory of what the complex layout looked like, you figure that the best way to go would be to your left.  Glancing in that direction, you spot a couple of huge spot lights, cutting through the darkness with their circular cones of illumination.  Around the long corridor, the clawing vines of the courtyard are meandering just into your view.

Back inside Mati has entered into another one of his shaman chants.  Rubbing his pendent, the orc's face shows little interest, "Uhhhh, are you trying to impress me?" Not listening to the taunts of the monotone metahuman, you continue to finish your spell.  At the climax a swirling spiral of utter blackness shrouds you, and just barely touches the nose for you new friend.  He reaches up to itch his face without moving any extra extremity, and in his unimpressed manner, he watches the globe surround the boxes that were once easily visible.

"Don't you think you are being unnecessarily difficult? Just what do you hope to accomplish.  I have fully automatic weapons that could rip through your little hoaxes.  Now give me the deck and you can avoid all of the hassle." He then glances up at the hanging human with a dismembered decker slumped over his shoulder. "And YOU, up there.  Get your ass down here... and is that you, LIL!!! I didn't know you were a part of this little charade.  Hahaha, I preferred it oh so much more when you were killing these stupid runners instead of my men.  Why don't you tell your little Tarzan friend to stop dangling around and turn him in to the only justice department around here..."

"Go to hell you asshole!"

"Well, that's not nice at all.  Don't make me get ugly Lil.  Give me the damn deck Lil."

The two security guards have now finished fiddling with their mean looking death throwers, and step up to the plate, ready to protect and serve.

Ethan: "Bout frickin time we found a way out of here!" "Sammy, Lil, we're outta here, get Mati.  Yell if you need some artillery, and tell me where you want it."

Sammy: I shake my head in dismay at the fact that Mati's spell really didn't do anything.  I now know where the snipers are and realize that they could probably get a good shot off at my meat, which is unfortunately hanging from the ceiling at the moment.  I decide to play it cool and I hope Ethan finds a way out and then gets his hoop back here for support.  Also, I hope Mati's got a plan cause I sure as hell don't.  I look over at Lil and say "First of all, I want to know what the hell Mr. DickSneeze over there is talking about and then it's your call, honey.  Should we make a b-line to the exit and leave this party, or should we drop down and say hello to your butt-ugly friend over there?"
--Mike, a good thing to do would be to get over to the orc some how and put your sword to his neck and hold him.  Then you'll be the one in charge and the other guards wouldn't think of attacking you cause you got their boss.  Also the snipers wouldn't shoot cause you could use him as a shield.  Pretty clever, huh?

GM: BTW Mati, as you dodge behind the crates you almost forget about the slight feeling of nausea that sweeps over you from the casting of your shadow spell.  The headache passes in the heat of the situation quickly, but not with out making itself known first. (light stun)

GM: Lil looks up at you with her weak eyes and replies, "Don't be mad, I used to work for him.  I was a security decker... I thought I was doing the right thing, I didn't know who I was killing..." With that she surveys the situation, and says, "Just put me down somewhere, I'm only getting in the way.  I'm going to die anyway.  Just get Mati, and get out of here.  I can deal with Swandec myself."

Mati: "Sammy, Ethan, kill the lights! Every last one of them! And be quick about it!"

If they manage to kill all, or at least most of the lights, I will pull out from behind the boxes using the cover of the darkness and the shadow spell and make my way over to where Sammy was hanging.

"Sammy, I'm right below you, use your thermal, and pick me up and lets get the hell out of here!"

If the lights are not out then I will stay behind the boxes.

GM: As you look up at the ceiling, both Ethan and Sammy, you can see a couple of bare bulbs scattered between the occasional lengths of fluorescent rods.  In all you can see about 20 separate bulbs in the immediate area, not including the other areas of the factory.

Ethan: "Rodger that!" "Sammy, Lets make it dark in here." "You shoot every other light starting with the second one, you might want to take out those snipers first.  Just a thought." I start with the first light, take aim and fire off one round per light. "Hurry up and get down here, I found the exit!"

Sammy: I nod down at Mati and turn to Lil, "Hold on, we're going for a ride." I then lower ourselves down to the ground behind the fallen catwalk and I set Lil down.  I then drop to a knee and start taking shots with both of my Ares preds. "I sure hope Mati knows what he's doing, cause if he doesn't... we're all screwed!"

GM: Despite the threat of the snipers, you decide to get the frag out of their line of sight.  Releasing your grip on the grapple gun's trigger, you begin to descend to the ground as quickly as the rope will allow.  Behind you, you can hear the shots of Ethan an his AK-98 plugging away at the poor lights.  The sounds of shattered glass are littering the air.  As your line of sight is about to dodge below the catwalk, you make out the sight and sound of Swandec yelling to his guards.

When you reach the ground you put Lil down and then un-holster your Preds, dropping to one knee, you start blasting at any light fixture in view.  Both you and Ethan run your guns out of ammo before finishing off all of the lights, but you have caused enough commotion to agitate a fight out of your friends on the other side.  Sparks are flying from the ceiling as you shove in a couple more clips, and the heat from the factory is radiating into your body.  You have begun to sweat again.

Meanwhile, back on the business side of the event you, Mati, are ducked crouched behind a box with a cloud of darkness surrounding you as the lights start to dim.  You hear Swandec shout out to his guards, and realize that you had better get the frag outta here.  You make out for the catwalk, just as the sound of full auto fire takes over the full attention of your ear drums.  The feeling of the grate are the next sensation you experience, and you begin your accent up the fallen catwalk.  Your emotions are sky high, and all the pain and fatigue from before comes rushing back you in the darkness, as you round the heavy chunk of metal in front of you.  Then, with the sound of a sniper bullet rushing towards you, instinct takes over and you fling yourself at the ground, but your foot slips, and you race towards the concrete, and the guards and the snipers and Swandec below...

Sammy: With the adrenaline still pumping through my body, I feel that the lights are dim enough and that we should get out of there and fast.  I slam the Ares preds into their holsters and I notice Mati falling towards the ground and my immediate reaction is to catch that meat body.  I burst into high gear and start sprinting to the location of Mati's descent.  While doing this I yell at Ethan and Lil "I'm gonna get Mati, gimme some running room by unloading as much ammo at the guards as you can!" The beads of sweat are streaking down my face now and there are only two things on my mind at the moment: Will I get there in time to catch him or will there be one big shaman mess to clean up.  The other thing is that I really hope a nut-job like Ethan doesn’t get too excited with shooting his gun and accidentally shoot Mati, Lil, or even worse... me.

Ethan: "Nut Job, I should kill you for that, you're the crazy ass trying to catch someone falling on the other side of the catwalk, out of your reach." "Way to go High Speed."

GM: ooc to Sammy: Ethan is right, but if you want to use your grapple gun to get back over that is an option.

Sammy: ooc: I probably would have not done that move if somebody (Tim) would clarify where exactly everybody is instead of using all his time explaining the gun shots so elaborately.  Don't mean to come down on you so hard Timmy, but do you think that you could let me and everybody else know a little bit more on where our characters are placed in your oh-so-well crafted and well thought out super mission.  Thanks bud! And mega thanks to Sweet Pockets for letting me know about me being on the wrong side of the catwalk.  I do however, plan on using the grapple gun to get back on top of the cat walk and then I’m gonna take the grapple gun and swing down on it like Indiana Jones and catch Mati.  And now its appropriate to call me crazy, but I’m still gonna do it and I’m gonna get loads of karma points for doing it too!

GM: As you, Sammy, grab onto the dangling grapple gun once, again, you flip the switch to turbo insane mode, and hoist yourself back up over the catwalk, your body is immediately assaulted by a barrage of lead.  The sound of pinging bullets fill the air as your feet touch down on the catwalks ledge and Mati's flailing body catches your eye just as he is about to slide into a pile of rubble closer to Swandec's goons than you had hoped for, but without delay you, grasp onto the grapple tighter than ever, and sprint towards the magician, dodging around metal and machinery with speed faster than normally possible.

As you make your way to the halfway point on your mission, you see Mati, bang his head against a pipe that is attached to a nasty looking contraption.  As he slips out of consciousness (serious stun) two burst of bullets whiz past your head.  Your trek continuous until you finally reach Mati, but not before you hear a loud thump.  One of the sniper bullets bursts into your torso, ripping through the armored jacket you are sporting (medium physical).  The pain wrenches through your body, but you manage to stay standing, and conscious.  The blood from your wound is soaking through the cloth, and only adds to your other injuries.

Grabbing Mati, and flinging the full weight of his body over your shoulder, your vision starts to blur, but you quickly pull the trigger on the grapple gun, which has managed to stay tightly gripped in your opposite hand.  Both you and Mati hurdle towards the ceiling of the complex, faster than Swandec can take aim.  As you ready for the decent, a queasy feeling rushes over your body, and you realize that you may not be conscious for very much longer...

Ethan: While I wait for Sammy and Mati, seeing as there is nothing I can do while they are flying through the air.  Well, I could take away all the pain they are in by putting them down.  I look outside again and scan the area more closely, so I can find out what we are going to do next after they get back down.

Sammy: I take a quick breather and pause to realize what the hell I just did.  I flew through the air and saved one of my teammates.  I took a bullet for this guy.  what the hell came over me?

I quickly realize the fact that I might not be chuggin for much longer so I start to descend on the grapple rope and yell down to Ethan. "We're all hurt, so that make you team captain now! Get us the hell out of here!!"

Ethan: "Rodger that Ghostrider!" I walk over to Lil to see how she's doing and if she can make it. "Are you ok?"

GM: Through the smoke and darkness of the now thoroughly trashed factory, you Ethan, spy Sammy plowing his way over the edge of the catwalk, and then pausing to size up the situation, he descends to the ground next to the bloody Lil.  With your AK-98 in slung over your shoulder, you hurry over to assist Lil in her struggles just as the heaping mass of Sammy and Mati touch down.

Woozy from pain, Sammy, you quickly fight back your urge to fall asleep, while lowering the magician to the ground next to the other wounded teammate.  The room looks darker that it did before, but you are happy to be on the correct side of the catwalk with the rest of your friends... finally.  However, over your shoulder, the sounds of reality catch the attention of your ear, and as you spin around, you can make out through the grating, smoke and broken machinery, the blue metallic shiftings of the two guards, as they begin their accent up the catwalk.  The sounds of their armor clang against the battered remains of the incline.

Just underneath the catwalk Ethan, you crouch down to examine Lil.  Her leg is still bleeding, and the movement of her chest has become achingly slower.  You see the pain in her face with every breath, but realize quickly that she is no longer even conscious.  As if you were in a 20th century war movie, the heroic valor of John Wayne tells you that unless she meets up with a doctor soon, you'll be one decker lighter.

The team now all huddled together just underneath the edge of the 40 meter high sloped catwalk ledge, stands roughly 30 meters from the only exit in site.  The two guards are quickly ascending the ramp while Swandec and his sniping friends remain out of site.

Ethan: "Alright, Lets move it People.  I've found the exit and we need to MOVE! Sammy, since you're wounded, you take Lil.  I'll take Mati." I pick Mati up, fireman style, and start to make a dash for the door.  When I reach it, I'll wait for Sammy and close the door behind us, hoping that the 2 guards in light security armor don't see us.

Sammy: Fighting the urge to fall asleep, I sluggishly nod at Ethan and say "Your team leader now!" I grasp Lil in my arms and follow Ethan.  If you were to ask me on what just happened, I wouldn't be able to tell you.  This whole battle just all of a sudden started moving in slow motion to me.  My wounds don't seem to be getting better and I think saving Mati was my one good deed for the day.  Now all I can hope to do is get outta here alive.  I'm so very tired...

GM: Without hesitating for too long, the only conscious people in the group pick up the others and bolt for the door, in a final attempt to save their asses.  Coughing and hacking in the moist, smoky air the outlines of four bodies can be seen from the top of the catwalk.

The two guards shoulder their H&Ks and open fire.  Bullets (ahhh the ever familiar sound) buzz the shoulders of the shadows, but to no avail.  The dinks and clanks of wasted ammo push through the air, and with one final yell the guards release the triggers of their slug throwers, and toss the empty smgs to their feet.

The moving search lights blind you, Sammy, as well as the more alert Ethan.  With half a heart of relief, and half a mind full of fear, your lungs sigh a breath of good 'ol Seattle city air.  Straight ahead of you, a chain fence rises up to full barbed wire.  Beyond the fence, an empty parking lot is illuminated by a flickering street light.  Just past the three odd rows of parking spots, a brick wall heads up the local industrial park.

Directly to your right, the scattered patches of grass lead to the rear of the building, while the path to the left, opens, eventually, into the front courtyard, where the facade of leafy vines hides the otherwise man made factory.  From either direction alarms are sounding.

From within the doorway that you just left, the screaming voices of local security are running around in a hurried panic.  To the best of your memories, your transportation is parked one block down from the front of the building in the direction of the parking lot.

Check out the new map at the new page just for our game:

http://people.ce.mediaone.net/petryt/pbemhome.htm

Mati: After careful consideration and a lot of meditation, Mati determines that at this particular time it would be in his best interest to stay unconscious.

Ethan: "Let's go for the fence, if all else fails, I have one grenade left to blow it up, or cut it with my knife." It's up to you Sammy, how far can you make it. "We might want to through something on the fence to make sure it isn't electric.  Just a thought."

Sammy: I shutter at the thought of the fence being electric.  For us to come this far and to be trapped like rats.  I ever so carefully put Lil down on the grass behind a dumpster for protection (I don't mean to run the game but we are in an alley and there should be some sort of trash receptacle around to hide behind) and turn to Ethan. "Listen, I'm in this for the long haul, so don't worry about me going cold fish on you! Now, if you would be ever so kind as to set Mati down and get ready to clean sweep the door if we should happen to get company.  I plan on taking care of the fence." I then pull out one of the empty Ares pred clips I used earlier and throw it at the fence to see if it is electric.

Mati's Smart-Ass Comments: Because of Tim's lack of responsibility in keeping up with the play by email game, I have taken it upon myself to write the next email.  So here it is and remember I am going to be completely objective in writing this.

The pred clip falls to the ground without a spark.  Miraculously the entire fence collapses under the weight of the clip.  The sight is truly something to behold.  At this point the sound of the fence crashing to the ground awakens Mati.  He looks around in amazement as he dangles from Sammy's back, his face in direct view of Ethan’s' finely cut rear end.  He leaps from Ethan's arms and using all of his might, now collected, he casts heal on Lil.  She awakens from her stupor and stops bleeding entirely.  At this point the door bursts open the two guards start to shove through the door.  However, the infrastructure is too weak and part of the building collapses on the two guards killing them instantly and blocking the doorway completely.  The parking lot is now within easy view and so is your car, shining with all of its glory and green flames.

Replacement email written by Mike Wass.  Support your local replacement e-mailers.

GM: (Editors note: optional trim)

Despite, Mati's unconscious efforts to will himself and Lil back into good health, his voice from beyond strays into an alternate universe through a rip in astral space where it maliciously causes many fences to meet their doom.

(Editors note: end optional trim)

You, Sammy, after leaning the lump that is Lil against the green dumpster, ignore the radiating smells and buzzing flies, overcome your incredibly headache, and pull out one of your empties.  As you hurl it at the fence, you spot Ethan out of the corner of your eye placing Mati on whatever bit of grass he can find.  He then reaches for his AK-98 and hovers it over the entrance from which your party just came.

The clip makes hardly a sound as it smacks the chain links and falls to the patch of beaten ground bellow.  Looking up and down the fence you spot a few signs posted on the other side, but from your angle, you can't make out any of the lettering.

From within the factory, the sounds of scrambling men and pissed off commanders echoes around, preventing you, Ethan, from distinguishing distance or relative position.

Sammy: I change my angle from where I’m standing so that I can read the signs near the fence.  I then yell to Ethan, "What’s it look like back there? Gimmie a holler if you need an extra gun!"

Ethan: Sammy, see if you can get that fence down somehow.  Lets get out of here, I only have 1 grenade and no ammo.  I'd like to live so I can get some ammo for all my most excellent weapons.

GM: Walking up to the side of the fence, Sammy, you attempt to read the red lettering on the other side.  However, despite your best head twisting, you can't manage to make out any words without actually touching the chain link.  The thrown clip now resides at you feet.

Ethan, as you stare into the dark factory door, the screams continue, but aren't matched with any visual information.

Ethan: I'm closing the door, just in case.  Sammy, be sure to touch it with the back of your hand if you decide to, that way you don't hold onto the fence and kill yourself.

Sammy: Well I guess its up to me to get us over the fence.  I lob my FN-HAR at Ethan. "Use this if things get rough.  It's loaded." I then put all my attention on this thing that’s blocking our way.  I only have one choice left.  I retract my Cyber-Spur and go loco on the fence hoping that I can cut through it.  I really hope this things not electrified.

GM: After grabbing the FN-HAR that was tossed to him, Ethan shoulders his AK-98 and checks the door one more time for hostiles before grabbing the knob and closing the door.  However, because of the damage done to it by his kicks the hunk of metal refuses to latch.  Instead it seems that the doors preferred position would be wide open.  Ethan manages to get the thing steady with an approximately two inch crack staring him in the face.

Meanwhile, across the way, Sammy stands next to the dividing fence and lets his spur slide out from the back of his right hand.  Ignoring all common sense, he then explodes into a rage, tearing at the obstacle and hoping that electric current doesn't leave him looking like the unconscious mage behind him.

Your arm comes crashing down onto the barrier, and in a miraculous display of sparks and light, you feel the vibrations of contact surging through your arm.  The attack complete, your hand comes full circle, and dangles at your side.

Surveying your work on the fence, and then realizing that you aren't twisting on the ground in convulsions, you come to the conclusion that the chains weren't electrified, but only sparking under the pressure of your ware.  With a wave of relief, you spot the small chinks and dents left by your spur, and determine that at this rate you could tear a hole in the fence within a relatively short amount of time, leaving enough space to drag the injured out if someone could hold back the cut piece.

With that you continue to slash and hack for all you're worth.

Mati: Mati's unconscious begins to stir within his mind...

A large jungle cat stalks through the thick jungle foliage.  Light from the sun falls through the trees and lands softly on the ground below.  The animal sniffs the air; prey is close by.  The tiger stalks through the jungle and stops at the edge of a grassy opening.  Two silent eyes peer through the jungle brush at the antelope grazing not more than fifty feet away.  His eyes squint closed as his back legs begin to tense up with power.  A wind rattles the leaves, and the tiger bursts out from his leafy cover, taking the antelope by surprise.  There is not time to run and the prey is dropped to the ground in a flash of carnage...

Ethan: I lay down prone with the barrel pointing towards the crack.  I make sure I’m in front of a wall and not a door so that if they decide to shoot the door, I'll be ok. "Sammy, yell if you need me."

Sammy: Thank God the damn fence wasn't electrified! Even so, the sparks from the metal on metal reaction has left my arm a little tarnished.  I ignore all pain and continue hacking at the fence knowing that if I can't get this done, we're all gonna die.

GM: After about 45 seconds of intense sparks and sweat, you finally rip a clean cut in the fence.  It is a yard long, and reaches down to the dirt.  Yanking up from the bottom you rack your arms, but bend the metal back, leaving a small hole that you and your teammates should be able to crawl through.

From atop the building the intense spotlight is continuing it's wide sweeps.  The brisk air all around cools your body, but your mind won't allow it to slow down.  The parking lot ahead beckons you, as bits of trash caress the pavement in the breeze.  You notice small collections of puddles from the recent rain...

Then, in an interesting twist of fate, your thoughts turn to Lil's car.  Damn, you left the windows rolled down.

From atop the factory, "Frag! Sir they're down here."

The scene has become flooded with light, and the air space above is screaming with guards.

Ethan: Sammy, get Lil, I'll get Mati.  lets get out of here.

Sammy: I run back to the dumpster and sling Lil's deck across my shoulder and the pick Lil up in my arms and slide her through the fence.  I then crawl through and pull out my Ares Preds from their holsters, use my thermographic vision to find the guards in the watch tower and squeeze several rounds off in the direction of the search light and at the soldiers up there. "Grab the mage and get your hoop over here, cause the trains leaving!"

GM: As the you partake in the warm flesh provided to you by the antelope, your back twinges from the enjoyment of a meal.  You haven't eaten in a week... maybe more.  Ripping quickly through it's hide, the antelope inhales it's last struggling breath, and then succumbs to your bloodied teeth.

As your stomach fills, the hot jungle air filters through your fur, and brings a wave of heat over your body.  However, the stimuli that catches your attention arrives not in the form of a feeling, but in a sound wave.

Your meal looses some of it's appeal as your ears prick straight up at the sound of a cracking twig.  Waiting for two long seconds, the noise comes again, this time accompanied by another noise.  This one is unknown to you.  It reminds you of a stick cracking under the antelopes feet, but somehow different.  It has drawn your curiosity, but most of all your instincts.

Ethan: I grab Mati and run to the fence.  I slide him through and then follow.  On the other side I pick up Mati and head for the car, going slightly slower so Sammy can catch up with me.  I need a vacation.

Mati: I sniff the air.  The stench of danger and blood mix.  My ears perk up at the sound of a crack.  I stop eating and peer into the jungle in the direction of the noise.  Danger is everywhere.  I quickly climb the nearest tree, dragging my prey up with me and sit on a sturdy branch.  I lay the antelope on the branch and sit ready to defend my territory and my meal...

GM: Ethan, as you start on your run to the car, you realize that Sammy isn't behind you.  Slowing your pace, you glance back over your shoulder just as gun shots rip through the air.  You spy flashes coming from the barrels of Sammy's Preds, and hear the shattering sounds of glass.  The scene dodges into the dark once again as you again point your head towards the cracked and barren street ahead.  A lone car speeds by to the left, and quickly disappears in the distance.

Sammy, after you blast the spot light, you continue to take pop shots at the ducking guards, but try to keep your mind on getting the frag out of here.  The body on your shoulder gives another grunt, and then goes limp, but you hardly notice between the deafening sound of exploding rounds.

Ethan: I stop and lay down.  I take the FN-HAR and open fire, covering Sammy

GM: Pausing to place Mati on the cold concrete, you whirl around and drop to the pavement.  Dropping the safety, you close one eye, and bring the scene into view, but realize that Sammy is the only one shooting.  Nonetheless, you depress the trigger and spray bullets in the same direction Sammy was.

Aiming into the pitch black night, it's unlikely that any of your shots struck home, but you feel empowered just knowing that the night watch is running for their lives at your mercy.

Sammy: I shift Lil's weight upon my shoulders for a better hold and run as fast as I can toward the car.  I stop in front of Ethan, kick him lightly in the shoulder and say "Forget the damn cover fire.  The search light I blew out should buy us some time.  So get up, grab Mati's meat body, and get your hoop in the fraggin car! I'll drive!" I then sprint as fast as I can go toward the car all the while thinking about this whole mission.  This reward this Johnson's paying us better be worth the price we had to pay here tonight!

Ethan: I stop firing, pick up Mati and run like hell after Sammy.

Mati: Mati's body twitches slightly, his dream begins to blur the lines of his sub-conscious and unconscious...

Hunger is a powerful motivator but instinct and fear are far more powerful.  I slowly glide down the side of the tree keeping my ears perked toward the direction of the brown flash.  Adrenaline surges through my body as I slink slowly forward into the grass searching for prey, an enemy or something new.  My nostrils flare, my ears perk, my body lowers so that my belly brushes the matted grass, and then I sink into the tall grass and into the unknown...

GM: Sammy, both you and Ethan finish positioning your unconscious comrades as you take off towards the car.  Crossing the remaining parking lot, the vehicle comes into view.  You cover the short city block with a cumbersome last sprint, and stop next to the rusted Ford under the light of a flickering street lamp.  The cone of light illuminates your whole team as a sheet from the Seattle Times flutters up in the wind.  It catches your right leg, and drops to your feet as the gust dies.

Meanwhile you, Ethan, have pulled the keys to Lil's car from your pocket.

GM: As you slink down the tree the only sound you hear is the light pat of your feet on the dry ground, and the barely audible breath of your inhaling lungs.  You are low on the ground, and can now make out a tall form through the yellow blades of wispy grass.  The taste of meat is on your tongue.

But before you can compose yourself to strike, the form in front of you takes off in a wild run.  It holds a long pole in one hand that shines in the sun, and from it's head, something khaki flies off behind him.  Terrified, you hear a loud scream fill the air, as the creature raises it's stick, steadying it on it's shoulder.  The ape beast is closing fast.

Mati: The sound of the ape beast flying through the grass is only a slight swishing sound.  My muscles tense, I stop and slink lower into the ground.  My fear is only slight, I fear mostly hatred, hatred for this creature that has entered my territory.  I wait patiently for the creature to come closer, my back legs are like coiled springs ready to burst forward.  I wait, wait, wait, then lunge at the screaming figure bringing my fore feet upward and springing out my retractable claws...this is going to hurt.

Sammy: A sigh of relief comes over me as we approach the car.  I put Lil's beaten body in the seat next to me as Ethan climbs in the back with Mati's body.  I put the keys into the ignition and drive the hell away from there.

Ethan: "Let's put the petal to the metal Sammy." I hope we make it back alive.

GM: In terror and anger you lunge at the man beast.  Your extended claws in front of you frame a pale face in the beating sun.  The shining pole drops to the ground, as the creature looks up at you and you see only a coward.  Time has slowed, as you hang in the air, waiting for the strike.

But it never comes.  Your feet land soundly on the packed earth without any noticeable impact.  Your senses dart around, but find no trace of the apparition.  You even check the distance behind you, but see only the tree and it's branches swaying in the breeze.

...

Your prey has vanished...

GM: The party climbs into the Ford, with Sammy and Lil in the front, and the Ethan Mati combo in back.  Ethan reaches over and hands Sammy the keys, just as the unconscious bodies slump over into more relaxed positions.

The key feels good as it slides into the ignition, but the peppy little motor sounds even better as the engine putters into something that resembles a rev.

A couple extra seconds pass; the tires sequel out into the dark streets of Seattle.  The splash of a stray puddle is the last thing visible to a weary homeless ork as the car pulls out of sight.

Ethan: Lets get to some medical facility to help for Lil and Mati.  Then lets get to the Johnson.

Sammy: The purr of the Americar engine sounded good as the car sped into the dusk.  Trying to avoid the main streets I drive slowly and inconspicuously toward the hospital.  I turn to Ethan and give him an apprehensive look. "Here's the thing.  Once we get in there, stow the guns away and hold on to Lil's deck.  Guard it with your life! The doctors don't take kindly to Shadowrunners and prefer not to deal with them, so try to keep our identity a secret.  Also, we're gonna have to pay in cash, so get your wallet out!" I pull the car into the parking lot, and stash all the guns in the trunk. "Let's go Ethan." I grab Lil and run into the ER screaming "Can we get a doctor! We got two people in serious condition!"

Mati: ...I bellow out into the air in anger.  My roaring voice echoes out across the plain.  I swing my head from left to right and scan the jungle looking for the apparition.  I sniff the air searching for the creature, my whiskers twitch as a gust of wind passes by. "Where did you go?"...

GM: All of your senses are on the alert and a faint breeze graces your nose.  Your whiskers twitch in reflex, but the odor that the silent wind carries is of more interest.  It smells of blood.

In the brush ahead, you see the tree rise out of the grass, and now hear the sound of movement.  It follows in constant intervals, a thump then the a dragging echo.  It stops then comes again... closer.

And in the time it takes for you to ready yourself, it is upon you.  From the lowly hiding place in the dead grass, an antelope lunges with unseen power into the air.  It's deranged and mauled face grimaces with pain and vengeance at you.  The lower intestines of this beast sag in the wind, before falling to the ground with a dirty pat.  Blood is everywhere, and it's fur is stained with dirt and redness.

Shocked, you stare in horror as the beast topples onto your shivering body.  It slice into you with it's teeth, and claws with it's mangled hooves.  Your body wrenches in the pain as this flopping thing tears your skin into a criss-cross of scars.  The dried earth around you has formed a cloud of dust surrounding the scuffle, so that no one can see what brand of horror keeps you pinned down.

GM: The drive to the nearest medical facility takes, in all, about a half an hour.  You weave through the rundown Seattle streets with caution, but stay focused on the less fortunate bodies in the car.

The digital clock reads 4:06 in bright blue as you pull into a parking space.  Flicking the lights off, you reach over to grab Lil, and motion for Ethan to do the same.

He slings Lil's deck over his shoulder, and the both of you exit the Ford.  You then proceed to toss your weapons into the now opened trunk, and as quickly as possible you slam the doors shut, lock the piece of drek, and run into the front door of the Doctor's Hospital of Tacoma, screaming for some help.

One of the nurses quickly runs up to the two of you.  You can see the bags under her eyes that are left over from long hours and one two many night shifts.  Upon seeing Lil and the mutilated leg, she buzzes for a stretcher, and within less than half a minute you spy the last of Lil wheeling around the corner.

Another aid spots up Mati, and recommends that all three of you have a seat in the waiting room.  Before you have a chance to ask any questions, he's gone down the same hallway that they took Lil.

You have no choice but to sit down in the plastic chairs and pour over the year old vidmags with the still unconscious Mati by your side.  Around you there are a couple other patrons of the hospital, all with looks of pain or discontent.

Mati: ...I am enraged at this point.  How dare this creature attack me.  I slash at this flailing, weaker beast attempting to remove its head from the neck and stop its constant thrashing around.  I dodge a sharp hoof kick to my throat and slash at the beast.  Another hoof comes down onto my face cutting my nose.  Blood drips from the fresh wound and mixes with the blood scent already in the air.  It is a mix of chaos and carnage...

Sammy: I grab a magazine and toss it at Ethan's lap. "Chill here for a sec.  I gotta go make a call." There is a lot of shit going on in my head at the moment and it's not letting up one bit.  I pace back and forth in the empty hallway.  Left to right, left to right.  Not knowing exactly how I am gonna lay the news down to the Johnson.  But, then in a burst of thought it dawns on me! I got a Johnson on my side! I walk into a secluded area of the hospital and use the internal telephone to call my good buddy Dave.  He'll help us, I hope...

Tim: If you don't remember who Dave is, I'll enlighten you a bit.  He was the level 2 contact who got us the meeting at that Frupps building a while back.  Mike should remember him.  He's married, got 2 kids and he's an Elf.

GM: Your now bloody body struggles to remove this living carcass from atop you.  It's weight seems immense, and no matter how many times you slash at it, the beast will not retreat.

You rip off it's ear, cut at it's chest, and empty it guts onto your sweaty fur.  The blood is warm and slithers through your hair, gathering in little pools.  Relentlessly, you beat the creature back, but fail to even harm it.

The antelope's teeth are bared, and the face is only half covered with skin.  It's broken leg swings at your head, connecting with unbearable pain.  The hooves come at you again, you try to dodge, but your fuzzy vision prevents any reaction quicker than a desperate head jerk.  You reel back at the blow, hoping that instinct sees you through this.

...

The pain has ceased.  You have fallen unconscious, but still remain awake somehow.  You can see the antelope bring it's full weight down on your body.  The head of the animal punches through your torso, but you don't even flinch.

The scene is now black, darker than the streets of Seattle, or the depths of your jungle home.  Looking at your arms, you realize that you are no longer a tiger, but one of the ape creatures.  This scares you, and look away into the void as you avoid you own form.  You are floating.  Your feet touch nothing, and you body is weightless.

Staring away into the nothing, your mind drifts back to the shaman who taught you how to live, how to use your powers.  You are looking for his guidance now.

...

What seems like hours pass.  The void is warm.  It engulfs your body, your human form.  Then, in the distance farther than your eyes can resolve, a candle flickers.

Mati: My mind is clouded but the distant flicker of a light draws me closer to it.  I use what power I have to guide myself toward the light, hoping that it is my salvation and not my final resting...

Ethan: I sit back and relax for a while and read the magazine.  I scan the room every so often to check things out and move myself so that I can make a run for the car if need be.

GM: As the light in the distance approaches, you now humanized body looks upon it with awe.  You can feel some higher power guiding you towards the goal, and towards a newly realized life.  The chants of you boyhood, and of your ancient teacher echo in the background, steadily growing in volume with every inch that you travel.  You feel no pain.

And then, the light that you have been longing for transforms into something concrete in you mind.  It's a tunnel, guiding you onward, swirling and streaming with light.  This nauseating sensation fills your stomach with a wretched inkling of reality, and you shut your eyes, attempting to filter out the maddening scene.

Finally opened, your eyes see the flickering of florescent brightness coming out of a fuzzy blur.  Your back aches, and the pain in your head almost hurdles you back into the abyss.  Next you is someone familiar, but the sterility of the room is foreign.  The smells and people around you, compounded with the memories of death haunting you culminates into something greater that you could possibly contain.

As you pour over an outdated copy of "Now You're Cooking with Synth," Ethan, you begin to feel the urges of hunger surge through your body.  This feeling quickly passed however.  Next you the strange magician stirs in his seat for a couple of seconds.  With an honest feeling of concern for him, you sit up and move to help him as he fades back into consciousness, but this effort comes with an unsuspecting reward.  As his eyes slam open, he immediately doubles over in his seat, and lets go whatever dinner he may have had.  This would be so bad if it didn't smell and if it wasn't all over you left leg.

The other patrons in the hospital glance up for a second, but don't give the incident a second thought.  From what you can surmise, these druggies and club hoppers have seen more than their fair share of weirdoes puking their guts out all over the place.

Off in the corner, Sammy, you manage to gain some decent reception, before getting you call through to Dave.  Letting the phone ring four long times, the carrier then routes you through to his voice mail where you hear the monotone voice of someone who obviously hates to hear his own voice recorded, "You have reached the personal inbox of Dave Prane.  Please leave a message or feel free to call my office and set up an appointment with my secretary.  Have a nice day....... beeeeep."

This sort of thing is not what you would like to be hearing at the particular moment in time, but Dave is a businessman before anything else.

Ethan: I bend down and pick up Mati. "You ok man?" "I wonder what the nurses are like round here, I'm going to go scout around and hopefully pick one up on my way to clean this crap off my leg.  I'll be back later Mati." "Hey Sammy, you get through? I'd like to get my money soon so I can get some ammo."

Mati: I nod to Ethan, my eyes still a little glazed over.  I struggle to prop myself up in the chair and I begin to slowly rub my aching head.  A putrid smell hangs in the air and I wince as a sharp pain runs up the side of my back. "Oh Maruk, what a drekky day."

Sammy: I disconnect from Dave and realize that now that we are out of that horrid place, they are gonna come after us.  So I think of one of the guys I know that will help us out with a place to hang.  Slag.  I get on the ringer and dial up the ork. "Hey Mati, find out where Lil is, ok?"

Mati: I look up at Sammy puzzled as to why he would ask me to go look for Lil, when my lunch is quite visibly on the floor in front of me.  I growl a bit at him, then lean back and close my eyes hoping that the thundering pain in my head will go away.  I slowly start to chant and begin to cast my heal spell hoping to rid myself of this pain and agony or at least lessen it.

GM: Again, the phone in your head begins its silent dial tone, audible only to your ears.  The phone rings twice, and then again.  Halfway through the third however a voice on the other end picks up.  The voice is instantly recognizable to you as the one and only decker who should stay at home, but calls himself a combat guru.

Slag's voice is calm, but tired.  He sounds as if he has just barely finished running from some unseen evil as he begins to talk, "Slag here, what's happening?"

The conversation from there progresses into a dialog, and you explain your situation to the orc.

"Gee guys, I'm sorry about Lil, but do you think she's going to pull through.  I wonder what the drek she has on that deck of hers.  Anyway, I'm down at the local stuffer shack right now, but I should be back at the apartment in about twenty minutes," Slag says as he stuffs another various sweetened snack into his mouth.  You can hear the crumbs falling from his mouth as he talks to you on his cell phone. "If you guys want to crash here, I'd be more than happy to put you up, but (sounds of sticky goo being slurped up) I have to warn you, I've been online for about 53 hours now, and I'm a little drained.  Plus... ummm... never mind, I'll see you guys soon, huh?"

Meanwhile you, Mati, have managed to get yourself upright in the hard plastic that creates a waiting room chair.  After blowing off Sammy's request with a look of disbelief you commence in casting your heal spell in hopes of relinquishing the pain.  Your mind seems clouded, and in the back of your head you realize something is not right, but continue your chants nonetheless. 

Your spell goes off without a hitch, and your physical wounds are now nonexistent.  On the other hand, you remember that this spell will not heal any of the headache or other less deadly damage.  With a sigh, you shrug off the effects of casting a spell so soon after regaining consciousness, and glance about the room once again, all the time wondering if you legs will allow you the privilege of standing.

Ethan, as you get up looking for a nurse your foot gets a taste of Mati's lunch, but you are able to avoid falling face flat into the mess.  Quickly regaining your composure, you maneuver over to the desk, and ask the lady behind it if she would like to scrap the puke off your leg.  As the florescent lights above crackle, she stares at you with a frown on her face, "I bet you'd like that, but I have other patients to deal with.  There's a bathroom down the hall if you can handle it on your own."

Turning away from the assault of sarcasm, you face Sammy, who looks deep in conversation.  You get his attention, however, as you make you way towards the hallway.  Down a few doors you can see the Men's room, and a couple of patients getting wheeled around the corner.  Towards the middle, though, there is a skinny man with glasses.  He's writing whatever doctors write on those clipboards, and doesn't seem to be taking his time.

GM(ooc): So you say you want some Karma.  You've heard it will solve all your problems, and give that next run the jump start it needs.  Ahh yes, that good stuff that will allow you to shoot straighter and jump higher.  When you're talking to THE MAN, nothing gets him shaking in his corp suit more than Karma.  Order online at:

http://www.geocities.com/suptk/srpbem

Don't be left in the dust.  Boost your quickness today with, KARMA.  Karma is brought to you by FASA.  Available from better GMs everywhere.

For surviving the hell and torture that is Tim, you all receive 2pts of Karma.  May you use it wisely.

To spend your Karma, please refer to the web page, and download "Karma Points and You." It gives you all the details and charts that you could possible need.  Matt, you also have the book so feel free to use it as well.  If you have any questions, just email the group, and I'll help you out.  Besides the Karma brief, you can also find a skill list and other character sheets to aid you down the road to better character development.

http://www.geocities.com/suptk/srpbem/Karma_and_You.PDF

And now for individual awards:

Matt and Sammy: For bravery, general rope swinging, humor and common sense you receive 3pts of Karma to do with as you see fit.  Plus you always nagged me to keep the game going.  Bonus to you.

Casey and Ethan: For boldness and having the intelligence to get to the other side of the catwalk, and therefore taking an astonishing 0 wounds (regardless of the fact that you were the one to blow up most of the factory) you receive 2pts of Karma.  May all you meetings be as violent.

Mike and Mati: For creating a unique character, staying within that character's personality, and instigating a dream sequence when you had noting else to do (by the way, I hoped you picked up on the foreshadowing) you receive 2pts of Karma.  May you learn to conjure spirits and use Astral space in the future.

I hope you find these rewards to your liking.  If you have questions about spending or recording them, remember to email the group.  This way everyone can learn with you.  Keep in mind, that you don't have to spend them now, but can save them in order to purchase more expensive improvements in the future.  If you do, however decide to use them, please send the email within the next few turns.

Ethan: "Stupid, ugly, nurse, secretary.  Why I otta..." I mumble as I start walking towards the bathroom, straightening my uniform as a go.  I go into the bathroom and proceed to scrape and scrub the puck off my boot. "Great, now I have to shine them again when I get home." I notice the doctor starting to walk down the hall.  I finish cleaning my boot and walk up to him. "Howdy Doc! Whatcya writing down there?" I say as I glance down at his clipboard. "Looks interesting, mind if I check it out?" I say as I slap him on the back, reaching for the clipboard.

Mati: I tentatively raise myself up using the chair to balance my wobbling legs.  Once to my feet I carefully shuffle over to the nurses desk, careful to avoid my lunch on the floor.  I lean against the desk.

"May I have some aspirin please?" I rasp out a semi-coherent statement to a nearby nurse.  My throat still burns a bit and my head is nowhere near clear.  My eyes feel blurred and bloodshot and I'm fighting the desire to fall back into unconsciousness.

Sammy: I jack off the phone and look around to see where my fallen comrades lie.  I gently sit Mati back down on the chair. "Just relax, I gotta place where we can crash.  Just collect your thoughts.  I'm gonna go find Lil and then we'll go." I walk out up to the reception desk and look ever-so-nicely at the nurse. "Excuse me miss, can you tell me where the lady who came in with us resides?"

GM: As you head towards the bathroom, Ethan, you notice that the place has sort of picked up.  There aren't any stretchers racing in, but the line of patients that have gathered around the unlucky nurse signals to you that this hospital gets its fair share of action.

You wipe the stains off your boot as best as possible, and then notice the splatters on you pant leg as well.  As you proceed to get another paper towel, one of the freaks from the waiting room enters, and hobbles over to you urinal.  His hair is greased up into a couple of spikes, which seem to match the type of wound you deduce he has received.  Tied around his left leg right above the knee, there is a strip of gauss tied in a tight know, holding in the blood.  Ignoring the street punk, and his many piercing, you toss the crumpled towel in the waste basket, and proceed into the hallway.

Meanwhile, Sammy, you close out you connection with Slag, and notice that Mati has managed to stumble up to the nurses desk.  He seemingly ignored the line of people waiting there before him, and is now every so nicely demanding aspirin over the disgruntled crowds hollers.  Seeing this a good opportunity to play the good, guy you convince him to retake his seat across the room.  Another scowl hits you glance, but the magician heeds your guidance.

Thankful for you assistance, the nurse manages to motion down the hall in response to your question and adds a bit of verbal flavor, "They wheeled her into the ER, but she looked pretty fragged up... I mean I'm sure she'll make it."

The tone of her voice, and general lack of enthusiasm, leaves you with feelings opposite of comfort, but you own wounds prevent you from rushing into anything too hastily.  Maybe you should be the one in the ER.

Regardless of the nurse and her herd of devotees, both you and Mati, are startled as you here a yelp coming from down the hall.  Glancing around the corner, you see Ethan grabbing at a clipboard that doesn't want to release itself from the hands of a resident doc.

Ethan, as the doctor commences in his auditory assault, you manage to spy the name off of the chart.  It reads, "Sean Billsman -- Multiple Gunsh," and ends with a foreboding finger waving in your face.

"Ya know, this is private information! Why don't you find someone else to harass, I have patients dying on me, and you want to grab their damn medical histories! Get BACK in the waiting room!"

From the waiting room, Mati, you notice that the ER is in the exact opposite direction in which the doc is pointing.

Ethan: "Yes sir" I say as I snap to attention and salute, trying desperately to keep in my laughter.  I wait for him to get 25 feet in front of me, then I start to follow him for a little, finding out what he's up to, and if there is anything good to look at, hopefully nurses.

Mati: I decide that I didn't nearly get killed to save Lil only to lose her now.  I begin a fast walk toward the ER not allowing anyone to stop my progress.  My blood begins to boil a bit and I start to feel more energized.  My adrenaline is now in charge and I'm going to find Lil.  I move faster in the direction of the swinging doors of the ER...

Mati: I feel weakness in my knees as the short burst of adrenaline expires leaving me to catch myself on a nearby chair.  I slide into the chair and rub my temples.  I need to find Lil.  I fold my legs up under myself and sit cross legged on the chair.  I rest my arms at my sides, close my eyes and astrally project myself into the astral plain.  Once in the plane I head toward the ER door and move through it in search of Lil.

Sammy: I notice that my work is done.  Lil will hopefully be found by Mati and Ethan is off looking for loving.  So that means that I can finally get healed! I walk up to the nurse and say as considerately as one can possibly be, "do you think I could see a doctor, please? I’m in some serious pain here." I then proceed to show the immense chemical burn on my sculpted stomach. "it hurts really bad, and id like it taken care of please." Hopefully, we can get outta here and into Slag's place before anything else happens.

<The_GM> Ethan, as you turn the corner looking for the nurses lounge, you spot up a couple of cameras and the door to the ER
<ss> my dickhead brother picked up the phone
<The_GM> go now
<The_GM> 545321
<Ethan> anything else that I see
<Ethan> or is it a dead end
<The_GM> just some various doors and the doc that you were harassing
<ss> pick door #1
<Mati> "Stay in character"
<Ethan> ok, I go through the first door
<Ethan> on the right, not the ER
* ss decides to stay in character
<The_GM> the door is a swinging one
<Ethan> I walk through
<The_GM> you push through it and see a hallway leading to the back of the hospital
<Ethan> I walk down the hallway
<The_GM> there are various patient rooms
<The_GM> and nurses running around
*** ss is now known as Sammy
<Sammy> oh yea
<The_GM> As you lift into the astral plane you can see the multi colored bodies of the "friendly nurse" as well as the other people in the room
<The_GM> you meant body is below you
<The_GM> there doesn't seem to be any others in the plane with you
* Mati hovers toward the door at the end of the hall and goes through it.
<The_GM> which door?
<Mati> The one at the end of the hall to my right.
<Mati> I think it may be the ER
<The_GM> Speeding at the rate of instant, you fly into the ER
<Ethan> I keep walking, lookin for a pretty nurse
<The_GM> there are three doctors working over a patient
* Mati hovers over them attempting to see who the patient is.
<The_GM> their auras all seem to be whole, except for some low level headware, but the patient they are working on doesn't seem to well off
<Mati> Can I see if it is Lil or not?
<The_GM> All of the nurses, Ethan look tired and over worked
<The_GM> It's Lil
<Mati> Thank you.
* Sammy walks over to the nurse in the waiting room and tries to get some medical help for his wounds
<The_GM> Do you cut in line?
* Ethan I start to walk back to the waiting room
* Mati hovers back to my meat body and back to the physical world.
<Sammy> was there a line
<The_GM> yes, full of others waiting for attention
<The_GM> you are all now back in the waiting room
<The_GM> in your meat bodies
<Sammy> how bad is my wound
<The_GM> pretty bad
<Ethan> alright, so what do you guys want to do
<The_GM> you aren't bleeding now, but you are now in extreme pain
<Ethan> Sammy, lets get you some medical attention
<Sammy> would I be able to heal up from magic
<The_GM> the adrenaline was the only thing keeping you going
<The_GM> yes
<Sammy> do it Mati
<Ethan> Sammy, sit down, and I’ll stand in line for you
<Sammy> no, I mean, heal me
<Sammy> do that hocus pocus stuff
<Mati> okay, I'll give it another shot, what have I got to lose, except consciousness.
<Mati> And I'm used to that.
* The_GM rolls some dice
<Sammy> make sure he doesn’t cheat mike
<Mati> STAY IN CHARACTER PLEASE
* Sammy glares at Mati
* Mati slowly rubs the amulet around my neck and chants quietly.
<Ethan> Sammy, sit down and rest, I'll stand in line for you.
<Ethan> Mati, you sit down and rest to
* Mati raises hand toward Sammy.
* Sammy gets turned on
<Sammy> jk
* Ethan you ready yet Tim?
<Sammy> by the way, I am staying in character because every time we play I make crude and unnecessary comments all over the place
<Sammy> so take that
* Mati winces a bit under the drain.
* Ethan both of you shut up
* Sammy awaits the healing
<The_GM> ok
* Sammy awaits the healing some more
<The_GM> Mati, you mumble to yourself in an attempt to heal your comrade, but the spell coupled with your already drained mind proves too much for you
<The_GM> the spell fail, and you lapse back into your sleep
* Sammy yells shit
<Ethan> both of you sit down and rest, I’ll stand in line
* Mati slumps off the chair and onto the ground
* Sammy picks up Mati and puts him in a chair
<Sammy> pretty soon we'll be at Slag's
<Sammy> there we can rest
<Sammy> I promise you this
* Mati dreams again.
<Sammy> (nice try mike, thanks)
<Ethan> I talk to the person in front of me "Excuse me, UCAS Airborne Rangers" I show him my ID, "We have an emergency and would appreciate it if we could go ahead of you"
<The_GM> unfortunately your dreams prove futile, and the images do not return
<The_GM> who are you talking to?
* Mati snores slightly
<Ethan> the person in front of me in line
* Sammy pokes Mati because the snoring is annoying
*** The_GM is now known as Disgruntl
<Disgruntl> what do you want
<Disgruntl> I have a pencil stuck in my arm
<Disgruntl> get the hell to the back of the line
<Ethan> And I have two men in serious condition
<Disgruntl> oh, yeah, do they have pencils in their arms?
<Ethan> no, just bullet holes
<Mati> (rip the pencil out of his arm)
<Disgruntl> What?!
* Disgruntl reminds the sleepy mage that he can't talk
<Sammy> (actually, its a bullet hole in the shoulder and a chemical spill on the stomach)
* Mati snores out loud in a raspy voice resembling comments.
* Disgruntl ignores you and turns his back to your face
<Ethan> I move past the line to the nurse
<Disgruntl> Get back here!
<Sammy> don’t do anything stupid
<Sammy> too late
*** Disgruntl is now known as Mrs_Frien
<Ethan> "excuse me mam, Capt. Hunt, UCAS Airborne Rangers" flashes ID
<Mrs_Frien> yeah, so
<Sammy> shut up with that crappy army stuff
<Sammy> just tell her what’s wrong
* Mrs_Frien looks at Sammy
<Mrs_Frien> maybe you should tell me
<Ethan> I have 2 men in serious condition, could I get them some immediate attention
<Mrs_Frien> do you have insurance?
<Ethan> on has a bullet hole in the shoulder and a chemical burn in the stomach
<Ethan> the other is drifting in and out of consciousness
<Mrs_Frien> hold on
<Sammy> our friend is the lady in the ER
* Mrs_Frien gets up and walks over to Sammy
* Mrs_Frien looks at his arm
<Mrs_Frien> does this hurt
* Sammy winces in pain
<Sammy> yes, it hurts
<Sammy> please don’t do that
* Mati snores loudly at the pain in MY SHOULDER
<Mrs_Frien> alright, let's get this guy some attention
* Mrs_Frien motions to the nurse that has just entered the room
<Sammy> thank you
*** Mrs_Frien is now known as The_GM
<Ethan> Thank you very much mam
<Ethan> you've done the UCAS a great service
* Sammy shakes his head
<The_GM> after about an hour of surgery you arise wake in a patient's room with an iv in your shoulder
* Mati tosses in his sleep at the pain in HIS SHOULDER.
<Sammy> watch Mati, make sure he doesn’t get stolen
<The_GM> Mati, you wake after 26 min, but in great pain
<The_GM> and a neck cramp
<Mati> "oh Maruk."
<Ethan> are we by Lil?
<The_GM> no
<Sammy> I look at my body to see what kind of condition my wounds are in
<The_GM> your are bandaged up completely around the inflicted areas
* Mati checks wound in arm.
<The_GM> you are in pain, but somehow feel better
<Sammy> can I walk out of the hospital and heal on my own
<The_GM> who are you asking?
<Sammy> the gm
<The_GM> doesn't work that way dude
<The_GM> you feel like you can stand
<Sammy> I know, I just want to know if I am healed well enough to do that
<The_GM> Ethan, and Mati, what are you doing?
* Sammy turns on the TV and watches the news
* Mati checks wounds
<The_GM> your arm is fine
*** Ethan has quit IRC (Read error to Ethan: Connection reset by peer)
<The_GM> you just feel tired
<The_GM> hold
<The_GM> lost connection
* Mati looks for a water fountain in the area.
* Sammy sure wishes that some friends of his would come visit him
<The_GM> you find one in the corner of the waiting room
* Mati drinks long and hard.
*** The_GM is now known as NewMan
*** NewMan is now known as NewsMan
*** Ethan has joined #srpbem
* Mati throws water in face.
<Ethan> sorry, what happened
<NewsMan> thanks John for that weather report
<NewsMan> but now onto headlines
<Mati> "what a drekky day." I whisper to myself.
<NewsMan> the merger between Frupps and Sincad Inc. was completed today
* Mati looks in the direction of the ER and walks down the hall.
<NewsMan> Sincad, who has been buying up research firms all over Seattle is expected to show a sharp increase in revenue
* Mati walks through the doors and heads in the direction of Lil.
* Ethan Tim, what happened while I got kicked off
<NewsMan> As you near the ER doors, you are stopped by a Doctor
*** NewsMan is now known as The_GM
<Sammy> we in prison now
<Sammy> jk
<Mati> (you didn't miss anything)
<Ethan> ok
<Ethan> so I’m still with you
<Sammy> I’m in a hospital bed
<Ethan> Sammy
<Mati> "I'm looking for a friend, please step aside".
*** The_GM is now known as Doc
<Ethan> "nurse, what is this man's condition?"
<Doc> I’m sorry you can't go in there
<Mati> "I'm sorry, you can't stop me."
<Ethan> "Sammy, you look ok, I’ll be right back."
* Mati pushes past doctor and heads into ER
<Ethan> I head to the ER
<Sammy> (don’t cause any fusses)
* Doc follows and takes a hard right
* Doc picks up a phone and starts talking
* Mati moves faster, realizing that security is on the way.
<Sammy> (we are already fugitives, lets not cause any more problems!!!!)
*** Doc is now known as The_GM
<The_GM> the three surgeons look up with haste upon your entrance
* Mati goes to Lil's spot and looks in on her.
<The_GM> Lil is not on the table
*** The_GM is now known as Doc
<Doc> Get the hell out of here
<Mati> "Where is the Elven girl that was here a while ago?"
<Doc> we are trying to save lives here
<Doc> Who the frag are you... get out of here
<Mati> "And I'm trying to find a friend, now tell me where she is?"
<Ethan> I make it to the ER
*** Doc is now known as The_GM
<Ethan> Is there anyone outside?
<The_GM> you here footsteps
<Sammy> (oh shit, way to go guys)
<The_GM> and shouting down the hall
<Mati> Does it sound like Lil?
<The_GM> two men in blue hospital fatigues enter
<The_GM> they're big
<Mati> "Drek"
*** The_GM is now known as Thug1
<Sammy> (just leave peacefully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
<Ethan> I open up the door, "Mati, there you are.  I'm sorry, he's not himself.  I'll take him."
<Thug1> I think you should leave now Sirs
<Ethan> "No need for violence."
<Sammy> (good call Ethan)
* Mati I look dumb founded at Ethan and begin to cringe on the floor
<Mati> "I just wanted to find Lil."
*** Thug1 is now known as The_GM
<Ethan> "I agree, I was just looking for my friend so I could take him back to the waiting room.  He disappeared on me"
<The_GM> The men look non-impressed
<The_GM> The motion for you to exit now
* Mati follows Ethan out of the ER
<The_GM> The doctors are trying desperately to gain they're composure as you leave
* Sammy awaits the visitation of his ignorant friends
* The_GM feels bad for Sammy
* Sammy thanks the gm
<Mati> "I'm going to go find the morgue, you go check on Sammy."
<Sammy> (or don’t find the morgue)
<The_GM> Mati, you don't feel much like walking anywhere
<Sammy> (come talk to me so we can get a plan)
* Mati looks for a directory of some kind or maybe a map.
<The_GM> there isn't one
<Ethan> Mati, come with me and check on Sammy.  Then we'll all go together.
<Mati> "fine."
<Sammy> (good call)
* Mati reluctantly follows Ethan.
<Ethan> "maybe I can find a nurse to help us, he he he"
<The_GM> You all head into the patient's section of the first floor
<Ethan> We make are way back to Sammy's room
<The_GM> after the initial rooms, you manage to find a desk
<The_GM> there is a man sitting behind it half asleep
<Sammy> hold on, I’m getting something to drink
* Mati bangs lightly on the desk.
<Sammy> seriously
<The_GM> He awakes, and asks you how he can help
<Mati> "We are looking for our friend.  Samuel Dixon."
<The_GM> He directs you to the third floor, room 356
<Mati> "Thank you."
<Ethan> We go to the room
* Mati follows Ethan to the room.
<The_GM> You manage to find an elevator, and it lifts you to the third floor.
<The_GM> You wander the halls for a while...
<Ethan> anyone in it?
<Ethan> besides us?
<The_GM> There are plenty of employees to dodge
<The_GM> but at this hour there aren't many visitors
<Ethan> any of them look like Elizabeth Shu
<The_GM> no
<Ethan> damn
<Ethan> ok
<Ethan> we go to room 356
<The_GM> Eventually you find Sammy's room
* Sammy notices some footsteps coming down the hall and turns off the TV
<The_GM> it's in the back
<Ethan> alright, how ya feeling
<Ethan> ?
<The_GM> are you going in?
<Ethan> yes
<Ethan> we're in Sammy's room
<Sammy> hey there idiots, what kind of trouble have you been getting into
<Mati> (No offense Tim, but could we move possibly any slower)
<The_GM> y
<The_GM> e
<The_GM> s
<Ethan> Mati almost got the crap kicked out of him
<Ethan> but I saved him from the hospital thugs
<Mati> "I was looking for Lil, they have moved her."
<Sammy> well, here’s how it goes
<Sammy> just listen
<Mati> "We need to check the morgue."
<Sammy> we are running for our lives from that fat ork who we stole the info from
<Ethan> "ok, Sammy, how do you feel"
<Sammy> I feel fine, now that you are in my sites
<Sammy> don’t do anything that would cause any alarm in the hospital
<Ethan> "Fine enough to walk out of the hospital"
<Mati> "We need to find Lil, even if she's dead we still need her corpse."
<Mati> "more importantly her deck."
<The_GM> you have her deck
<The_GM> it's in the car
<Sammy> (duh, mike)
<Mati> (oh, sorry)
<Mati> "We still need to find Lil, I don't leave people behind."
<Ethan> "Ok, Sammy, let's go"
<Ethan> "Neither do I"
<Sammy> wait
<Ethan> "what"
<Sammy> I don’t want to break any hospital rules
<Ethan> "me neither"
<Sammy> I want to play it safe until we get to Slag’s
<Sammy> I will stay here
<Mati> "What does that matter, we have already stolen from a mega corporation?"
<Ethan> " I want to play it safe until I get some ammo for my MMG"
<Sammy> Mati, go get the deck
<Sammy> and come back here
<Mati> "I don't know where the car is, I was unconscious remember."
<Ethan> "I'll find it.  STAY HERE."
<Mati> "I'm going to find Lil."
<Sammy> don’t pull any army shit
<Sammy> Mati, wait
<Ethan> "No, you stay here, I'll be back, then we'll find Lil, together"
* Mati ignores his pleas and walks out the door returning to the information desk.
<Ethan> Sammy, try and keep an eye on him, if you can
<Sammy> no
<The_GM> As you both leave a nurse enters Sammy's room to check on him
* Ethan goes to car and gets deck
<Mati> "Excuse me sir can you point me in the direction of the morgue?"
*** Sammy is now known as Matt-
*** The_GM is now known as MRsleep
* Matt- slaps himself in the face because of frustration
<MRsleep> huh?
*** Matt- is now known as Sammy
<MRsleep> what do you want
<MRsleep> hello?
* Ethan Walks to car and unlocks it
<Sammy> (who is mrsleep)
<MRsleep> are you talking to me
<Ethan> (the nurse)
<MRsleep> ok fine
* MRsleep naps
*** MRsleep is now known as The_GM
<The_GM> Ethan, you get the deck and head back in
* Mati bangs on the desk
<The_GM> however
* Sammy wishes that Mati would not cause such a ruckus
<The_GM> as you enter, you notice the sun beginning to rise and
<Ethan> (come on Tim, don't do this to me)
<Ethan> (haven't I kicked enough ass for one night)
<The_GM> a sleek black car on the other end of the parking lot with tinted windows... this normally wouldn't
<The_GM> cause a second look but
<Ethan> I hurry inside as fast as I can
<The_GM> the plates read Sin 23
*** The_GM is now known as MRsleep
* MRsleep awakes again
<Mati> "Excuse me sir, I need to find the morgue."
<Ethan> as soon as I get in I run up to Sammy’s room
<MRsleep> the morgue? why?
<Mati> "I need to identify a departed friend."
<Ethan> "SAMMY, MATI, SIN IS HERE!!!"
<Sammy> (she didn’t die, Tim told us that she is alive, dumbass)
<MRsleep> Oh, I'm sorry.  Well, you need to go downtown.
<MRsleep> I never said that Sammy
<Ethan> "drop your cocks and grab your socks.  we have to MOVE"
<Mati> "Thank you sir."
<Sammy> time out
* Mati rushes back into Sammy's room.
*** MRsleep is now known as The_GM
<Sammy> Tim you said in one of your emails that Lil was going to live
<The_GM> ummm... nooooo
*** martine_ has joined #srpbem
<Sammy> umm....yess
*** martine_ has left #srpbem
<The_GM> I never said she was dead though
<Sammy> whos martine
<Mati> that’s why I want to check the morgue
<Sammy> is that Scott
<Ethan> Sammy, Mati, he's here!
<Mati> "who's here?"
<Ethan> The guy we stole the stuff from!
* Sammy gets out of bed and pulls the IV out of his arm.  he grabs his stuff
<Sammy> lets go
<The_GM> The nurse who was helping Sammy looks up at this comment
<Mati> "drek."
*** The_GM is now known as Nurse
<Nurse> Sir?
<Nurse> are you alright
<Sammy> I feel great
<Mati> "He'll be fine."
<Nurse> you really should pull that out
<Nurse> shouldn’t
<Sammy> I know, but I’m in a big hurry to get out of here, now
<Ethan> "excuse me nurse, do you know where I can find a elf named Lil, that got out of OR
<Ethan> (she's an elf right)
<Nurse> (yes)
<Nurse> no, I don't know any Lil
<Nurse> Sir, are you sure, you look pretty banged up
* Mati whispers to Ethan
<Sammy> yes, I think ill be fine
<Ethan> I'd really appreciate your help with this miss.  Well, do you know someone that could point us in the right direction"
<Mati> "Did you bring my sword?"
<Sammy> thank you for your concern
<Ethan> no, I can't walk in here with a sword
<Ethan> and I have no ammo
* Sammy takes the nurse aside to ask a question
<Mati> "We need to find the fire escape."
<Nurse> yes Sammy
<Ethan> "Miss, where do you put the patients that just got out of the OR?"
<Nurse> In the recovery room usually
<Sammy> where is it
<Nurse> then they get moved up here
<Nurse> 2nd floor
<Sammy> thank you
<Ethan> "Could you take us there?"
<Sammy> please
<Nurse> Now?
<Sammy> yes please
<Ethan> "yes please"
<Ethan> "I'm sure a pretty nurse likes you could help us"
<Nurse> Would you like to put your clothes back on Sir?
* Nurse blushes
* Sammy puts on his clothes
* Sammy feels himself again
<Sammy> like himself again
<Ethan> "Please miss, I’m sorry I didn't catch your name"
<Nurse> Suzan
* Mati sneaks a peak outside of the room door.
<Sammy> (quit hitting on here!!!!!)
<Sammy> her
<Nurse> nothing out of the ordinary
<Ethan> "Well Suzan, could you take us there"
<Sammy> please
<Nurse> sure, but you need to get signed out Sir
<Sammy> where could I do that
<Nurse> why don't I get the doc
<Ethan> "How can he do that quickly Suzan?"
<Nurse> You should really have the doctor look at you
<Nurse> You were supposed to stay overnight
<Sammy> I really need to get out of here
<Sammy> please
<Ethan> "I'm afraid he can't do that"
<Nurse> Should I get the Lone Star Sir? Are you in trouble?
<Ethan> "This is of utmost importance to the UCAS"
<Ethan> "No, that won't be necessary
<Nurse> [Nice try Ethan]
<Sammy> (no army shit!!!!!)
<Ethan> (bite me, it works)
<Sammy> (no it doesn’t)
<Ethan> (thank you)
<Nurse> well, let me take you to find your friend we can get you checked out later
<Sammy> (it hasn’t worked yet, and it never will)
<Sammy> thank you
<Ethan> "thank you"
* Mati walks over to the window and looks outside into the parking lot.
* Sammy follows the nice nurse
* Ethan winks at her
<Sammy> (you never turn it off, do you)
<Ethan> (remember I have the women thing)
<Ethan> (nope, never)
<Nurse> The parking lot is filled, and from this height it's hard to make out detail.  It points to the back of the hospital.
<Ethan> (I can't turn it off)
* Mati follows his comrades
<Sammy> lead on Timmy
*** Nurse is now known as The_GM
<The_GM> She leads you downstairs reluctantly, and walks up to one of the nurses
<The_GM> after a short conversation, she rejoins you
*** The_GM is now known as Nurse
<Nurse> I'm sorry, but I don't think she is here
<Nurse> are you sure it was a serious operation?
<Ethan> "Do you know where she could be?"
<Sammy> where is she
<Ethan> "Yes, very serious, one of her legs was almost severed"
<Nurse> Oh my god!
<Nurse> Let me check the records again.
* Nurse walks into another room.
<Mati> "Miss, could you see if someone else checked her out?"
*** Nurse is now known as The_GM
<The_GM> Too late
<Mati> yea yea yea
<Ethan> what!
<Ethan> (is she dead, or are we found_
<Mati> "What if someone else checked her out? That Orc."
<Ethan> "the orc Sammy talked to was at his house"
<Sammy> I don’t think so
<Ethan> (what was the orc's name in the car?)
<Sammy> slag
<Sammy> slag is our friend
<Mati> "No not him, I mean the Sin guy."
<Sammy> fatty mcgee
<The_GM> after about 10 minutes she re-enters with a confused look on her face.
*** The_GM is now known as Nurse
<Sammy> what is it
<Ethan> "what's the problem babe"
<Nurse> I'm sorry, but we don't have any record of her at all
<Ethan> "uh oh"
<Nurse> Could she have used another name?
* Mati eyes widen.
<Ethan> "I don't think so"
<Nurse> (rightly so)
<Mati> "how many elves missing a leg can there possibly be?"
<Sammy> did anyone in the records have surgery like we are describing
<Ethan> (is this nurse good looking at all?)
<Nurse> Not many, but we don't have any record at all.  You could try talking to the doctors, but good luck getting them to talk.
<Nurse> [sort of]
<Sammy> (no, Casey, don’t)
<Mati> "Lets get to the car quickly.  I need something."
<Ethan> "well, maybe you could help us talk to one of them sweet thing"
<Mati> "Ethan give me the keys to the car, please."
* Sammy walks to a private place where he can make a head call
<Ethan> "If you're going for a weapon, stay out there, and take Sammy with you"
* Sammy calls slag
* Ethan hands Mati the keys
*** Nurse is now known as The_GM
* Mati motions for him to keep his voice down.
<The_GM> the phone rings 3 times before he answers
*** The_GM is now known as Slag
<Sammy> hey its me
<Slag> Who?
<Mati> "Ethan, where is the car?"
<Sammy> Sammy
<Sammy> we got a problem
<Slag> I thought you were coming over?
* Ethan tells him where the car is
<Slag> Me too
<Ethan> "look out for yourself, he's out there, black car, tinted windows
<Sammy> we checked a decker by the name of Lil in last night
* Mati heads down toward the car.
<Ethan> bring Sammy with
<Slag> Yeah
<Sammy> and she’s somehow not here
<Ethan> "Sammy, go with Mati"
<Mati> "Sammy's busy, you continue to look for Lil.  I'll watch the front door."
<Sammy> there are no records of here being here at all
<Slag> What do you mean not there? Did she leave on her own?
<Sammy> no
* Ethan "talks" to nurse some more
<Sammy> she’s missing a leg
<Slag> You think someone "deleted" her?
<Sammy> ?
<Sammy> deleted???
<Slag> Yeah, you know...
<Sammy> explain
<Slag> erased
<Slag> no more
<Slag> kaput
<Sammy> you got to be kidding, right
<Slag> without a trace
<Slag> I don't know
<Ethan> "She's dead Sammy"
<Slag> just throwing out ideas
<Sammy> hold on, slag
<Slag> sure thing
* Sammy looks at the others and tell them not to interrupt
<Ethan> go watch Mati, talk on the way
<Sammy> sorry about that slag
<Slag> [sounds of food] slup no prob
* Ethan goes back to flirting with nurse
<Slag> so what do you want me to do?
<Sammy> I know your the best, can you help us trace a deleted person
* Mati finds the car and unlocks the door.  Begins to search for his sword as he slides into the car and closes the door.
<Slag> ummm... well
<Sammy> well what
<Slag> how much info you got to go off of?
<Sammy> we got her deck
<Slag> that's a good place to start
<Slag> actually, what was she doing with it before the hospital?
<Sammy> she’s got some sic-corp property on there if you know what I mean
<Slag> Well frag man, why didn't you say so? Bring that bad boy over here!
<Sammy> be there as soon as I can
<Sammy> Sammy out
<Slag> right on
<Slag> oh... and
<Slag> ummm....
<Sammy> yeah
<Slag> never mind I’ll show you when you get here
<Slag> later man
<Sammy> cool, peace out
* Slag hangs up
*** Slag is now known as The_GM
* Sammy hangs up
<Sammy> lets go
* Ethan laughing with nurse
<The_GM> So call me alright?
* Sammy hits Ethan on the head and motions to go to the car
<Ethan> "will do"
<Ethan> slaps her butt
<The_GM> Bye bye Ethan... ohhh... you sly thing you
* The_GM blushes
* Ethan I am the GREATEST
* Sammy ignores the display and speed walks to the car
<Ethan> I double time it to Sammy
<Ethan> waving goodbye
<The_GM> You all make it to the car where Mati has been scouting the area
<Sammy> I grab the keys
<The_GM> the car with SIN 23 is still there
<Sammy> "get in"
<Sammy> we're gonna find Lil
<The_GM> no one has moved from it since you've been there Mati
<Mati> Did I find my sword
<Ethan> alright, lets roll
<The_GM> Yes
<Mati> Wait
<Sammy> yeah
<Mati> I want to make sure we aren't followed.
<Mati> I think its time to slash some tires.
<The_GM> (uh oh)
<Mati> What do you think?
<Sammy> nooooooooooo
<Sammy> how far away are we from the sin car
<Ethan> "go nice and slow
<Ethan> "don't attract any attention to us"
<The_GM> about 20 cars
<Mati> Fine, I think I need some sleep before I do anything else.
<Sammy> I swear to god, I peel out and leave you 2 here if you do anything stupid
<Sammy> I will peel out...
<Mati> "lets go and we'll see if they follow
<The_GM> are you driving Sammy?
* Sammy starts the car and carefully pulls out
<Mati> Ethan, we'll take care of them later.  On our terms
<Ethan> "I copy good buddy"
<Mati> (bite me Tim)
<Sammy> yes
<Mati> (Do we get more Karma points now?"
* Sammy drives car out of hospital lot
<Mati> (That’s a no)
<The_GM> as the car exits the parking lot, you notice the black one starting up its engine
<Ethan> "alright Sammy, take us to Slag's house"
<Sammy> I start to accelerate to lose the limo in an ally
<Mati> "So they have decided to follow hugh, better not lead them to your friends house."
<Sammy> or side street
<The_GM> it's not a limo
<Sammy> whatever
<The_GM> looks like a car out of a mob movie
<Ethan> I grab the FN-HAR (there any ammo left in it?)
<The_GM> no
<Mati> (a black sedan not doubt)
<Ethan> (never mind then)
<The_GM> wait, is it Sammy’s
<The_GM> then yes
<Ethan> ok, I grab the FN-HAR
<Mati> "wait, don't start shooting."
<Ethan> (I have an AK and an MMG, not an FN)
<Sammy> (there are more clips for MY fnhar)
<Mati> "We don't want to get killed.  Lets see if we can take them somewhere."
<Ethan> I won't, Sammy, just drive, I'll fire if need be
* Sammy drives to see where they follow
<Ethan> "where can we take them"
<The_GM> Slag lives downtown, and you begin to drive there
<Sammy> I avoid the easiest route
<Sammy> I don’t want to lead them there
<Mati> Call your friend and tell him to meet us somewhere other than his house.
<The_GM> the black sedan is not making any attempt to follow covertly
<The_GM> they seem to have confidence
<Mati> "Tell him to bring some guns and a couple of friends."
<Ethan> "want me to take out there tiers?"
<Sammy> (wanna go back to the hospital and go out the back, ditch the car, and take a taxi?)
<Mati> "Somewhere out of the way."
<Ethan> "anyone got a phone"
<Sammy> I do
<Ethan> "that I can use?"
<Sammy> ummm
<Sammy> no
<The_GM> (no shit he's only used it twice)
<The_GM> oh never mind
<Mati> "Sammy call him and tell him to meet us in an alley for an old fashioned ambush."
<Sammy> or we avoid gun fire and use my idea
<Ethan> "we could call the nurse and have her drive us.  I'm sure she would"
<Mati> No these guys know something and I want to know what it is.  If we corner them then we might get some info from them.
<The_GM> you've been driving for about twenty min now
<Sammy> wanna go to place where we can ditch the car and get a taxi
<Ethan> and tell Slag to meet us there"
<Mati> For once will you people listen to me?
<Ethan> With a vehicle
<Ethan> have him in ambush, just in case
<The_GM> the car is riding your hoops
<Mati> Come on Slag has to have friends that can help us catch these guys.
<Sammy> Ethan, open fire
<Sammy> I wanna lose these sobs
<The_GM> the sedan is a lot bigger than your piece of drek car
<Mati> No, Maruk we don't want them to kill these guys now.
<Ethan> I open the window and lean out, taking careful aim for the tire
<Sammy> or shoot the windshield out
<Ethan> I fire one shot
<Sammy> stupid
* The_GM rolls dice
<Ethan> "Sammy, Call Slag, tell him to meet us somewhere, his choice, with firearms"
<Mati> (you guys couldn't wait until we had them outnumbered, now we're dead as doornails.)
<The_GM> you miss
<Sammy> slag is not a walking army, he’s a goddamn decker!!!
<The_GM> at this point the sedan changes lanes and is pulling up next to you
<Ethan> I fire again, two shots for the tire, two at the drivers side of the windshield"
<The_GM> the sedan is right next to you
<Sammy> I make a sharp turn to avoid the car
* Mati ducks
<Ethan> I fire
* The_GM rolls dice
<Ethan> 3 shot burst
<Ethan> (Tim, do I have a watch cell phone?)
<Sammy> ( I gotta get going soon!!)
<Sammy> (so lets wrap it up somehow)
<The_GM> all miss the tires, and the ones that hit the car door bounce off as if they were stones
<The_GM> (ok matt)
<Sammy> (thanks)
<The_GM> The sedan reels to the right, and bashes into your car
<The_GM> commercial break
<Sammy> how fast are we going
<The_GM> no we're done
<Sammy> ok
<The_GM> leave it tense I figure
<Sammy> fine
<Ethan> oh, I was just about to do something
*** Sammy is now known as Matt-
<The_GM> do you want an email summary
<Matt-> sure
<The_GM> or you could just give me your next turns via email
<The_GM> what would you prefer
<Matt-> guys, we gotta loose this car and get to Slag's
<Ethan> give next turns now, then go
<The_GM> ok
<The_GM> go
<Matt-> and Casey, slag is not going to go into a shootout with us
<Ethan> "Sammy, see if you can get by my place so I can get my bike, I figure it will be harder to follow two of us"
<Matt-> good call
<Ethan> "then I'll use my phone to call the nurse and see if she'll meet us, maybe we could stay at her house"
<Matt-> we are staying at Slag’s
<The_GM> shouldn't you worry about the car that is going to take off your torso Ethan?
<Matt-> you are not getting laid
<Ethan> "you can"
<Mati> Mati shifts into astral space and attempts to see how many people are in the sedan and what they are packing then return to my meat body to report what I see.
<Ethan> (I know that)
<Ethan> I get back in the car
<Matt-> good idea mike
<The_GM> well we'll see Ethan  Mwa ha ha
<Matt-> I drive and avoid getting hit by the other car
<Ethan> hey, let's do this next Saturday
<The_GM> do you swerve?
<Matt-> while making our way to a place we can get out at
<Matt-> hell yea I swerve
<The_GM> my birthday is next Sat
<The_GM> cool matt
<Ethan> If you get me by my bike, just slow down and I’ll jump out

GM: Mati, as you slip into the astral plane to take a look at the scene, you notice that there is only one multicolored image driving the sedan.  No one else is riding in the car where you would think they should be.  The figure looks to be human, but is missing some sections of his aura, as they have been replaced with black gaping holes.  As you turn you attention to the physical plane to report the situation, you notice out of the corner of you eye another small tinge of color in the back of the car towards the trunk.

As your bullets fly, Ethan you suddenly notice that the car next to you is about to make you face a whole lot thinner.  Luckily the combination of Sammy's swerve, and your quick thinking result in a narrow miss.  The sedan collides with the Ford, breaking the two left windows.  Glass is now all over the seats, on both you and Sammy, but there are no injuries.

Looking ahead you are staring into traffic Sammy.  With the sudden swerve you maneuver the car into the third lane of this eight lane divided expressway.  The car that you just cut off, is laying on his horn, but the sound is being drowned out buy the adrenaline rush, and the fear of impending doom in the form of a black tinted sedan with "Sin 23" gleaming on its plates.  You are still 10 minutes away from downtown Seattle, and another 5 away from Slag's or Ethan's pad.

Glancing to the left, you happen to notice that the car of death is preparing for another hit.  Judging from the way your Americar handled the first collision, you decide that two times wouldn't make the insurance people happy.

Mati: "Sammy, don't smash the car, I think Lil is in the trunk, fall back!" I yell after spotting the small tinge of energy from the back of the car. "Whoever is driving, I think he is well armored or definitely decked out in some cyberware.  We need to follow this car or stop it without hurting whoever is in the trunk.  This car that we are in is not going to last many more hits so lets stay back."

I sit low in the back seat and astrally perceive into the trunk of the car to check in on who or what is in there and how they are doing.  Then I want to check in and see what kind of weapons that the guy driving has with him.

Ethan: I bring the rifle back up and keep firing at the driver's side of the car. "Hey Mati, what did you see man.  How many guy's are there?" "Anyone got any Idea's on how we can get out of this mess?"

Sammy: through the shrieking of Ethan and the bossy remarks from Mati, I realize what I must do: Drive the fraggin car! I quickly pull back into the lane that we were once in and keep going trying to avoid being hit by the other cars as well as the black sedan.  If Lil really is in that car, we gotta get her out! But one thing is for sure, Slag is gonna have to wait for his company to come over! "Ethan, shoot the tires out, now!"

GM: The bullets keep flying out of your window Ethan, and they just keep bouncing off of the front windshield, the passenger side of the car, and even the hood.  You let loose a mad rage of lead with little headway.  The gun vibrates in full auto even as Sammy jerks the car back and forth.  Your head sways with the motion of the car, becoming dangerously close to the black sedan.  You even feel a manic surge of happiness.

Sammy, you quickly realize that there is little room directly to your left, and decide to pull up ahead of the sedan.  Pushing down on the gas your body lurches deeper into what padding is left on the Ford's beaten cushions.  You can hear Ethan slam into the back window frame without a break in his gunfire.  As your car passes the sedan, the driver pulls into your lane, and again you are boxed in, with cars in every direction.

Quickly scanning the situation, and realizing that you aren't the most skilled driver (you have NO fraggin drive skills), you let your comrades know with a nod and floor the pedal, all the while cranking the wheel to the left.

The sparks from the collision fly in through the window and singe your arm hairs.  You can see the woman in the car next to you as her face breaks into a mad panic, but the Ford squeezes through regardless.  You are back in the original lane, and there seems to be little chance of the sedan pulling the same maneuver.

For once you feel like luck was on your side as you drive underneath the green glaring sign alerting you of the exit for Slag's apartment, "Downtown Seattle Loop - Next Exit - One Mile."

The astral plane seems hectic and volatile as you stare into it, but your concentration throughout Sammy and Ethan's escapade was on the trunk of the car.  Searching for any sort of identity, you are instead faced with something more odd than the truth.  The size and shape of the body looks adult.  You can even feel the life within it, but oddly enough, all of the superficial details are gone.  The aura surrounding this body is smooth and without any discernable places to anchor a reading.  It's as if it were shrouded in some sort of astral cloak.

--------------------------->

Just for you guys, I have uploaded a map of Sammy's little driving miracle.  This should clear up all questions of positioning.  Consider it a snapshot of the scene as of the end of this email.

Once again the web site address is:

http://www.geocities.com/suptk/srpbem

Ethan: I pull myself back into the car, figuring we'll be needing the ammo later and it isn't working.  So I sit back and "relax". "Sammy, call Slag.  Or give me his number so I can call him.  Let him know that we'll be there in about five min."

Sammy: I sit back in the seat of the car and realize that I had no fraggin clue what I was doing.  I am shocked and appalled at the mere fact that I am still alive.  Lady Luck was definitely on our side tonight.  The adrenaline is still pumping through my body but I realize the situation I'm in.  The sweat stain on my back is quite uncomfortable and I cant wait to get outta this death box on wheels. "Don’t worry about calling Slag, guys.  I’m sure he'll understand the whole being late thing.  Me and him go way back." I head toward the city of Seattle.  However, I was not born yesterday so I know how "The Man" likes to operate.  I know that we are gonna have to take a separate route near Slag’s apartment, ditch the car in a hidden place, and get there on foot, just to avoid any future tailing by a certain black sedan.

GM: Keep in mind that the black sedan is still within a couple of car lengths away, and as you change lanes in order to make the exit, he may still be able to follow you.

Mati: Frustrated, I sit back in my seat and try to assert myself to the situation.  I don't want to leave the car, especially if Lil is in the trunk, but I also can't afford or manage to cast any spells.  My head whirls a little from the driving experience.

"Ethan! Sammy! Whoever is in that trunk they don't want us to know who it is.  We shouldn't rush to Slag’s place until we get Lil.  We may have her deck, but I don't want to just leave her to these Sin guys.  What if we need her to work the deck?"

I yell this over the sound of cars rushing by.  I realize the situation is way out of my hands and attempt to stay as low in my seat as I can to avoid any return fire from the sedan.

Sammy: -Thanks Tim, I thought we lost the sedan.  I just keep driving to avoid the sedan and possibly lose it.

GM: With an extended exhale you, Mati, rest back in your seat as thoughts of astral forms dance through you head.  Peering over your shoulder you can make out the sedan creeping up to fill the gap left by Sammy's driving skills, but don't see any threat from it as of yet.  Turning back around you can see Ethan ducking his head back inside and slouch into the Ford's beaten seat cushions.  He checks the clip of Sammy's FN-HAR, and a look of disappointment overtakes his now cringing face as he discovers that there aren't any more rounds in the clip.

As you look over at Sammy, you notice that Ethan is about to ask for a spare.  However, he hesitates upon discovering that Sammy's hands are now gripping the steering wheel with bare white knuckles.  Although he gives the impression of calm, you can see the sweat dripping off of his fingertips.

Sammy, you crank the car forward looking for an opening.  The traffic is unforgiving, and you aren't used to high intensity driving.  The sedan dances in the rear-view mirror as you slide into the lane directly to your right, but again become boxed in as the cars surrounding you fill in the gaps.  There is a semi-truck in front of you with less than half a mile to go until your exit.

GM: Alone atop one of the many apartment buildings in the downtown area you can feel the wind rustling through your hair as you avert your eyes from the freshly risen sun.  Last night's rain has left the area wet with puddles and the smell of dirty water.  The air is warm, especially in your black jumpsuit, and you can feel the heat seeping through it's pours.  The entire horizon is dotted with buildings rising above each other, and off to the far right you can barely make out the tip of the arcology.  A few early morning helicopters dodge the corporate towers.

You plug your HUD into the belt mounted computer at your side, and the building top comes alive with red and green wire frames accompanied by various numerical displays.  Eventually the scene settles as the CPU revs up to speed, and you make your way to the building's edge.  Underneath your padded feet, you can hear the subtle sounds of gravel and plas-tar crunching together.

With a couple of commands, you decide to review the mission objectives one last time before taking the plunge.  In front of your face a bulleted list fuzzes into view:

A) Gain entrance to 343 W. Lorne St. (WARNING: High Security Alert)
B) Access Apt. #1620 on floor 62
C) Obtain Hard Copies (yes, you read that right) of Samantha D.'s SC Inc. Corp. File
NOTE: Use min. force and max. stealth on any occupants

With a flicker you cut back to the scene at hand and peer over the ledge.  Working in daylight always makes you nervous, but timelines have always taken preference over convenience.  Your only other wish is that the Johnson over at Mitsuhama had given you more details about this pieced together run.

Regardless, the fire escape below shows up on the building plans as the best point of entry.  With the file loaded into your computer though, an alternate means of approach could easily be obtained.

Kate: Not wanting to break the serenity of the morning, I pace the rooftop once again, examining the elevator shat I used for access, wishing the doors were not wired to notify security if forced.  Examining the stairwell, I decide that it too is most likely wired.  Best to get some intel before opening any high security doors.  Praying for an open window, or at least a set of closed blinds, I hug the long shadows cast upon the side of the building by the morning sun until I have gained a vantage into Apt. #1620.  Ducking into the recess of the balcony, I study the sliding door and the apartment beyond, from behind the safety of the blinds.  Taking my time, I scan the entire apartment, creating a more complete picture of what I am up against.

I hate ambushes.  Why couldn’t I be doing this at night? I hope the owner sleeps late.  Why didn't I just check the door first? This better not go wrong.  Why don't I ever eat beforehand? Shut up Kate! Stick to the object at hand!

Sammy: -Tim, I plan on going for the exit to get off of the highway.  I figure I have a better chance losing the sedan in a less traffic congested area.

GM: As you slip down the side of the building, you get a good feeling for the texture of the building.  It seems to be constructed of some sort of brick and plastic composite, definitely not something that your average bullet could penetrate with any amount of ease.

The grate of the fire escape rattles slightly, but the city never sleeps and the sounds of cars below drown out any chance of you being noticed.  The metal is cold, even through your gloves, and as you approach the appropriate floor, you notice that this network of stairs doesn't extend all the way down, but rather the potential escapees would have to lower the bottom portion by hand in order to complete the decent.

This thought quickly leaves your mind as you dodge into the long shadows firmly planted on the left of your target apartment's window.  Although there isn't a balcony, so to speak, the fire escape butt's up right next to the window.  The blinds are luckily cracked wide enough for you to peer through them.  Regretfully, the lights within provide you with less than optimal viewing conditions.

No matter, with a flick of a switch you illuminate the room in every form of assisted sight that your hard earned tech can provide you with.  The room is some sort of living, or family room.  On the floor you can make out the remains of junk food, some half eaten, and some ripped to shreds.  Obviously whomever occupies this hole in the wall frequents the Stuffer Shack down the street.  Stained carpeting lines the floor and leads your eyes into a beaten couch who's stuffing is starting to leak at the seams.  Besides a few low quality pictures hanging on the wall, and a flickering trid along the far left wall, it doesn't give you the impression that this room gets much use.

A quick look at the window reveals some obvious alarms, but with the appropriate tools, these don't look like the type of hardware that would hold you up.

In all, a suspiciously easy job, and you just keep thinking nothing every goes quite as planned.

GM: Gripping the steering wheel like a mad banshee from hell, you remember to signal before cutting the guy to your right off, and plowing your way into the next lane.  Before continuing your lane changing rush, you jerk the car back left.  Realizing that the Ford isn't up for a crash derby, your hesitation only costs you a few seconds.

This, however, is enough to spot up the sedan in the mirror.  With its tinted windows it seems oddly cool as it follows your lead and confidently shifts right.

Ignoring this, you manage to spot up an opening and reel your tiny piece of drek into it.  Someone in an SUV behind you is laying on the horn, and you don't understand why he's riding your hoop, but ahead of you the road is splitting into two, and the green sign above signals to you that this is the place you need to be heading towards.  The fact occurs to you that you never bothered to switch off your blinker in the first place, but it doesn't matter as you slide off of the expressway, and onto the main streets of downtown Seattle.

Every way you look, there is a car trying desperately to get past the next drek-head, and over to their respective wage slave places of conformity.  You can only imagine how their faces will cringe in phony smiles as they are waving, "Hi" to whatever kind of co-workers they secretly hate.

Regardless, the masses of concrete towering above you never cease to intimidate, and the crowds on the street looking blankly at their news feeds while their coats get caught up in the breeze always seem to remind you of your days back in the bureau.  Besides the sounds of road rage and bustling streets, you catch a glimpse of a random couple of helicopters, probably the news jockeys, always diving after the latest scoop.  The scene, in all, looks full, dirty, and larger than life.  After all, this is Seattle.

Kate: Realizing that the fire escape is not a viable means of escape, I reassure myself that I could use my zip line to reach the ground.  It certainly looks to be quite a drop, but I've got quite a lot of line.  Enough about escape though, I'm on a schedule of sorts.

Dealing with the window and it alarms, I check one more time for the real security that I know has just got to be there.  Almost disappointed, I disable the security and ever so quietly slide open the window.  Not yet ready to fully trust my eyes, I slip unnoticed into the pathetic excuse for a residence.

Not wanting to be interrupted, I glide through the room and begin to check the rest of the apartment.  Room by room I extend my senses to the remote corners of the dwelling, searching for any sign of company to this very private party.  Upon assuring myself that I am alone for the moment, I begin to rummage through the less than savory junk that adorns the apartment.  Starting behind the pictures, I from the table, to the sofa.  If this brief search doesn't turn up what I am after, I move to the other rooms of the residence.  As I look through the belongings, I begin to think about why a valuable corp file would even be at a place like this.  I don't like it.  This mission doesn't make sense.  Finally, if my subtle search doesn't pan out, I get much less unobtrusive.  I no longer worry about hiding the presence of a visitor: digging in the couch, checking the stuffer shack bags, opening picture frames, moving the trid systems a bit, and pulling drawers to check for anything that was not meant to be found.

By the way... If I did get lucky and find the file, I confirm that it is Samantha D.'s SC Inc. Corp. File and the frag out of there.  I plan upon using my grapple gun to get to the roof and leave the same way I came in, unnoticed that is.

Mati: I press my hand up against the glass window as I peer out into the cityscape and watch as the sedan rolls on.  That had to be Lil.  We still need to get her back.  I never leave anyone behind, never.  A sickening feeling churns my stomach.  The thought of Lil in the hands of these corporate animals takes me back to my home and my mothers helplessness.  I suppress an angry growl as I close my eyes and bow my head.  I will have my revenge, I will see Lil free and I will kill anyone who harms her.  I slide back into the car seat and close my eyes.  I must keep an eye on Lil. "Sammy, Ethan, I'm going to astrally project myself into the sedan and keep an eye on it.  This way we will know where to find it later.  I need you to watch out for my body and after about five hours I need you to take me back to Sammy's apartment where my astral form will be waiting.  Just keep an eye on the time or I'll be toast.  Okay, here I go."

I sit back in the chair and my astral form chases after the sedan in a desperate attempt to catch a ride to wherever it is going.

Sammy: I am thankful that that shitty sedan is off my back and now I can get down to Slag’s.  I head in the direction of his apartment.  I just gotta find a place to ditch the car for a little while.

GM: As your astral form lifts from its body, you hover over the Ford searching for the black sedan.  Wandering over the expressway exit, and quickly scanning the four lanes of mayhem that you recently left behind, you come to the disturbing conclusion that the sedan is not right behind you, but not on the road you just turned off of either.  A sense of weird curiosity overtakes you as you hesitate momentarily deciding what to do about this new loss.

Back in the car you, Sammy, continue to drive towards Slag's apartment.  Luckily it is close by and you round a couple of corners leading to his block in no time.  This particular street is still as abundant as ever with pedestrians and cars passing by, but you manage to find a place to parallel park just the same.  Putting the blinker on, you signal to the car behind your intentions.

GM: Pulling out your needle nose pliers and wire cutters, you make short work of the outside window alarms.  The window itself is also conveniently unlocked and you slide it up with now problem whatsoever.  This ease unsettles you, but concentrating on the job at hand seems more important than the lack of security.

As you slide into the apartment, your feet crumple on some loose chips and open bags scattered on the floor.  The entire carpet is a minefield of noise-making apparatus.  Picking you way through as best you can you creep over to the one hallway.  Peering down, you can make out the kitchen to the left, and three doors further down.  One appears to be a closet, another the bathroom, and at the very end you can make out a glint of flickering light coming from behind a cracked door.  In all likelihood it leads to the bedroom, but what is behind the door is still to be determined.

In uniform efficiency, you take the left into the owner's tiled kitchen.  Not even enough room for a table, there are two countertops filled with junk food, leaving the cabinets empty spare a few canned goods that look too antique to be savory.  The wall adjoining the living room is half open so that it looks inward and gives the room a feeling of largeness that is doesn't deserve.  You can see the front door from here, and can feel your feet sticking to the tile, as you step over to the fridge.  Making quick work of this empty hole in the wall, the owner didn't even bother to replace the bulb that is burned out.  Obviously, this is not the room to be looking for expensive Corp files in.

The closet and bathroom provide you with much of the same feeling as the living room and kitchen.  Baron and dirty, whomever lives here sure doesn't spend a lot of time picking up after themselves.  This, however, leaves you with just one option left.

A few silent steps later, you are nudging up against the bedroom door, trying to steal an unnoticed look inward.  You can see an unmade bed along the near wall and beyond that, there is a window with shut blinds.  Opening the door a bit more affords you more of the scenery, and this extra view is the interesting one.  Slumped in chair with his head glued to a desk, there is an orc, or rather the back of an orc.  A single wire is plugged into his head, and wraps around to the deck sitting quietly on his lap.  Atop the desk is a small computer screen that seems to be outputting lines of unreadable text, and all around the desk there are bits of hardware.  From deck parts to gun clips this seems to be home base for Mr. No-name orc's under the table business venture.

Mati: Realizing that the sedan is no where to be seen I sense my way back to my body to see what the next move will be.  I will find her and I will kill those that took her.  I will have my revenge.  Before my astral form re-enters my body it growls loudly in anger.

Kate: Reassuring myself that my ski mask is on, I match the air temperature and gently slide into the room behind him.  Gingerly stepping my way through the hardware strewn across the floor, I approach the desk and scan the room for any sort of backpacks, folders, or drawers.  After crouching down to check under the bed, I conclude that the file must be in the desk.  Studying the orc's breathing cycle for a few moments, I decide he must be jacked in, therefore oblivious to this room.  Slowly and cautiously, I open the desk drawers and remove any file found within.  If there are a lot of files I find the correct one.  Counting my blessings that he hasn't quite finished his run yet, I notice his pack upon the ground.  Deciding that it might contain part of the file as well, I carefully pick it up and glide to the door as stealthfully as I entered.  Once out of the room, I rapidly move to the window; head up to the roof; into the stairwell; rummage through the backpack and file; take anything of interest; change to civilian clothes; let my skin return to normal; stash the prize under my coat; head down to freedom hoping that I get out before he notices that his bag is gone.  As I walk through the lobby it seems to be just another day for everyone might care about my presence.

If, by some stroke of luck, this all went off without a hitch I head directly to the drop off point via my cabbie.  If, or more like when, the ork jacks out I intend to knock him out via an all sap to the head and continue as planned.  If he alerted anyone before I can deal with him, I use my zip line down the back of the building instead of walking through the lobby.  If, by some twist of plot that I just caught on to, someone knocks on Slag's ...err... the ork's door I go back out the window.  If I have my prize, I get the hell out.  Otherwise I listen, via my sonic sensors, until the guests have left and react according to the new situation.

Sammy: I, not being an idiot, decide to park the car someplace else.  If it was that easy for them to find us in a hospital parking lot, then it will be even easier to find us here.  I keep driving till I find a nearby ally where I can stash the car away for a little while.  I figure we could use the exercise.  I park the car, open the trunk grab all of the guns and gear and walk to Slag’s.  "Man I cant wait to hit that sofa!"

Mati: I shake off the overwhelming urge to sleep just long enough to get my gear, walk to Slag’s and get in the door.  After that I curl up in a corner of the room and fall asleep.

Ethan: I grab all my weapons/gear, trying to conceal my MMG, and head for Slag’s, where I proceed to "sleep" so I can stay half awake if need be.

GM: Slipping into the bedroom, the orc at the desk remains oblivious to your actions.  Nonetheless you quietly scan the room again, cranking your hardware to it's full capacity.  Again the scans come up NULL, but a hint of worry twinges the back of your thought process.  Getting right to work, you begin at the desk.  Shuffling through the next-to-empty drawers, the only thing of interest you find is the leftovers of a soy burger.  Wiping the sticky residue off your hand, and onto the comatose orc's bright yellow shirt, you move on to the knapsack lying on the floor.

The contents are a little less edible, but your searching is not proving effective, at least not as quick as you would have hoped for.  The pack contains only computer data chips, and the clip for an Ares Pred, half empty.  Speaking of guns, you realize that the orc had something strapped to his side.  Turning one-eighty around to face the lump of a metahuman, your eye is trained on his holstered Colt American.  If this place has such tight security, how the frag did he get this thing in the front door?

No matter, because the next thing you spot is of considerably more value.  The chair underneath this decker's hoop is nothing fancy.  When you spend your days in the grips of a sensory deprived computer world, a folding chair gets the job done.  However, in between the torn pair a synth jeans and a burgundy piece of metal, the corner of a manila folder peaks out at you and winks.  Your first thought is to push the lump off the chair and make a run for it, but that would mean his jack would come out.  Seems like this guy opted for the cheapo extension cord; couldn't afford the extra fraggin meter.

Maybe he doesn't weigh as much as he looks.

GM: Sliding your pathetic excuse for a car around the back alley, you spot up an open slot next to a rather rancid dumpster.  You would normally motion to close the vents in the car, but after a short thought, you realize that you are going to have to exit the vehicle soon, and instead begin to ponder techniques that will allow you to stay conscious.

Exiting the vehicle, the three of you manage to close all the door simultaneously, and the scene reminds you of a movie while your clothes flutter in the wind.  Proceeding to the trunk you grab your gear, slam the trunk and steal a look up the back side of Slag's building.

This area of downtown is home to many tall buildings, and Slag's abode is no exception.  Rising into the ever present smog line, you stare at a mostly brick wall.  Flat to the apex, the only structure that breaks up the scene is the presence of a black fire escape.  Slag lives on the sixty-second floor, but you've seen the building before.  After they put in the express elevator, you hardly notice a difference between any of the apartments.

Proceeding to the front of the building you stroll through the front door, with only one noticeable resultant red light blinking.  There isn't a lobby per say, but the triple elevator array beckons to you nonetheless.  A few other residents, or visitors, or security types shoot you a glance, but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of day.  Making your way over to the third elevator, you notice a couple of hallways branching out to your left and right.  If anyone has to take a piss, now would be the time.  Of course you could just borrow Slag's, but from past experiences you've learned not to trust the orc's cleanliness.  Most of his life is spent attached to a deck, leaving him little time for home and gardening.  Frag, even a vacuum cleaner would be nice once in a while.

You push your way on to the elevator, or rather the others in the building seem to let you on.  As the doors close you notice that you are actually the only ones on the thing.  As a scene from that 20th century Ghostkillers... Ghosthunters... err... Well, you know the one where the old guy says he'll take the next one?  Let's just say the MMG didn't go over well with the pedestrians.

The digital meter above the doors speeds up, scrolling through the sequence.  In the world of 2060, the music hasn't improved, but the finesse of elevators has.  With a speed not uncommon, you fly past the thirties, and are well into the sixties as the car comes to a stop.  You wait patiently for the resident to get on, but realize that the doors haven't opened.  Sammy has that look on his face again.

The PA crackles in, "In case you punks didn't realize it, the Pheasant Terrace does not appreciate illegal activity.  The Lone Star have been notified of your illegal hardware, and are proceeding to you presently.  Furthermore, your business is no longer welcome here."

Looking at the readout, the red numbers read half way between sixty-one and sixty-two.

Kate: Not that it really matters...

Thinking for a moment that just a little thought might lead to a undetected mission, I decide scan the room for help.  Hmm...doesn't look promising.

Well, I guess I'll have to do it the hard way.  After placing the gun back in its holster, without ammo, I nudge the lard enough to expose an entire side of the envelope, slit the edge with my knife, and slide the contents out.

"Good, this is just what I am after!  Time to get the hell out of here."

I head to the roof and leave via the stairway in plain clothes.

Sammy: "Shit."  I slam my fist into the door with anger.  I turn to Ethan.  "You just have to lug around the most intimidating weapons, don’t you!"  I shake my head and try to clear my mind.  We gotta get out of hear and fast.  I  look up at the ceiling of the elevator.  (If my movie knowledge is right,  there should be an opening hatch that we could escape out of.  Am I right  Koppang?)  "Mati take that sword of yours and pry that bitch up." As I point  to the hatch.  I get on the horn and give Slag a call.  I hope he can help us  out!

Ethan: shit, oh well.  Let's get goin.  Jump up through the hatch, and lets get climbing.  Geez, frickin Seattle...."Come to the coast she said, we'll have some drinks, it will be fun..."  I hate the west coast.

Mati: "Oh Maruk." I turn to the two gun toting psycho paths whom I have now found myself trapped in an elevator with.  I begin to wonder how I ever got put together with these guys and why I always end up hurt in the process.  The big dumb one wants me to use my sword to pry open the hatch in the ceiling, what does this look like a crowbar. "I'm not going to pry it open with my sword.  Bash it with the stupid gun that has gotten us into this problem in the first place."  I sit down on in the corner of the elevator compartment and perceive the 62nd floor looking for Slag’s apartment to see if this Decker orc is in or if we are royally screwed.

Sammy: "We are not gonna get outta here unless we all work together.  Whatever you do, don’t fire a gun at all.  It will only make the Lone Star want us more!"   I turn to Ethan and Mati.  "We are between 2 floors here.  If we can pry the doors open and slip out onto a level, we could escape outta this damn hanging metal box.  Now help me!"  I walk up to the door and use all of my strength to pry the doors open.

Ethan: I pull out my knife and try to use it as a crowbar to help out Sammy.

GM: Again, your travels have whisked you off into the astral plane.  As the idealized form of your human body lifts out of its cocoon, you see Sammy up against the elevator door, struggling to get a grip or maybe even a bit of leverage.  Ethan pulls a knife and attempts to jimmy his way out of your metal prison, but he seems to be getting in the way of Sammy more than anything else.  No matter, you decide to let the grunt work for the grunts, and float over to Slag's apartment.

The room materializes in front of you, and from the looks of things Slag hasn't learned much about hygiene since you last visited.  The living room floor is littered with trash and Soy-Cake wrappers, and you notice that Slag has left his window open.  To your left is the main hallway, along with the kitchen.  Both of which are in desperate need of pest control agencies.  The kitchen is empty except for the small colony of ants which seem to be raiding the cabinets.  Regardless you move onward and into the two remaining rooms.  The bathroom doesn't leave you with any need to further investigate, and you instead hover into the bedroom.

Slag's room doesn't have the same messy appeal that the other rooms, but a disheveled bed, and littered desk complete the profile nonetheless.  You first see Slag lying face down on his desk, with a small cord running from his temple to the deck on the desk.  His hands are supporting his orcish face, and you can only imagine the imprints he is going to have after jacking out.  The small folding chair supports the mass, and to his right you can see another aura rummaging through a backpack.

From the colors, you can tell this person is looking for something, but your readings are unclear.  Their are no holes in the form, but you can tell it is a female.  You decide to watch for a bit, hoping that your comrades back in the box are managing without you.

              ---

Back in the elevator, Sammy pushes you out of the way.  This pisses you off royally, mostly due to the fact that your knife is now in two pieces.  One half is still stuck in between the doors, while you grip the hilt in your right hand.  Glaring at Sammy, you watch as he finally muscles the two doors apart.  You spot a smirk of satisfaction on his face as the safeties kick in, and the hydraulic arms hold the former blockades apart.  On the other hand, his grimace disappears, as he realizes that this action not only served to free you, but also trigger an audible security alarm.  The whirring sirens crack through the air, along with the malice both of you feel towards the god of crappy luck.

The road is clear to Slag's apartment.  Peering out the elevator shaft, you quickly deduce that with a hop and a jog, you can be inside the room.  Mati isn't back yet, and you wonder if he's unconscious again.  Figures, you'll most likely have to carry him again, or leave him as bait for the Star.

              ---

The human in front of you finishes with a hint of exasperation, but then seemingly turns towards Slag.  She pauses in contemplation for a couple of seconds, a glint of joy within flares her aura red, and then proceeds to upholster what can only be a gun from the orc's belt.

You watch as she removes the clip, puts the gun back in the holster, and reveals a knife from the back of her utility belt.  The blade dances closer to Slag, and as you remain stationary the unknown human proceeds to nudge and prod at Slag's heap of a body.  The thoughts in your head are bordering on worry, and if violence is this ladies intention, the time for action is now.

Mati: I zip back to my meat body in time to see the door suddenly open and hear the alarm...."Slag's in trouble!" I burst out as my form returns.  I leap to my feet, adrenaline starting to pour through my veins and I attempt to squeeze myself through the elevator doors onto the top floor.  Once outside I rush down the hallway to Slag’s apartment. (I've already lost one decker I'm not losing another one.) I slowly check the door to Slag’s apartment and walk in my sword at my side under my cloak...This is going to be fun.

GM: The envelope underneath the orc's huge behind slices open with ease, and although the contents don't come easy, you manage to wriggle them free.  Now holding a stack of papers you glance at the montage of pictures and typed text with a quick eye, and then stuff them in your sneak suit.  There's no time for standing around as the alarms sound just outside of the decker's apartment.  Remaining cool, you try not to let the fear, which suspects that the cause of this new alarm was you, impede your mission.  Instead you make your way back to the living room where the familiar sound of crunching garbage underneath you feet reminds you of the open window to your left.

The Trid is still playing some nonsense which holds no interest to you, but the latch on the front door does.  The door swings open and in walks a trench coat wearing, mean eyed, jungle man.  Behind him, a grizzled hulk of a mass toting a machine gun lays his stare on the scene.  Following shortly, another human, guns a blazing next to his leather jacket, busts into the room yelling all kinds of profanity.

All four of you, stunned by the realization that there is too little room for all the lead that's about to fly, hesitate.  The last one in, sporting the jacket and doo rag, shuts the apartment door.  The noise almost sparks a bloodshed comparable to WWII, but the entrance of another player into the scene increases the stupor.

From the back bedroom Slag appears.  He scratches himself, runs his hand through the tuff of hair on his head, hikes up his pants, and heads into the bathroom.  You all listen as he pisses with the door open, let's out a sigh, forgets to flush, and again enters the hallway.  This time his destination is the kitchen, where he opens the fridge, grabs the dated soy-milk, and begins to drink.  From the living room someone shifts his weight, and the crinkle of wrappers catches the orc's attention.  With the milk carton still at his lips he turns around slowly and finally gets a glimpse of the situation.

But that's not what makes him drop the milk.  From the hallway, behind the closed door, comes a shout which echoes through the blaring alarms, "Security, open the damn door!"

Kate: "Well I guess this mean you'll have to introduce me later.  For now, I hope the rest of you know how to climb.  And please, leave anything obviously illegal IN the apartment."  With that the masked lady steps out of the window, keeping her front to the intruders all the while.  Once out of view she calls out, "I'll meet you on the roof.  I'd hurry if you want to share my ticket out of here."

Wasting no time I retract my grapple gun, climb over the lip of the roof, retrieve my street clothes, fire the gun at the roof of a near-by building, secure my end, and look down to see if the other gun wielding maniacs have followed.

Sammy: Looking confused as ever at what just happened, I realize that we gotta get the hell outta here or I’m gonna be caught by the lone star AGAIN! I grab for my grapple gun under my coat and follow the chick out the window. "Slag, we'll talk later! C'mon guys, we gotta building to climb!"

GM: Slag, now standing in a pool of soy milk, looks at you in astonishment Sammy.  He doesn't quite know what to make of the situation, but irks out a couple of words, "What the frag!?  You guys bring the Star to my place.  There ain't no way you're ditching ole Slag.  Frag that."

With that he dashes off into the bedroom again.

Mati: "Ethan help me push something in front of the door to barricade.  The rest of you get out of here." I say to Ethan as I move toward a decrepit book case.  After somewhat barricading the door, follow out the window like the rest.  Amused that finally someone else in our group thinks with their heads and not their guns...

Ethan: I run over and help Mati, moving anything I can.  I then proceed out the window.

GM: As the hollers from behind the door increase you, Mati, push one of Slag's drek ridden pieces of furniture from its resting place until the door is sufficiently covered.  The aid you get from Ethan makes the job easier, but with all of the new commotion, whomever is outside is now taking it upon themselves to get inside.  As the bookshelf covers the doorknob you hear the sound of splintering wood, and see the hinges starting to give.  This would not be a good time to stick around.

The both of you turn towards the window in time to see Slag's fat ass exiting with a backpack dangling over his right shoulder.  He struggles for a minute, and then disappears up the fire escape.  Following his lead, you both exit promptly with Ethan taking up the rear.

		---

Topside you, Kate, have already changed into less conspicuous clothing when another man with a grapple gun joins you.  He's the one with the doo rag, and you can't say you especially like him.  On the other hand he isn't trying to kill you, so you take that as a pretty good selling point for his personality.  The rest of the party must still be climbing their way up.

Scanning the buildings around you, you find another apartment building.  This is the one you had intended to make you escape from earlier, so there doesn't seem to be any reason to alter the plan now.  You line up the grapple gun and prepare to fire.

		---

The fire escape proves slow going, and you've already caught up with Slag.  He must of gotten over his grogginess, as he's climbing rather fast.  Maybe it's the adrenaline.  From behind you, you hear the sound of the bookcase toppling over, and the door giving away in one final attempt at splintered resistance.  The shouts echo through the window, and you realize that they are not following you... yet.  Instead the men seem content to search the apartment.

What strikes you as odd, besides the rapid response time, is the topic of their search.  It isn't you.  You hear something about data files, but the sound drowns out as you increase the distance between yourself and the open window.  Maybe the woman in the sneak suit knows what the frag is going on.

Kate: Making sure not to miss, I let the gun fire.  As I am securing the near end of  the line, I remind doo-rag that the way out will not work if anyone is  carrying and large illegal items like MMGs and obvious cybergear.  After a  glance back to make sure that he understands, I put on my backpack of illicit  gear and hurry across the 65+ story chasm.

Once on the other side, I give Mac (lvl 1 cab contact) a ring.  "I'm on my way  down, meet me at the back door.  I think we might have a few more guests than  your cab can hold though.  Could you try and get one of your buddies to pick  up the overflow.  They're desperate, so I'm sure they'll tip very well.   Thanks, bye."

"Doo-rag, I'm heading down to get us a ride out of here.  Maybe you should  wait here for your friends.  I'll meet you at the door."

Ethan: I climb as fast as I can, trying not to look down at the window.  I hope that chick has a plan out of here, otherwise I'd have rather taken my chances in the apartment.

Mati: I continue to sprint up the fire escape and arrive just in time to see the slender woman traversing a wire to another building roof top.  My head begins to ache a bit but I shake it off.  I stare down at the ground below the grappling wire.  Its a long way down and I'm really tired. "Oh Maruk" I mumble as I prepare to make the climb across the wire.

Sammy: I nod in acknowledgement at what was said to me by our sudden female companion.  I remain on the roof top and assist my buds in there climbing panic.  I mutter under my breath, "Snipers, explosions, car chases, and now Lone Star.  This just isn’t my day!"

GM: The line shoots out of your grapple gun after careful aim, and soars over the street below.  You hear a distant clank as the hook wraps itself around the railing you targeted.  With a tug you decide the line is secure enough for at least one crossing, and so you proceed to tie the line to the fire escape on this side.  Shouting to Sammy you begin your traversal, and just in time to see the shaman enter the scene.  He waits until you are across, mutters a prayer under his breath, and puts his trust in your knot tying abilities.

Meanwhile, you have already dialed up Mac.  His voice is a welcomed escape from the recent shouts of fear and panic, "How's it going Kate?  I suppose you are looking for a ride once again.  You know one of these days I'm going to be off duty when you call.  Then you'll be fragged like there's no tomorrow won't you?  Ah, just messin' with you, I'll be there in a bit, but I don't know how fast I can hook up a ride for your buds.  Let me see what I can do.  Catch you in a bit Kate."

As the phone clicks off, you try to remind yourself to be more thankful to Mac, but would rather concentrate on staying alive for the moment.

		---

As your first leg raises to the last rung on the fire escape, Ethan, you catch a glimpse of Mati about two-thirds of the way across a grapple line.  This sight doesn't leave you with any comfort, but Sammy draws your attention away from this new found fear.  After a quick shout of something along the lines of, "Hurry your fraggin' hoop up," you lift the other leg over the fire escape.

With this final move you manage to cheat death once again as the recently vacated rung bursts under a three round burst of lead from below.  You know what's down there and don't care to lose your face.  So you opt not to sneak a peak, and proceed to the grapple line instead.

With only yourself and Sammy left on this, soon to be bloody rooftop, the both of you spy Mati roll over the railing at his destination.  Behind you comes the rapid clanging of a hurried ascent.

Kate: Cringing at the gunfire from behind me, I head for the safety of the roof access stairs.  Making sure to leave the door propped open for rest I head into the top floor and press the elevator door.  Time to blend in.  I just hope the sore thumbs from the roof don't tell Lone Star about me before I can get away, cause something tells me they aren't too good at this type of "blending"

Sammy: After taking careful consideration at what is about to happen to my life if I choose to stay on the rooftop, I make a snap decision and grab onto the grapple gun. "Ethan, grab onto me, and hold on like a fat man holding onto a plate at an all you can eat buffet!" I make sure the rope can support the weight of two adults swinging on it, and wait for Ethan to grab on.  I then prepare to "Indiana Jones" off the building and swing toward the street below aiming for a place that will provide enough comfort for the landing of 2 grown men.

Ethan: I grab onto Sammy's legs for dear life, hoping to God I don't fall.  I may have been an Airborne Ranger, but that was with a parachute.  As we prepare to hit the ground with some of that airborne pride, I keep my feet and knees together, so I can let go in time for Sammy to hit the ground ok.

Sammy: It seems that I had not noticed that we were 64 floors above the ground.  Therefore, for the sake that I would like to live, I will be changing my response slightly.  I continue to swing off of the building, however I will not try to reach the bottom in one leap.  I attempt to swing to the next building and grab onto some scaffolding on the side of the building.

Ethan: In response to Matt’s new tactic, I hold on for dear life, and try to find a window to get through or something.

Mati: Once I make it across the rope and onto the roof with our new companion I look to the apartment building and the chaos going on behind.  At the sound of gunfire, I duck out of site and catch my breath a bit.  My hand is twitching from the sudden rush of adrenaline and I begin to feel that at this point adrenaline is the only thing keeping me from falling asleep on this roof.  How I wish I could return to the jungle or at least some place more natural than this concrete hell.

GM: Popping your cell phone closed, you find a stray brick on the top of the roof, and wedge the stairwell door open.  You sling the rest of your gear over your shoulder and proceed into the building's depths.  The stairwell you are currently in happens to be service orientated and so it leads to the ground floor if your desires are willing.  The only obstacle will be mingling your way out of the lobby without drawing attention, but the stylish threads that dangle from your shoulders lend you an air of prestige.  No one questions your business here, and you exit onto the city streets proper.

You are standing across the way from Slag's building, and can see that there are a lot of parked cars scattered haphazardly and blocking the main entrance.  Most of the cars are painted a stealthy jet black.  They have been recently cleaned and you catch a reflected ray of sun light in your eyes before adorning your sunglasses.  In both directions down the street you can make out the sounds of approaching Lone Star sirens.

Calmly you glance upwards towards the grapple line you left for the rest of the suckers.  The biker has managed to untie the gun from the fire escape and Ethan is now grasping tightly around Sammy's chest.  You feel slight twinge of anxiety for the two as the realization of their intent enters your mind.  They jump...

		---

Your tired shamanic bones creak as you struggle to peer over the ledge once more in an effort to size up the situation.  You debate taking a nap right here, but that thought exits quickly as you see Sammy jumping from the building top across the way.  Ethan hangs on for his life and glory, but your eyes don't leave the rooftop.  As the two begin their lofty swing across the streets of Seattle, Slag runs desperately to the ledge, gun in hand.  His face is fear stricken and panicked.  The duffle bag on his shoulder slides off its resting place as his hands grip the concrete and watch as his escape route flies downward, out of his reach.

He turns to face the fire escape and the danger that is ascending.  He takes off his bag and flings it behind him.  The clip in his gun comes loose in his hand.  He tosses it aside, and grabs another from the stash in his back pocket.  The orc takes a knee and opens fire as a blonde man in a black suit shows his head.  You hear yells as the brains and blood of this man explode into the air.  The limp body falls backwards, and you only imagine the rush of adrenaline each of the deceased comrades feels while they dodge the body.  Slag stands and turns.  He breaks into a run straight backwards towards his bag and opposite the new threat.  Not fast enough though.  Two more suits, in a hateful rage clamor up the ladder and cock their sub-machine guns.  The rooftop erupts in bullet fire, and you see Slag's back arc under the impact.  His body floats in the air for a lengthened second before crashing, face first, into the gravel beneath him.

The two men turn on their heels and jog to the building's edge where your other friends have put their fates in the hands of a greater power.  With a smug look on their faces, the men give a shout to their buddies and retreat down the fire escape.

Your only remaining effort gets you to the stairwell, and through the door.  You kick the brick out of the doorway, and clumsily begin your decent.  The sounds of sirens drown out of the distance as the closing door muffles any memory of the rooftop.

		---

Laying in a pile of your own blood, the shards of broken glass surround you both.  Your bodies are ridden with fragments of stained red sharps.  The office around you swirls in your pain as you dodge unconsciousness.  Blood is everywhere.  You can barely move, Ethan, and from the looks of it Sammy is the worse off.  Although awake, you guess that he wishes he wasn't.  The convulsions and twitches that his body instinctively induces, answer him back with only more pain.  You see one of the corporate wage slaves pick up a phone and dial.  Her words are unknown to you as you attempt to drag your body away from the glass.  Both of you are still bleeding.

Mati: I hurry down the stairs aware of the sirens in the background.  I make sure my sword is snuggly hidden beneath my cloak and grip the rail as I follow our new found friend.  The image of Slag taking the bullets in the back and my other companions flying through the air plays over in my mind.  I suddenly and for the first time feel very alone.  This is not going well at all and know finding Lil or making any money from this run are the furthest things from my mind.  Now I only want to walk away with my life.  Once I reach the bottom floor I will make my way out to the street quickly and quietly and over to the alley between the buildings to look for Ethan and Sammy.  If I manage to find our new guest I will motion for her to follow me into the alley.  Once in the alley I will find a small corner or garbage can to conceal myself behind and astrally project myself toward the building in search of Sammy and Ethan.  Making certain to check any broken windows in particular.

Kate: Drek, Lone Star beat the cabs to the punch.  I lean against the outer wall, light a cig, and hope for the best.

Sammy: Under the extreme pain of shards of glass in bedded in my skin and possible broken bones, I manage to scrape up my mangled body and assist Ethan to stand up.  I grab my gear, and I stumble toward the elevators.  Once on the elevator, I call Mati up on my internal cell phone and ask him to meet us in the alley of this building.  We ride the elevator down and head toward the alley attempting to not attract any more attention.

Ethan: Ok, I take it I'm laying on the floor in a pile of glass from the window we just broke through.  So, if that's the case, I'm going to ignore Sammy's attempt to get up.  I just lay there a min.  and regain my senses as much as possible, looking around, using my thermal vision and advanced hearing to try and figure things out.  After I find out where I am and begin to regain slight feeling in my body, I make an attempt to get up and help Sammy up so we can get outta there.

Ethan: I lean over to Sammy..."do you think that worker is calling someone to alert them to our presence.  I think I should take him out."  If Sammy's reply is in any way in favor of killing him, I pull out my knife and through it at him, aiming for the head/neck/ or chest.  If not, I just ask the worker for some help.

Sammy: I look over at Ethan and make eye contact, letting him know that killing anyone would most likely be a terrible move.  I say to Ethan, "Try to get some help from that lady, who just made that call!" I lay there on the ground and call Mati on my internal cell phone.  I wait for him to answer.  Hopefully he will get us.

Ethan: "Help!" I ask the worker over at the phone. "Please, could you help us?"

GM: As you pull out a cigarette from the pack, Kate, you stare into the crowd assembling across the street.  All sorts of low lives and wage slaves are peeking over the sedans, and into the emerging group of men exiting the building.  Some peer up at the broken window relating that eventful swing across the abyss, while others point at the approaching Lone Star lights.

You lean against the brick, and its cold surface penetrates through your jacket.  The smoke from your cigarette feels warm in your lungs, but the sight of Star leaves you cold.  Your faith in the city cab service stays true, but traffic must be heavy on the highways this morning.  You glance at your watch and note the time.

To your left, out the front doors of your recent escape route, dodges the mage.  You can see his sword protruding from the back of his long coat, but his face seems determined if not tired.  A couple of pedestrians follow with looks of curiosity and hints of fear, but hesitate at the screeching of tires.  While Mati dodges out of site into an alley, the police tape is already going up.

The black cars have not pulled away yet, and from the looks of it, they won't be exiting the scene anytime soon.  The Star don't seem fond of the gunmen suits, as the yells from both parties echo against the sound of sirens.

		---

Adjusting your glass pricked bodies into the most comfortable of positions possible for a couple of heroic thugs, the both of you manage to lean against a nearby desk.  You feel the difficulty in these motions and the pain seers your every muscle.  The blood is still oozing from your wounds and the feeling of weakness is overwhelming.  Luckily, empathy is not a lost notion even in this century.

As the woman on the phone flips you a thumbs up sign in response to your pleads, an elven man has begun to rip a couple of stray rags in pieces.  He walks over to your limp bodies, and ties these around your most obvious gashes.  It hurts, and the stray shards of glass remaining in these cuts don't help suppress the pain.  On the other hand, blood loss is a much worse prospect at this point in time.

"Ah, hi.  My name is Frank... I'm going to try and stop your bleeding.  I already sent Beth to get some water for you, and Ruby is on the phone with the hospital.  Do either of you two have Doc Wagons plans?  I... a... well, just don't try to move."

This statement would come with more comfort if Frank didn't seem to be so caught up on your armaments, but he seems reasonable about the situation with an honest intention to help the both of you.

As you wait for you water and search through you internal database of phone numbers, Sammy, you remember that Mati doesn't have a fraggin phone, the stupid technophobe.  This only serves to piss you off more.

The water comes in two of those clever cone shaped water cooler cups.  It tastes good... and bloody.

		---

Your sprint ends in one of the dirtiest alleys this side of Corpville.  You crash lightly into a wall, and kick some loose bottles into the brick.  They shatter, but the sound stops, deadened by the numerous bags of garbage piled next to the green dumpster.  There doesn't seem to be anyone in this particular alley, but just to be sure you hide on the other side of a heap of hefty sacks.  Sitting, legs crossed, you enter into the realm of the astral quickly.

Rising out of your body, you wander into main street scene.  The Star have assembled, and are closing off the area.  Escape routes are disappearing with haste.  Their is a group of black cars parked haphazardly in front of Slag's building.  They look suspiciously familiar to you, as thoughts of the car chase surface in your memory banks.

Back to business, and you run up the side of the target building.  The surface is all smooth mirrored glass, and you can make out the auras of so many people within that you almost feel the task of finding Sammy and Ethan slipping through your fingers.  The rows upon rows of gray auras however, lead you to a shattered window and through it, none other.

The twosome have been propped up against a desk, but from the looks of things they aren't in a state of supreme health.  Sammy especially has an aura with fading hues.  Surrounding them, is grayness, but these slaves all contain some hidden tint of red.  They seem to be helping.

Kate: I withdraw my cell phone and dial my employer.  As the phone rings I look out onto the street full of black sedans and Star cars.  Shaking my head in disbelief I wonder if the two group might just get into each others' way just enough for the rest of the fugitives to get out under their own power.  I also make a point of asking my employer about the black sedans and the MIBs when he picks up.

This wasn't nearly as rough as I thought it would be, just as long as they aren't search civilians as they leave.  Upon this thought I take a moment to check that they aren't.

Mati: After returning to my body.  I look up at the rather smug young lady puffing on her cigarette.  "They are hurt but are apparently being helped.  If we are lucky, the Star will let the medics take them to the hospital before they take them to the station.  Then we can release them from the hospital.  At least they will have a fighting chance.  We need to follow whatever medics come to pick them up and make sure we get to the right hospital.  However, we should mostly worry about ourselves.  Our car is in an alley way behind the building.  I don't have the keys but we may be able to get it started somehow.  Any sign of your cab friend?  We should worry about ourselves first and then we can worry about Sammy and Ethan."  I get up from my sitting position, look up in the direction of the broken window and shake my head.  What were they thinking?

Ethan: "I thank you all for your kindness, we by no means mean you any harm.  Some bad people want us dead, we were just trying to get away.  I'm a soldier, and my friend here is an FBI agent.  We appreciate the assistance greatly, I can't thank you enough."  I whisper to Sammy, "just play along, pretend you're still in the Bureau"

GM: If you want to talk to Kate you will have to go and look for her.  You ran out of the building, didn't see her, and then proceeded to dodge into an alley.

Mati: I find Kate and tell her what I said in my last email.

Sammy: I lay on the floor and moan in pain.  I realize now that doing this was a stupid idea.  But what the hell, you only live once right.  Besides, I can use this funny incident as a pickup line.  I hear what Ethan said, and right now it sounds like a good idea.  I just hope that Mati and that Lady who, for some odd reason was with us, can get us outta here.

GM: Running out from your alley, Mati, you manage to find Kate leaning in the shadows of the same building that Sammy and Ethan are still in, some fifty floors up.  Relating the situation to her, she nods and opens up her cell phone to make a call.

Kate, your employer's phone rings, and a secretary picks up the line.  She tells you that Mr. Flampsten is out of town for a few days, and that any business related questions should wait until he returns.

"No, I can't tell you where he is.  Have a nice day," she smugly flips off of her tongue before hanging up.

And the ambulances begin to arrive.

Two flashing vehicles pull up in front of the both of you.  Medics pour out of the doors with EMT kits and a couple of stretchers.  Four men altogether make their way into the building, one of them is an orc.

Across the street the Star and the Suits have made their arguments more audible.  The shouts and screams from both sides float over the blaring sirens and into your ears.

"Listen you Lone Star pukes, we own this building and all data that goes in and out of it.  I don't give a flying frag if it will help your fraggin investigation...

No I won't pull my men out, and you can kiss my...

The decker and all of his friends belong to us.  They were on our land, and that means you can't touch...

Oh, don't give me that temporary jurisdiction drek.  We're cleaning it up and you're either going to leave now, or we are going to file an official complaint with your employers.  Let's see how long you keep your...

Who the frag do you think you are?  You better step down officer.  What gives you the right to..."

The ambulances are blocking your view, but they don't take away the hostility.

As Mac drives up in a yellow cab, you notice him glancing over at the Star.

Sammy and Ethan are being wheeled out of the building.

Mati: I look over at Kate.  "It looks like we had better follow the ambulance.  Got any ideas?"

I scan the area, it won't be too difficult to escape the eyes of the star or the suits and be on our way to a nap and some pain killers.  Man what a day.

Kate: "Well, this is my cab.  If you want to share the cab, I'm sure we could swing by Mercy General.  That's were your friend will mostly likely end up.  That is, of course, assuming that the EMT crews don't get stopped."

I flip my phone shut, get into the cab, and gesture to Sammy and Ethan.  "Thanks for the ride Mac, we wont be needing that second cab."

Sammy: Since I am in a position to do absolutely nothing, I let the EMT crew take me.

Mati: I follow Kate into the taxi and nod to the driver.  It looks like its back to the hospital.  I lean back in the chair, close my eyes and meditate.

"Wake me when we get there." I whisper.

Ethan: I lay there

GM: Mac pulls into the driveway at the hospital and turns around to face the two of you with his arm over the front bench.

"Well this is the place.  You want me a hang around or what?  Good thing that ambulance came huh Kate?  I don't usually haul round bloody messes."

He grunts with half a laugh.

Outside the bodies are being rushed in on stretchers and IV bags hooked up to them.  One of the doctor is carrying an ornamental cane, and you realize he's probably a mage.  Lucky for the two Tarzans.

Mati: In the following days I intend to get a lot of sleep and regain as much strength as possible.  I have every intention of getting a hot shower and keeping close to my new found friend.  Once I have regained my strength, I intend to add another tattoo stripe to my arm in the shape of an "L." This will act as a reminder of my failure to protect Lil in her time of need.  However, I have no intention of making that mistake twice and I will find her.  Right now I have to worry more about injured friends.  Once they are ready, we will hunt down these corporate dreks and kill them for taking Lil.

"Oh Maruk have mercy on their souls."

Kate: I have no intention of doing anything that could reveal why I was at Slag's place until I have ditched the Tiger Shaman.  Since he seems to be persistent about not letting me out of his site I will offer to drop him off at his place instead of the hospital.  If he refuses to be ditched that easily I will take him to one of my hideouts in suburbia (medium lifestyle) and sneak out while he is asleep.  Once free, I will scan myself for bugs and head to my runner condo downtown (high lifestyle) to take a long shower.

I spend the next couple of days getting in touch with Fast Eddie, my lvl 2 Fixer.  I need to know what happened to my employer and how I can get this delivery completed.  I will stay at the condo until I am given instructions otherwise, or I am chased out.

I also would have read the contents of the file I have picked up.  Hopefully it will tell me why I was put in a pincher maneuver.

Ethan: I'm going to get better, do the hospital thing.  try to avoid any problems that might arise.

Mati: After thanking our new acquaintance for the lift to my place (real drek hole, but livable) I take a somewhat clean water shower and relax.  I will then tattoo myself and start some serious meditating in order to better focus my anger toward learning from my mistakes.

GM: Ten days is a long time to spend in a hospital, but when the drugs kick in you hardly notice the pain.  There are a couple of cute nurses that visit you twice a day, ever since the surgery.  They help you move around, and even sneak you decent food once in a while.  The trid plays re-runs of sitcoms and soaps.

With a couple of aspirin at the end of those ten days, you feel a hell of a lot better, but your body still aches, and the bandages are a bit of an encumbrance.  But even the aspirin won't stop the shock when the bill comes.  For ten days of treatment, and emergency medical attention you owe ¥5,200.  Looking over at your roommate, a sense of wonder flashes through mind.  You contemplate on just how the frag you are going to come up with ¥10,400 for the both of you.  Maybe another aspirin will help...

		---

The pain of self-tattooing isn't a pleasant sensation, especially without pain killers, but the memory of Lil pushes you onward.  Reliving the recent events in the depths of your mind, you carefully consider all the clues, and every vision in the past: decker data explosion blood screams of pain bullets clinking gunshots tumbling darkness blackness soft wind grass fur the hunt unknown predator two evils hunted white bright pain ache dizzy mystery sin car speed empty aura Sammy swerve lobby elevator guns alarm unknown person slag knife help awkward moment star climbing up climbing swinging Slag downstairs sin star drive drive tired.

		---

"Yeah, this is FEddie.  Whadya want?"

"Kate! What's going on?  How'd therun go?  Get your fragload of Nuyenyet?"

"Whadya mean skip town?  That guy works for the Feds.  They don't just getup and ditch."

"Yeah I told you that before... Whoa!now hold on.  Don't get all worked up, I'll get on it right away.  You can always counton Fast Ed."

"I don't know.  He just called meup and said he wanted hardcopies.  Supposed tobe the only ones out there.  Whothefrag even owns a printer anyway?"

"Yeah...  I'll check into it...  Lader."

Slitting open the manila envelope, you pour the dossier out on the table...

Charts, graphs, performance reports, pictures... aged 16 through 21, previous history... the attached files are missing.  A complete portrait, but it's missing any data before she turned 15... no residential locations.

"Who the frag is Samantha D.?"

Kate: Well, if the file is incomplete...

I'll head over to Slag's, again.  This time I'll be fully legal with the cover of a corp that had some business with Slag.  I'll find out what happened to his place and demand to be allowed to check his place for my files.  If they refuse I'll warn them that if my confidential information falls into the wrong hands I'll hold them personally responsible.  If this isn't enough I'll leave and never look back.  If I do get into the apartment I'll look for the rest of the file.

On day five I'll call Fast Eddie back and see what is taking so long.  Even if it is going to take him a while to get this job finished I need to get another job.  I have quite a life-style to maintain.  After that call I'll have him leave a voice message on my runner messaging service.  I'll check this account when I wake up and before I go to sleep everyday.  Hopefully if things are going bad I can avoid the flak, since the messaging service is very secure.  I'll spend the last five days on the beach relaxing and try to figure out what happened.

For the record, the file will be stored in a security drop box at the bank under my high life-style alias.

Sammy: I, personally would like to go home to heal up, cause I don’t want to have to pay any more fraggin hospital bills.

Ethan: I to would like to go to my house and heal up, seeing as I don't have any money because a certain someone doesn't want to let us get paid.

Sammy: Sammy reluctantly opens his wallet and pays for the hospital bills.  Boy, someone better get some sort of thanks for this.

GM: The trip to the bank goes off without a hitch, and the file now resides safely in the depths of a secured bank basement.  As you leave the building, the guard tips his hat at you, and proceeds to lock the foot thick door behind you.

Pausing briefly outside in the cool air of Seattle, you get in your newly hailed cab, and head back over to Slag's apartment building.  You pay the man, turn to face the scene, and get a face full of security guard.  The man in front of you, dressed in typical suit fashion, sizes up your slender form and proceeds to speak.

"Excuse me mam, but you aren't allowed in the building unless you have a permanent resistance."

Looking over his shoulder you can see the yellow tape blocking the main entrance.  One of the other two guards lifts up the eyesore to allow a lady and her groceries pass by.  You turn your attention back to the towering idiot in front of you.

"No, I'm sorry.  I can't let you in, even if you did have business with Slag.... ahhh, wait a minute.  Let me see here."

The suit pulls out a radio, and begins to talk into the box.  You overhear him discussing your visit with who you can only imagine to be his superior.  A bit paranoid by this action, you take a few steps back, but the conversation doesn't last long.  The guard seems frustrated when he turns his attention back to you.

"No, I'm sorry.  I can't let you in... Yes well you can hold me responsible if you like, but I'm still not letting you through unless you live here."

"Damn," you say under your breath.

		---

On the fifth day, you decide that Fast Eddie isn't as fast as he claims to be.  Dialing his number up, you get his answering machine.  The voice seems like his, and it tells you that he just stepped out for a moment.  However when you call back in a half an hour the same machine breaks the silence.  Of course he could just be out for the day.

		---

The beach is nice.  With chair, some lotion, and a stylin' pair of sunglasses, you just sit back and relax in the warmth.  The sounds of volleyball, and kids in the ocean break up the scene as you fade in and out of a restful daydream.  The smell of salt is in the air.  A couple of underage punks try to hit on you, but you blow them off with poise.  And your cell phone rings.

"It's me FEddie.  I can't talk long, but I foundout some info forya.  It seems like the smuck who hiredya had some bad people after 'im.  Now they're aftame.  That file yougot is hot, and youneed to lose it fast.  I smell conspiracy, but I don't know if it's thefeds or the corps.  Drek, I gotta go.  I'll be down south if yaneed me."

GM: The bills are paid, and the time for check out has arrived.  Two nurses wheel you to the front door after checking to make sure enough nuyen resides in the hospital's bank account.  They give you a friendly smile, tell you to take it easy for the next month, and dump you outside.  Dialing up a local cab company, you wait with a general numbness in your side, and a lot of pain everywhere else.

The cab takes both of you to your individual apartments in the late afternoon air.  The feeling of freedom comes as a welcomed alternative to the confines of a hospital bed.  However, the fact that the elevator is broken doesn't help your situation.  After climbing up the five flights you open the door and find the nearest couch.  Sleep comes easy.  When you wake up the lack of light from your window tells you of the night life churning outside.

Mati: I make my way down to a pay phone and call Sammy and Ethan.  I explain to them my monetary situation in which I need a lot of money in order to pay off my middle lifestyle for my mother and am short a couple hundred.  I then proceed to inquire how we can get paid for the last run.  We have the deck and that is pretty much all they need.  We get paid and then we can worry about where our next job is coming from.  Maybe our contact has some new work for us.  Lets meet somewhere and then go to our contact and collect on our last run.  Then we can start working on the next one.  I want to learn some new spells and I need some dough and a teacher.  Time to start searching the yellow pages or the astral plane, whatever works.

Ethan: After taking a long nap, I feel a little better, but am still in pain.  I get the call from Mati, and agree.  I need more ammo, and money for my apartment.

Kate: Well, I'm feeling a little high and dry here.  I guess I'll give Mr. Flampsten's office another call.  When I get the run around again I'll drop a message off at Mati's place that contains a online messaging service address.  It says, "Someone is sweeping something big under the rug, I don't want to go without a fight." In the envelope I will put a copy of the most recent picture of Samantha D. Written on the pictures, "Did the Ork get the attached files out with him?"

I'll set up message account and check to see if anyone else is looking for trouble-shooters.

I will then take a trip to the bank and take a MUCH closer look at the files in one of their secure private booths.  Armed with this information, I'll try to find out what the frag happened, and if I have any chance of getting paid.

Sammy: With a lighter wallet, I rest easy at my place knowing that mission is far from over.  There are a lot of things to get done and I don’t plan on sitting around and watching everything slide under my feet.  I replenish the supply of ammo for my Preds and FN-HAR, by getting a hook up from my fixer.  After that, I give Mati and Ethan a call.  Hopefully we can sort things out and get Lil back.

Mati: I call our job contact and setup a meeting time and place and then call Ethan and Sammy to relay where our contact wants to meet.  Its time to make some money and then make some payments.  I also ask Sammy or Ethan if they have any contacts that might be able to hook me up with a possible shaman teacher.

GM: Your drive back to the bank comes on yet another rainy day in Seattle.  The streets are soaked with puddles and dirt.  A streak of lighting flashes above, illuminating the towering buildings and their neon advertisements.  It's now about three o'clock, but the clouds drown out most of the sun.

Upon your arrival you ask the not so pleasant guard to escort you to a more secure location.  He unlocks the vault, takes your key along with his, and retrieves your safety deposit box.  Thankfully you scouted out their facilities beforehand, and you know that the booths down the hall are free from cameras, or even casual astral browsers.

The contents of your recently acquired envelope spill out onto the table again.  Delving deeper into its contents you look past the pictures and come to the performance charts.  Graphically they show upward trends, but the y-axis is not labeled.  Early on in her training it seems that Samantha D. performed exceptionally well, but her later days didn't hold the same potential.

Most of the typed reports lack anything more than dry techie talk.  The research records talk about new cyberware and bioware implants.  The author talks about Samantha's ability to adapt quickly to any foreign organ.  Her immune system seems above normal capacity, but not outside the limits of humanity.  The specifics of each experiment escape you.  Actually you have no idea what the hell most of the stuff means, but certain specific references may do better in the hands of a knowledgeable insider.

Curiously enough the reports do not remain within the realm of ware.  Some of the latter histories describe a great deal of spell design.  If the mundane information seemed outside your area of expertise, this leaves you with a headache.  The author writes:

"...an advanced form of anchoring allows the subject to experience sensations on the verge of surrealism.  Once the bond completes its hold within an acceptable aura, a more physical presence manifests..."

What the frag is this drek?

		---

The sound of a full clip sliding smoothly into a cleaned gun echoes within your apartment, "click."

Ahhh, hell yeah.

		---

On the way back from the pay phone, Mati, you find a small brown manila envelope resting within the cracks of your drek-hole excuse for living space.  In it is a note from someone named Kate, along with a picture of an unfamiliar girl.  Looking at the photograph you recall your conversation minutes before.

"Well, after the incident over at the Sincad apartment complex I didn't think you'd ever call.  Why don't we just cut the drek, and get to it."

"Did you complete the data-steal?  And you have all of the information I requested?"

"You're pretty sure?  What the hell does that mean?"

"I see... well as long as your decker didn't frag it up, I'm sure my people can retrieve the information."

"Yes, just bring the deck with you and I'll have the agreed amount ready in certified cred sticks."

"Why don't we meet on the corner of 19th Avenue South and Massachusetts Street... in the alley next to the Stuffer Shack?"

"You to, I'll see you tomorrow then... at 11:00 p.m.... right, goodbye."

Mati: I look over whatever else is in the envelope and bring it with me into my living space.  I decide that it would be best to show this to Sammy and Ethan after we have collected on our last run and I tuck it into my cloak until this evening.  I'm unaware of who this Kate person is and how she knows where I live.  Maybe the young lady from the roof who helped us escape or maybe a corporate trick.  No they would have waited till I returned to kill me, unless they want the deck.  Curious.  Why would she give me this picture and who is this person in the picture? Well this will have to wait till later.  I have a job to finish.

        ---

Weary of any contact where money is transferred I make sure to get to the meeting spot at least half an hour early and make sure that Sammy and Ethan do the same.  I also make sure that Sammy and Ethan bring the deck thing, my employer wanted.

We arrive at the corner of 19th Avenue South and Massachusetts around 10:25.  We make our way over to the alley way, where I sit up against the wall.

"Ethan, Sammy, I'm going to make sure no one or nothing is watching us.  Just watch my back please...and no disturbing me while I project."

I lay my hands on my crossed legs and project into the astral plane, searching for any spirits that may be eavesdropping or anyone else who might be for that matter.  Keeping one eye out for our employer's vehicle.

Lee: Right...

I'll attach a scan of the magic stuff I don't understand to the message that Mati will get if he ever contacts the message board I gave him.  As for the other stuff, I'll ask Shawn about it when I ask him if he knows of any work.

GM: As you browse through the remainder of the envelope, Mati, you also find a piece of paper.  On that paper is the address of a matrix message board, or at least that's what the explanation says.

Sammy: With my newly loaded weapons and a healed body, I grab the Deck and head to meet up with Mati and Ethan.  This whole damn mission caused us nothing but trouble.  This money was well deserved, but at what price.  I lost one good friend of mine, and he will always be remembered.  Hopefully next time, we can make it a smoother run with less trips to the hospital and less deaths.

Ethan: Ok, now that I'm clear on the ammo thing.  I bring my AK-98 with all of my full magazines and grenades with me to meet Sammy and Mati.  God it feels good to have my ammo again.

GM: The rain was still coming down when the threesome entered the alley.  I saw the shaman first.  He sat down next to Steve's pile of trash.  He had trinkets around his body, what looked like a fresh tattoo, and even a large blade at his side.  When he walked you couldn't tell that he was carrying a sword, but when he bent down I saw it protrude through his long coat.

There were two others arriving a couple of minutes later.  The whole group was together, but they didn't come in the same car.  One of them had a lot of firepower, the other rode up on a motorcycle.  He parked a block or so down the street, but I could tell it was a Harley from the sound of the purring motor.  I had one of those beauties once, but I lost it along with my job.

When the magician woke up he seemed satisfied.  Whatever he was doing down by the trash heap turned out ok, because there was a sense of satisfaction in his look.  Then they just kind of stood around for a while, chatting about something.  They didn't seem to happy then, and I think they changed the subject.  All I heard was talk about money.

So at about eleven o'clock this limo pulls up and I'm thinking about the music coming out of the Stuffer Shack next door.  It wasn't the same sort of elevator music that they usually play, but the clerk evidently needed a change of pace.  Troll Thrash Metal has that sort of appeal to people in need of some escape.

The one with the motorcycle pulls out this long deck.  I worked in computers before, but I hadn't ever seen a deck like this before.  This alley sees more weird drek then I ever did in the corp business complexes - that's for sure.

So the limo never goes silent, but a window rolls down and this suit (he was wearing wire rimmed sunglasses) gives a shout to the threesome.  They walk on over carefully, and hand over the deck.  One of them tries to ask a question, but the suit won't have it.  He wanted a low profile to say the least.  Every window on that limo was tinted I tell you.  After the suit has the deck, man it was something, he starts looking for something, shuffles through his suit, checks his pockets, finally finds some cred sticks, certified if my hunch was right.

Must be nice.  So the limo rolls on down the street, the suit didn't want to be there any more than he had to, and the threesome looks damn happy.  If I just made ¥16,500 I'd be in a hotel, with room service, with a girl, with a mini-bar, with a bed.

		---

"Shawn here, what's up Kate?"

"Nah, business if fine.  The Star Raids have been far and few between, ever since we found out who to pay.  What about you, how's business?  I'm kind of out of the runner's loop if you know what I mean."

"No drek!  On vacation?  What a load of drek.  I bet he hired someone behind you back.  Someone snagged the deal before you could deliver.  What the frag did you have to pick up anyway?... If you can tell me that is."

"You're kidding right?"

"No, I'm serious... You're kidding... right?"

"Haven't you been checking the fragging boards?  Well, not the right ones I'm sure.  Ever since the Sincad/Frupps merger, they've been hot man.  Actually we were planning a little display for those fraggers, if you know what I mean.  Once a terrorist, always a terrorist I suppose."

"No, I don't know anything about magic hooey, but don't you have people for that?"

"Come on, I'm sure you know a mage or two.  With all of the runs you've been on, you must have spared one."

"So go ask him then.  If he knows you, and he was at the scene of the crime... Come on, put the pieces together man."

"Yeah, well right back at you.  Listen, I gotta go, but if you need some work why don't you stop by before the end of the month.  Maybe I can let you in on our Sincad strike.  We need some recon information anyway."

"I'll talk to you later, you know where I am.  Oh, and I'm getting a new phone so don't use this number anymore.  I think it's tapped... Eh, I'll survive.  I got people.  I'll send you the new number, talk to you later."

Mati: I return to my hole in the wall of a living space and open the envelope left there for me earlier.  Inside is some writings about magic and the name of some women.  There is no note as to who left this or what they want me to do with it.  I put the information back in the envelope and tuck it inside my pocket.  I'll keep this until someone comes for more information.  I'm tired and I'm looking forward to getting some good sleep.  I rub my temples, pat the pocket where my cred stick sits and listen to the rain outside.

Kate: I can't win...

Finally, I find a good job with good pay.  I make a solid plan and follow through on it perfectly.  Even when I meet the inevitable variable in the equation, I deal with it easily.  I'd say the mission went off without a hitch, for once.  Figures, if it isn't the job going awry the Johnson has to end up missing.  I wish there was a better business bureau for my line of work.  Now I'm left with tons of bills and no paycheck.  I guess I'll have to do something about that.

I once again check the job boards online.  About half way through I realize that I haven't checked address that I put in the envelope.  Hoping for a lead to getting my paycheck, I am rather disappointed to find the inbox empty.  Oh well, maybe the second half of the job boards will have something that I a suited for...

Ethan: I'll keep 2/3rds of what I have left and give Sammy 1/3rd of it.  That way I'll have some cash left when the bills are due or if I need some money.

Mati: I pocket the 1/3 of what Ethan owes me.  I figure he can pay me back in installments.  After fully resting my body back to where it was before we started this mess, I get dressed in my suit and go pay my respects to an old friend, Slag.  He died for his cause, but not only that, he died trying to give us an escape.  May he rest in piece.  I get back on my Harley, drive home to get my gear, then head over to Mati's joint.  Hopefully we can figure out what the next move is.

GM: In the midst of a Seattle downpour the clouds open up to sunlight for the afternoon.  Pulling up to the brick building is hard, but it's going to be harder for his family.  Did Slag have any family?

You park your bike next to a black car with tinted windows and turn the key.  You engine goes silent; you pause to fix your hair in the rearview mirror.  You ratty jacket isn't the most appropriate attire for a wake, but it occurs to you that Slag wouldn't care.  You knew how he preferred to decorate his apartment.  They cleaned the place out yesterday, or at least they finished cleaning it out.  Seems that security was tight until they removed the bloodstains from the rooftop.  No one in and no one out, even if you had legitimate business to conduct.  The suits suffered from a lack of emotional attachment; they could use a bit of sensitivity training.

You push open the double doors, and check with the receptionist sitting at the large oak desk in the front lobby.  He directs you to the second door on the right, down the main hallway.  With a slow but determined step in your walk you locate the room.  The casket rests on a rather bare stand.  A few flowers provided by the parlor complete the backdrop, and floodlights mounted in the ceiling shine down on them.

You make it quick, and stifle a bit of emotion too.  Turning on your heels you put your dew-rag back on and straighten your collar.  The walk back into the hallway seems endless, no matter how much pep you put into the effort.

The man behind the desk nods to you as you barge into the sunlight again.  With sunglasses on, you rev up the bike and begin to back out but pause for a second.  On the right hand mirror a medium sized piece of paper blocks your view.

Actually it's an envelope.  The seal looks new and unused.  Inside it a disk falls out into your hand.  Making a quick check around the parking lot, you notice the clouds returning overhead.  The black car has left, and you feel the wind picking up.

		---

It's been a couple of days since you last heard from the rest of the team.  Your tattoos have sprawled all over you left arm in subtle color.  The one that bled has recovered, but you still have the bandage over it, covering the mark.  When it heals, you'll have to fix the tail.

Last you heard Ethan decided to hit the Denver scene for a while.  Without the money to pay for his medical bills, he could use the income.  Work for smugglers has gone up lately, and Denver is the place for illegal goods.  Just the other day you saw a news feed about selling stolen hostages to megacorps.  Guess the practice has been going on for some time down in Atztlan territory.  Doubtful the UCAS would let something like that get out of hand though.  Good luck to Ethan.  Maybe he'll hit the mother load.

The sound of a Harley breaks your thoughts into a million pieces of thick exhaust and finely tuned engine grease.

"Sammy."

		---

You wait patiently as the white van with no windows pulls away and the blue van with "Don's Catering" stenciled on the side takes its place.  They're two minutes late today, but who's counting anyway.  They can't see you - the shades are drawn, but your thermovision picks up their heat signal.  No doubt they have sound taps, but on the other hand there are advantages to living alone...  No one to talk to.  You close the second set of drapes to block any incoming equipment they may be sporting and turn back to your matrix feed.  It's been three days and still no message from the mage.  Maybe the suits got to him.  If you have a tail, then everyone else is bound to have someone on their heels.

Back to the job hunt... With Fast Eddie in the warm comfort of who knows where, you have come to realize what an asset a fixer can be.

Your reputation for silence on the job has gotten you through to a couple of higher ups.  Nothing in comparison to what Eddie arranged, but his web of friends spanned the city limits and beyond.  You don't have time enough for Eddie's social life, and too much reputation won't get you anywhere but dead when you're the one pulling the jobs.  What are fixers for after all?

The most promising is a man named Clyde.  At least that's how he signs his mail.  The pay is decent, until you can claim your check from Flampston that is, and the job seems amateur.  Clyde seems reluctant to provide detail over the net, but wants a meeting with you.  Considering the secure line, his paranoia is a bit overdone in your mind, but suits can act queerly.

"Club Penumbra at 9:30 tomorrow.  That's where you types like to hang out anyway right?"

Not exactly.

Sammy: The death of a good friend never feels good.  But it reminds me a something that I haven’t done for quite a while.  I continue to ride.  The crisp air feels good against my face as I turn off the interstate which leaves the society beaten streets of Seattle.  The clouds seem darker now signaling rain.  But I don’t care, a little water never hurt anything.  The roads are slow and there isn’t as much traffic out here as there is in the city.  Its nice.  you could actually look up into the sky and see the sky with out having to look at the filthy mess of skyscrapers.  A peaceful ride was just what the doctor ordered.  I rev the engine and head on over to my destination.

After an hour or so of riding I pull into the fenced in land of St. James' Cemetery.  I park my bike at the side of the road and remove my Shadowrunning attire and lay it across my bike.  I always want to be pure when I make this visit.  Molly would be five this upcoming summer and she was always so innocent, I would never want her to know what I did for a living.  Especially now.  I step onto the dew filled grass weaving past trees and shrubs as the rain starts to come down.  Its nice to see this plant life, considering that everything is either dead or dying in the city.  I slowly approach a little barren patch of grass with two grave stones.  I kneel down and read the messages.  'In loving memory of Molly Dixon' and 'In loving memory of Gloria Dixon.'  Its been so long since I’ve been here that I feel guilty when I come, telling myself that I should visit them more often.  But its hard when you don’t get much down time, which is why I make the most of the times I do visit.       "Hi, honey!  Daddy's back, just like I promised."

Mati: It has been a quiet couple of days.  Though I'm happy to be alone to think for awhile, I still do miss some of my partners.  Funny really, I always hated working with other people.  However, these people are different, they watch out for each other.  It is a new idea for me.  I'm used to just watching out for myself.  Now though, I have a new agenda.  I intend on finding Lil and making sure she is safe.  I'm not sure where to begin, and whoever dropped off this weird envelope full of pictures and some women's name, has yet to contact me again.  I keep the envelope on me at all times, just in case, but I'm still clueless.  Maybe I should go find Sammy and see if he can help me to find Lil.  He may not understand why I want to find her, but we already caused one person's death, I want to at least save one.  My arm aches a bit as my muscles tense.  The bandage sops up a dribble of blood.  I have to fine the SIN car, maybe a trip back to the facility in the astral plane will allow me to find out some more info.  Its worth a shot.  I just need someone to watch my back...now where did Sammy live...

Kate: "Thanks Shawn, I owe you another one..."

I take one look around my place to make sure I have everything.  After all, when you ditch a residence it pays not to be sloppy.  Content that I haven't forgotten anything I head to my car and pull away.  I certainly don't envy my tail today.

About forty-five minutes into the drive I began to think that they weren't going to show.  Then I spot them.  Four vans and one of my spare cars.  The plan went off without a hitch.  Thanks to the decker, we got caught in some of the worse rush hour traffic I've ever seen.  It only took about five seconds for the gas to knock out the passengers and another ten for my buddies to pile in and take control.  By the time traffic started moving again Shawn's best man was driving to a hide out and the passengers were being interrogated in the back.  Of course, we don't take them anywhere important until everything has been scanned for bugs.

It sure was a good thing Shawn could get into town on such short notice.  Not even I could have come up with a plan to ambush my tail in a non-lethal fashion without the extra man power.  If it wasn't for him I would have had to cancel my meeting with Clyde on account of compromised security.  It is nice to be on the delivering end of these nasty little games once in a while.  By the time I'm back from Penumbra all of my worries should be miles away.  I'll have some money for my bills and some answers for my sanity.  Of course, nothing ever turns out that well.  I wonder if anyone is looking to buy those documents I've got...

Sammy: Seeing that I have no other choice at this moment in the game, and the only way that the game can progress is by me traveling over to Mati's, I  simply mount my Harley and head over to Mati's.

Mati: The sound of a motorcycle rouses my attention and I move to greet Sammy.  He has an odd expression on his face.  Kind of like remorse or deep thought.  I dismiss it.  I don't know this man that well but I know that I can trust him.  I let him in out of the rain.  I reach over for the envelope that I found at my door a couple of days ago and hand it to him.  Maybe he can shed some light on this letter.

"I found this at my door.  Any idea what it is about?" I inquire.

GM: "Let's go, she's moving."

You start the ignition and ease the accelerator - turn signal on as you pull into traffic.

"Make sure you don't follow too close, or she'll see us."

"Just remember, you're the brawn, no shut up and keep an eye on the car."

...

"Damn it, can you still see him.  Fraggin traffic, we're not even moving.  Wait, she's right behind that van.  See?"

"Yeah, I got her."

The sound of horns and road rage fill the van through the open windows.  With an elbow out the window you lean on your hand and sigh, moving the stray strands of hair out of your eyes.

With precision a grenade comes through the window.  It hits you on the head, and bounces onto the floor.  The cybered fellow next to you shares your expression right before the canister releases a car full of cloudy gas.  It's hard to see through fog, but when the fog is stun gas, the task is even more difficult.  The van doors fly open and four men drag your groggy hoops onto the pavement.  The sounds of your boots make a clopping noise.  In between consciousness and confusing blackouts you see the faces of passerbies in overpriced Hondas and rusting Americas.  The world is in slow motion.

Until your heads hit the side of another van.

...

You wake up in what looks like a warehouse.  The ropes holding you to the wooden chair are tight.  An attractive woman wearing sunglasses is pacing in the background, talking on the phone.  An orc is sponging your head off - you can smell his breath in your face and your head pounds.

He grunts, "It ain't serious."

You let your head swing left.  The orc adjusts and you spot Flash in much the same condition sitting next to you.  Another man is cleaning him up, but he doesn't seem nearly as beat up.  Actually you feel halfway decent, but your head...

A group of men enter from the right, all in parade.  A man in a white shirt leads the henchmen to the woman, who hangs up when she sees them.

She speaks first, "Thanks Shawn, I owe you another one."

		---

"Damn it Shawn, get the door."

"Right."

The windowless double doors swing open and you spot Shawn tossing a dwarf and a punk into the back.  Propping your sunglasses back on your nose, you swing you pack into the passenger seat of a stripped plain-label Nissan Spectra.  In your radio Shawn's decker tells you that the traffic will break up in half a mile.  You rev the engine and cut over to the shoulder, taking the next exit that leads to an indiscrete hideout Shawn keeps.

		---

The contents of the envelope spill out onto your table once again.  You look up at Sammy with an inquisitive expression.  He begins to fumble around with some of the reports, reads the attached note, and finally picks up the picture.  His jaw begins to tremble and his knuckles go white.  You aren't sure whether he's about to scream out in anger or break down in sobs.  He let's the photo slip from his fingers and turns around as if to leave.  For a few seconds all you can hear is the sound of water leaking through the ceiling and hitting the puddles on the floor.  Sammy's body is perfectly framed by the exit.

He turns and points at the table without making eye contact, "That's Molly."

Mati: My eyes narrow at the mention of the name Molly.  I'm not sure who she is, but the name and picture have caused some kind of spark in Sammy.  I lean over the table and look at the picture.  The women is rather attractive, but the face seems unknown to me.  I study it in an effort to commit the image to memory as best as I can.  I turn to look at Sammy.  His back is to me and he appears to be staring out into the Seattle night.

"May I ask who Molly is?"....

Sammy: I cant think straight.  I don’t know what the hell is going on in my mind now.  There is this 20 ton weight on my shoulders and its getting heavier.  I stagger as I turn toward Mati.  Bracing myself on the table, I begin to remove all of my weaponry and gear onto the table, hoping that this will make me feel lighter.  It does. "Sit."  I exclaim as I take a seat across from him, my silvery metallic eyes focusing on nothing. "Not many people know of my past.  I feel by keeping a low profile, its harder to find you.  Anyways, a couple years back before I was like this," I motion toward all of the cyber-implants, "I had a family.  I used to be a Federal Agent for the remains of the U.S. Government.  I had a stable job and a lovely wife and daughter.  I stumbled across some illegal arms dealings as well as some assassination attempts for high ranking Political figures within my agency.  I was offered the chance to join the operation, but I refused.  Because I knew to much, they decided to kill me.  I escaped somehow, but I was shot 3 times in the right arm."

This seat is becoming to uncomfortable.  I stand up and open the window a crack.  The cool breeze feels good against the my metallic body. "The agency wrote me off as dead, but that wasn’t enough for them.  They had to write me off completely.  I staggered home, from the fire-fight only to find that my wife, Gloria, and my daughter, Molly had been... My head hurts so bad, and this cumbersome weight just wont go away. "...killed." I look up into the darkness of the night.  Past the rain and into the moon. "I vowed to go back to the agency when the time came and get my revenge.  I turned myself into the mechanical figure you see before you with plans on taking out the ones who took my family from me." I turn toward Mati, with a misty eyes, and look him straight in the face. "This whole thing doesn’t make sense to me, but if my daughter is still alive, I will find her.

Mati: I can see the hurt in my friends eyes and know it too well.  I think of my mother and how she was treated.  I walk over to bed and remove the sheathed sword from underneath it.  I strap it onto my back and throw my cloak over my shoulders.  I turn to Sammy.

"We need to go back to the Sin building.  I want to take a look around and I'll see if they know anything about your daughter.  I need you to watch my body while I scope out the facility.  If this doesn't pan out we can go find that Kate women.  She seemed like the kind of person that was good at finding people.  Lets go."

I pull the black hood over my head and walk out into the rainy Seattle night.  Now I have two women to find.  And possibly a new tattoo to do...

Kate: The woman embraces the leader of the goons and whispers something in his ear.   When she turns to face you her face turns from friendly to pure business.

"Gentlemen, Since I'm sure that you know who I am and I don't really care who you are, we will skip the introductions.  I'd like you to understand that I have absolutely nothing against either of you.  I hope that we can work through this misunderstanding without any more bloodshed.  You should know that we have captured both the team that you relieved and the teams monitoring my friends.  Don't try to lie.  That said, we can get down to business.   Separate them..."

The goons divide up somewhat evenly and escort you both into separate rooms,  making sure to remind you that THEY are the ones holding the guns.  After a  short wait the woman enters the room and takes a seat across the table from  you.  She removes a viper silvergun from her purse and starts to talk.

"Lets start from the beginning, shall we.  Oh, if you happen to recall  anything important that I might have missed, feel free to speak up.

Who hired you? How do you contact them? What did they tell you about me? My friends? Where can I find them?

What are you looking for? What did they tell you about it? Why is it important?

How long have you been watching me? What have you found out? Who else knows?"

"Thank you for your cooperation, I do hope your stories match."

Gunner: Once the orc has finished treating my wounds, I take a deep breath, relieved at being reprieved from having to breathe his foul hot breath any longer.  I look over at Flash, are you alright? I ask.  I wriggle my hands, testing the bonds behind me to see if there is any chance of breaking them or freeing myself.  Finding that there is probably no way out of the situation for now I sit tight, hoping that maybe we will be able to reason with one of our captors...

Gunner: The goons divide up somewhat evenly and escort you both into separate rooms,  making sure to remind you that THEY are the ones holding the guns.  After a  short wait the woman enters the room and takes a seat across the table from  you.  She removes a viper silvergun from her purse and starts to talk.

I squirm uneasily in my chair and grit my teeth as I see the slivergun.  How do I get myself into these positions!

"Lets start from the beginning, shall we.  Oh, if you happen to recall  anything important that I might have missed, feel free to speak up.

Who hired you?
"It would be a breach of my professional etiquette to say" as soon as the interrogator presses harder I will give in, no Johnson is worth my life... "Veronica Sains"

How do you contact them?
"I can't, she contacts us."

What did they tell you about me?
"Nothing, we're just getting paid to watch you and report anything unusual, more unusual than you're disgusting face that is!"

My friends?
"you have friends?"

Where can I find them?
"I don't know, she contacts us."

What are you looking for?
"Nothing in particular, just reporting your activities."

What did they tell you about it?
"Nothing, how many Johnson's do you know that give you all the details of the job?"

Why is it important?
"I've got no idea why anyone would be interested in the likes of you"

How long have you been watching me?
"3 days"

What have you found out?
"Nothing more important than the colour of your underwear, personal hygiene habits and lack of sexual activity" A smirk appears across my face.

Who else knows?"
Me, Flash, the other team and our Johnson.  But she could have told anyone, worried about your rep?"

"Thank you for your cooperation, I do hope your stories match."

"I'll be waiting right here."

Flash: (Flash) As I sit in the chair I wonder at how I was captured.  Frag!  How did I not react in time?  I didn't have my reflexes on, that's how.  I won't make that mistake twice.

When Gunner asks if I'm OK, I simply respond, "I'm looking better than you are."

> The goons divide up somewhat evenly and escort you both into separate rooms,
> making sure to remind you that THEY are the ones holding the guns.  After a
> short wait the woman enters the room and takes a seat across the table from
> you.  She removes a viper silvergun from her purse and starts to talk.
>
> "Lets start from the beginning, shall we.  Oh, if you happen to recall
> anything important that I might have missed, feel free to speak up.
>
> Who hired you?
"Veronica something or other."

> How do you contact them?
"I don't.  I'm not the brains of this operation."

> What did they tell you about me?
> My friends?
"They don't tell me anything.  Ask the brain, not the gun."

> Where can I find them?
"I don't know."

> What are you looking for? "We're just surveying."

> What did they tell you about it?
"I didn't pay attention to that part, I was cleaning my gun."

> Why is it important?
"What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino?  'ell if I 'no'."

> How long have you been watching me?
"Three days I think.  But I was reading comic books most of the time.  Have you ever read 'The Dark Night Returns?'  It's pretty good.  See, Superman is called in to deal with--"  Her hand stings as she slaps my cheek.  I shut up, but a smirk inches it's way across my face, barely touching the redness that's sneaked in.

> What have you found out?
"I was trying to tell you.  I found out Batman gets defeated by Superman, but--"  My other cheek turns red moments later.

> Who else knows?"
"Probably half of the geeks in Seattle."  My lip starts bleeding after the third slap.  Not a good time to bite you lip.  "Sorry.  But, like I said, I'm not the brains."

> "Thank you for your cooperation, I do hope your stories match."

Kate: (Gunner) Flash, Kate, Shawn, goons - hired goons

"Your large friend certainly wasn't as verbose as you, but he more than sold me on your story.  I'm sorry your employer didn't better prepare you.  It certainly would have done us both some good.  If you'll continue to show cooperation, my friends will take you back to your van and you will be free to  go."

"Make sure they are blindfolded.  Good hideouts are hard to find."

---(Shawn) Kate

Thanks for the help, even if they did turn out to be on a routine surveillance.  You can't really blame me for a bit of paranoia.  How about we get some thing to eat and catch up.  I still have a few hours till my meeting at penumbra.

Gunner: Gunner, Flash, Kate, Shawn, goons - hired goons

"whoa...hang on a minute sugar...." I say, speaking to the woman who has confronted us (Kate).

"As it stands at the moment me and my chummer here are royally hosed, we fragged our job, spent 3 days watchin' someone we're not interested in and aren’t gonna get a sniff of a nuyen from our Johnson, not to mention the damage to our rep! I've got a proposition for you if you're interested?"

"I was thinking that there is a way that me 'n Flash here can get paid, finish our job, earn a bit extra on the side and you can find out what you need to know about our employer...what do you think?"

"I propose that we run a double cross on Veronica.  You pay us the going rate, me and Flash here can report back with some bogus information, maybe work out a way that you can get your hands on your tag, while we still pick up our dosh for the job.  It's a win win all round..."

"well?"

Kate: Gunner, Flash, Kate, Shawn, goons - hired goons

"Sounds interesting, but it doesn't sound like your employer intends to tell you anything more about herself but her name and I don't blame her.  I don’t really know about your rep, but if it is money you want we can work something out."

"IF you can get anything else out of her, I'll give you the going rate.  I’ll even throw in a bonus if it is especially useful.  You can tell her you followed me to 343 W. Lorne St and lost me after I snuck inside.  That should satisfy her and get you paid."

"We'll cover up this abduction and keep the other team in the dark as to what happened to you guys.  Of course you will still need to be blindfolded on the way back to your van.  I can't afford to compromise another hideout."

"You get the proof of your success, and a tidy bonus if Veronica slips up.

"If you get the info, you can contact me through this matrix message board."

"Good luck"

Kate: (Shawn) Kate

"Could you please bug their van before they are returned?  I'm going to follow them, but I can't get close.  After all, they'd have to be nuts not to be at least a bit paranoid after this."

Time to stalk the stalkers.

Sammy: Without saying a word, I strap on my gun holsters, and slip into my ever-so-comfortable long coat.  I then head to the door, down the stairs and out to the front of Mati's building.  I sit on my Harley and rev up the engine.  I toss a helmet to Mati.  "Hop on.  We're going to the Sin Factory.

Mati: I suggest to Sammy that we find somewhere a couple of blocks away from the factory.  A nice alley to hide in or some shack.  Once we pull into our hiding spot (the back of a fish market), I sit on the cold cement and prop my back up against the brick wall.  I choose a spot where no one will come across us.

"Alright Sammy, stay here and watch my body.  I'm going to astrally project myself and see what I can find in the sin factory.  I'm going to look for your daughter.  I'll be back if there is any trouble.  If anything happens here just take my body back to my place.  That's where I'll come looking for it."

After an somewhat understanding nod from Sammy, I cross my legs and slip into the astral plane.  I study Sammy's aura for awhile.  His daughter's aura will have at least some trace of her father's.  I look around then zip through the fish market, glad that I can't smell, and wait on the edge of the Sin Factory's grounds, searching for any spirits, guards, or magic barriers.  If I'm lucky another mage, would be willing to lend a hand...

Gunner: I tell the woman that I will be in touch as soon as I've found something and let them blindfold me and take us out.  Once I am free I check that they have also released Flash, if he is there...

"So what do you think chummer, do we want to get messed up with these guys or keep workin for our johnson?"

GM: (Mati) Sammy

The market is still hoping when you plop yourself down next to a stack of empty crates.  The stench of fish guts makes you anxious to leave the physical world, and from the look on Sammy's face, he isn't appreciating your choice of locales.  Even so, he poises his hand over the hidden holster in his coat.

The swift trip back to the factory leaves you with plenty of energy.  You pass the building quickly at first, surveying the area for any immediate danger; then find a safe vantage point a half block down the street.  The parking lot is full, but quiet.  A venture through the wall of the complex would prove more useful, but a security breech seems dangerous.  A few watcher spirits patrol the perimeter nonchalantly, and hold no real threat to your safety.  Beyond them however lies the intrigue.  Colorful spurts of energy continue to erupt from the roof in a display akin to commercial grade fireworks.  The streams don't explode in balls of fire.  The energy exits like a fountain of paint.

The Technicolor distraction almost draws your attention from the more real world threats.  Circling the building slowly you see a repair crew has already replaced the missing fence links, and traditional security teams have been placed on wide patrols.  It seems the attack launched weeks ago has motivated Sincad to action.

GM: (Shawn) Kate

"Well, that's done Kate; I see you escorted them out too.  What do you plan on doing with them?" Shawn wipes the grease off of his hand with a rag.

"Personally, I'd say they don't have any clue who they're really working for, but don't take my word.  I've seen the meekest fragers off the street pull jobs that'd impress even the likes of a hardened terrorist such as myself."

"Oh yeah, best quality.  Good range too.  You still going to Penumbra tomorrow?"

Flash: Flash looks at the brains, "It's your call.  I'm the muscle.  But I must say I liked the way you handled yourself in there.  I never would have thought of such a great plan."

He checks his gun.  "Nothing missing.  Where we headed?"

Gunner: (Gunner), Flash

"well I think these guys are connected to bigger fish than us, maybe this could be the leg-up we need.  That woman obviously has some pretty professional contacts and I doubt she'd be working alone."

"Chances are that if we can hook up with a team like that we could get ourselves enough of a rep that we can turn down these fraggin' jobs where we don't know anything about the run, routinely risk our lives and get jack all reward at the end.  I don't see we have anything to lose"

"First we gotta impress them by getting some info out of veronica, oh yeah and find out where the hell we are! You arrange us some transport, I'm gonna give our Johnson a call and arrange a meet."

Mati: (Mati)

No one ever got anywhere without taking chances, besides, Sammy's daughter might be inside.  I zoom into the compound making certain to avoid the guards bodies and the spirits.  I go straight to the source of the strange glow and into the building.  At the first sign of trouble I zoom out and back to my body.  If allowed to roam, I'll make a further inquiry into what is causing the strange aurora borealis and maybe take a peak around for Molly.  I will however not push my luck.  Which has a tendency to run out when I need it...

GM: (Mati)

Off like a flash you move your astral form closer to the building.  The guardian watchers are slow to pick up on your presence, but you feel their ghost eyes watching you.  The inside of the Sincad building seems drab, a stark contrast to the color fountain you witnessed outside, but this room is only an office after all.  Further into the building you enter the same production line that Ethan shot to drek.  The catwalk has been cleared, but not replaced and the entire area is alive with workers.  Out of the corner of your eye you see a flash of color blur in the distance.

Delving deeper into the factory, the prismatic spray comes into view.  Your astral perception is almost blinded as you round the corner and size up what appears to be an assembly line.  Everywhere you look mages are casting spells and throwing mana left and right.  It literally looks like a blast furnace of magical energy.  Pausing with curiosity for a second, you don't have enough time to assess any of the auras.  Everywhere you look color flings off of another conveyer belt, and from you right hand side a fiery bird sweeps down upon you.  The wings of the magician envelope your body and the heat of it's beak scalds every nerve ending in you.  You manage to break free from the repeated pecking and now hover immediately in front of the raptor.

-------------------->
ooc to Mati: You just took a moderate wound (& it's not the stun variety).  Sorry.
-------------------->

		--- (Gunner) Veronica

"Yeah, this is Veronica.  What can I do for ya?"

"Oh, it's you.  Hold on a sec...  All right, what do you need, where's Kate?"

"You're where?  What the hell are you doing there?"

"Uhhhuh, right why do you want to meet me?  No forget it.  I'll see you tonight.  Corner of 5th and Wright... in Tacoma"

"Nine o'clock."

Mati: (Mati)

I wince and then size up the situation and my quarry.  I burst through the factory to return to my body with haste like none other.  I will not stop to look around and have no interest in dealing with this nasty little specter.  Once I've returned to my body, I'm going to suggest to Sammy that we return to some place safe so that I can heal a bit.

 If we find that place I will cast my heal spell on myself using all of my available magic dice to succeed( I believe this is how it works.  If not I'll use whatever Karma dice pools I can use to aid in my roll).

Gunner: Once myself and flash have arranged to get transport I suggest we both go back to my place and work out how we're gonna handle this meet.  When home I log into the matrix message boards and try and find the board that Kate mentioned.  When I do I post the following message...

"If your interested we can arrange an ambush for our Johnson, then you can find out all the info you want at your own leisure? If your interested reply here and I’ll give you details for a meet where we can discuss the deal."

Once that is out of the way I lean back in my chair and wait for a response, I look over at Flash and say

"Fancy some take away? Be a good laddie then and nip down to that little place down the road with them tasty synth noodles and soy-prawns.  I'll fix ya up for the difference when ya get back OK?"

Sammy: The putrid smell of fish and the sweat of pedestrians fill my nostrils.  It has got to be the worst smell in the entire world.  I look back at Mati, and notice a sudden jerk back to consciousness in him.  He looks dazed and is mumbling, but I understand him.  We get loaded back up onto the Harley and drive to my apartment.

Flash: "Don't order me around like an errand boy, chummer.  I'll go get the food, but only because I need to take a walk," Flash scowls.  "And you'll give me the money up front."

Gunner: (Gunner), Flash

"ok, ok...gees I guess this whole kidnapping deal has stressed you out a tad.  Don't sweat it laddie we'll be alright.  Here’s some nuyen to cover the food.  I'm yer buddy not yer daddy so no hard feelings eh?"

"Oh and while yer out how 'bout something sweet fer after?"

Flash: (Flash), Gunner

"You're right.  I'm sorry G.  Maybe I'll pick up some ice cream.  Chocolate or Strawberry?"

Mati: (Mati) Sammy

I let Sammy help me to his bike and I hold on as tight as I can.  I feel lightheaded and my eyes have bright spots dashing across them.  Hopefully that will disappear soon.  As we careen down the highway to Sammy's apartment.  I try to focus on what I saw and see if I can recall any of the mage's voices or chants.  Once we have arrived at Sammy's I'll make myself comfortable and attempt to heal myself with some magic, sitting in the corner and chanting to Maruk as I hold a pose of meditation.  My hands are on my knees and my head is bowed while my legs remain crossed.  I hope for the best...

Kate: (Kate) Shawn

"I'm not really one to get optimistic, but at the very least they have spunk.   Of course, that isn't always a good thing..."

[meaningful moment of silence]

"I guess my best road still leads to Penumbra tomorrow.  As usual, I'll arrive  early and blend in with the crowd.  If I'm there by 7:00, I'll be a regular by  the time Clyde gets there."

"How about a late lunch?  I'll let you know if Bob and Jay score anything."

GM: (Sammy) Mati

You kick open the door to your apartment and escort Mati over to the couch.  He lets out an extended sigh as he crosses his legs and enters what seems to be a deep meditative trance.  So much for reconnaissance information without a price.

Going to the fridge you pop the top on a beer and peer at the tiger shaman as he bleeds on your scotch guarded sofa.  Mati bears a pair of fangs and as the blue-green balls of light surround him, the tattoos on his arms and chest come alive.  A second later he falls over onto an awaiting pillow.  The bleeding has stopped, but you can tell he has a headache nonetheless.

		--- Gunner, Flash

"Yummmm... Chocolate."

		--- (Kate) Shawn

"Lunch?  No thanks.  I think it's about time we hit the high class commercial district with a little mischief.  Let me know how the dynamic duo turns out and if you need any more back-up give me a call.  Oh yeah, you still looking for a job with us?  We heard Frupps upped their security it Tacoma.  That just won't do."

Contemplating Shawn's offer, you decide to check your Matrix box while the team cleans up the warehouse a bit.  While crates of automatic weapons and high end explosives are loaded into windowless vans, your feed delivers a familiar beep to the cortex of your brain.  Gunner has an offer for you.

"Ambush, hmmmmmm."

-----------(ooc)---->
Your moderate physical wound has been transformed into a light stun.  Nice rolling Mati... for a change.
-------------------->

Mati: (Mati) Sammy

I lay there.....but once I awaken and get some water to drink, I'll inform my friend Sammy about what I saw in the factory:

"They appear to be producing something.  Something magical.  They have dozens of mages throwing magic around like a toy.  I couldn't stay long, I was attacked by some kind of nasty spirit or something.  I'm sorry Sammy I didn't see any signs of you daughter, but I only saw a small fraction of the facility.  If I had help, I might be able to get further in, but I don't know anyone else that would be willing to go in with me.  Sorry about the couch, but thanks for bailing me out.  If you don't mind, I'm going to rest for awhile then we can try to find out more about who sent us this little package."

Sammy: I take a seat next to Mati on the couch avoiding the blood.  This whole thing has left me confused and speechless.  I turn to Mati and look at his fatigued face and body.  "Let's chill here for the night and catch up on some much needed rest.  Then we'll set out tomorrow and try and contact that weird Kate chick, maybe she has something to do with this."

Kate: --- (Kate) Shawn

"Sure, just let me know where and when you need me.  I gotta go check up on tweedle dee and tweedle dum.  They're meeting their contact at 7, so I should be busy tonight.  Actually, I've got penumbra tomorrow night.  Anyway, I'm interested.  Let me know if I can help."

By 6:00 I'm nothing more than a concern in the back of two runners' minds.  Of course, I did come ready for anything.

Kate: --- (Kate) Shawn

"Sure, I'm always willing to help out.  Just let me know when and where.  If you need me you know how to find me."

--- Kate, Gunner, (Deckers of the World)

"I am indeed interested.  I'm sure you'll pick reasonable meeting arrangements.  I await the details."

GM: (Sammy) Mati

Sleep is good, especially when you are harboring thoughts of revenge.  The mage crashes on the couch for the night after changing his bandages.  You move to the bedroom, and with a troubled heart stare at the ceiling for hours.  Sleep comes with difficulty; when it does it is much needed.

--- (Kate) Shawn

"I'll mail you the details Kate.  We're taking off... Oh, and don't get too involved with the twosome.  Not your style." Shawn gives you a smile as he tosses a backpack full of explosives over his shoulder and exits the warehouse.

Closing your laptop you prepare for the meeting tonight.  Their Johnson is supposed to arrive at nine, but getting there an hour early occurs to you as a wise idea.  You check your weaponry for ammo, catch a quick bite, and hop into your car.  By eight o'clock you have found a vantage point in a condemned building across the street from 5th and Wright.

--- (Flash) Gunner

With ten minutes to spare both you and your partner pull up to the designated corner.  The street lights are on, but barely.  It would seem that Veronica isn't trying to impress you with her choice of locales.  The streets are filled with garbage, and only an odd car, minus it's tires, decorates the alley.  The actual meeting place is directly under one of the flickering lamps.  Slamming the door on you car, you feel the wind blow through your clothing and hair.  The skies look as if they are going to storm.

Gunner gives you a holler, and begins to walk over to the cracked sidewalk, and then to the street light.  You follow and wait.  Your watch says 9:03, and still no sign of Veronica or of your previous captor.  The loneliness of the situation sinks in.

By 9:10 you can hear the sound of a car in the distance, and in fact a rather expensive Ford pulls up a minute later.  The car is black and you are unable to see the people within.  The glass is tinted beyond visibility, and the cars headlights don't aid your sight -- they are shining right in your eyes.  You cover your brow with the back of you arm, and the passenger side door swings open.  Out steps a woman in her thirties: dark hair tied up, dressed in a business suit.  She carries nothing but an impatient look in her eyes.
"What can I do for you boys?"

Mati: Mati (Sammy)

After awaking to find myself in a place that I don't recognize, I shake my head a while before my eyes adjust to the darkness and I can take in my surroundings.  The sun is not quite up yet and I wander over to the window and stare out into the dark and early morning.  Out there is my new destiny, a child, a friend's daughter.  My body aches a bit, but I have been worse.  In a few hours, I will awaken Sammy and we will try to find help.  Then I should probably look for some help from some other mages.  They may know about what is going on in the Sin plant.  This is going to be a long day, I should get some more rest.  I return to the couch and lay down.

Gunner: I try and move closer to Veronica without appearing to be to suspicious and try to find out how many people are in the vehicle.

"Flash and I (as I say this I turn to Flash and give a slight nod towards the drivers door) were hoping to re-negotiate the price of the deal slightly, we thought that you might be interested in some information we turned up on Kate..."

As soon as I get close enough I lunge towards the door that Veronica had just gotten out of hoping to slam it shut and prevent her from getting into the car.  Once this is successful I try and draw my pistol and level it at Veronica, hoping that Flash is doing his best to take care of the driver.

Sammy: Sammy (Mati)

I wake up from my sleepy state and look around the apartment.  The shades have broken up the sun's light which is lighting up the room.  I notice that Mati is asleep on my couch.  I give him a nudge. "wake up, lets get some food, then we'll contact my buddy Dave.  Lets see what kind of info he can get us."

Flash: Flash will move to intercept the driver then.

GM: (Sammy) Mati

You search the apartment for some food, or even some fake food, but come up short.  Last night's storm has past, and the sun is shinning outside.  The light bleeds through your blinds to illuminate the room.  Mati has rolled off of the couch and after a quick pause by the window looks to you for leadership.  His face is stern.

"How 'bout we get a bite down the street?"

The diner is small and grungy, but it has a certain low-class appeal to it.  The waitress tosses a plate of eggs in front of you and waddles off to take an elderly lady's order.  You click on your cell phone:

"Thank you for calling Pacific Rim Communications.  How may I direct your call?"

"One moment please."

"This is Dave, how may I help you?"

        --- (Flash) Gunner, Veronica, Goons

You take a couple of steps to the right of the car.  The headlights aren't directly in your eyes now.  Gunner is talking with Veronica; you notice some tension in his voice.  The conversation lasts all of thirty seconds before the passenger side door is slammed shut.  Gunner pulls out a heavy pistols and trains it on Veronica's head.

With a quick step in your pace you pull you own piece and go for the driver.  The tinted glass gives you no visibility.  You point the gun at your own reflection and with your free hand lift the door latch.  It's locked.  You glance at Gunner--Veronica has her hands in the air, and then back at the car.  You hear the whir of a power window rolling down and see a gun barrel pop out of a three inch gap...

Gunner: Gunner), Flash, Kate, driver...

Keeping a keen eye on Veronica Gunner barks out for her to tell her driver to surrender

"If He's not out of that car in 3 seconds your gonna be wearing a whole lotta lead lady!"

"3!"

"2!"

"1..."

Sammy: Sammy (Mati)

"Dave, its me."  I wait not listening to his reply, just the sound of my own breath.  "If there a time that I really needed you, it would be now.  I have a problem.  Would it be possible for you to meet me sometime soon?  Something has come up involving my daughter."

Flash: (Flash), Gunner, Kate, Goons

Flash ducks behind the cover of the door and plants himself so the door can't be opened.  He keeps just the barrel of his gun above the window and waits for Gunner's countdown before firing.

Kate: (Kate) armed felons

oh well, maybe penumbra will pan out better.

GM: (Sammy) Mati, Dave

"Sammy... I don't know what to say.  I want to help... but I... thought... wasn't your daughter... I didn't think that she... isn't she... isn't she dead Sammy?"

"Oh my God."

"When do you need to meet.  I get off work today at five.  No wait, the board meetings usually last 'till 5:30.  How 'bout 6 o'clock somewhere.  Name the place."

"I'll be there... and Sammy... don't do anything... crazy.... Bye."

You hang up the phone a give a look at Mati.  The mage is sitting quietly with a plate of soy-eggs in front of him.  He waits until you finish the call before picking up his fork and scooping up a pile of yellow substitute into his mouth.  He downs a gulp of OJ and wipes his face with a paper napkin.  You glance down at your own plate--the same mush with a couple pieces of toast--and contemplate.

        --- (Gunner) Flash, Veronica, The Driver

"Three."

Veronica keeps her hands above her head.  You see her slowly look towards the black sedan.

"Two."

Flash drops to the ground.  Veronica's eyes are shut.  She doesn't seem to value cooperation.  The tips of her fingers are moving.

"ONE."

Gunfire from Flash.  You hear the sound of shattering glass.  The driver slams his door into Flash's torso.  He loses his balance and trips over himself.  Flash's body blocks the door from opening further.  You hear it slam shut again.

Training your eyes and your gun on Veronica, you squeeze the trigger lightly and yet with an anxious tension.  From the view of your one eye aiming the gun you think you see a smile develop in the corner of your target's mouth.

"Screw her."

You pull the trigger... but there is no target.  Veronica has disappeared.

Kate: (Kate) Gun happy loons

I save her cached image into memory wonder how the madness unfolds.

"Hopefully this won't be a complete loss."

Mati: (Mati), Sammy, plate of soy-eggs

I mix the yellowish gooey substance on my plate as I listen to what Sammy is saying.  It sounds like we'll be taking a little trip later this evening.  Incredible to think about really.  I cannot imagine what must be going through Sammy's mind...or can I?  My mother, this all seems so familiar, a loved one taken away.  I shake the memory from my mind.  I slurp the glass of orange juice, a bit too acidic for my taste, but I can't complain.  I wipe my mouth and stare at my friend sitting in front of me.  A look of pain and distress on his face.  I stand up and put my hand on his shoulder.

"We will find her.  I promise you."

I remove myself to the washroom and take a hot shower.  My mind retraces back to the scene in the Sin factory.  What could they possibly be up to and what are we going to do about it?

GM ooc: Do you always take hot showers in public restrooms, or do you hike back to Sammy's place first?

Mati ooc: Sorry, Tim, yes I return to Sammy's place first.

Flash: I run to the back of the car, hunched over, and look for Gunner's signal.

Sammy: (Sammy) Mati

I drop my fork and rush into the bathroom, just as Mati is about to drop his pants and bathe in the toilet.  "C'mon buddy, lets go back to the apartment if you wanna get clean.  I don’t think the patrons of this restaurant want to see 'Little Mati'."  I pay for the meal at the front counter and walk towards my bike.  Once we are both on, I head toward my place.  I stop at the front and throw Mati my house keys.  "I'm going for a ride, ill be back in time for the meeting with Dave.  I just gotta clear my mind a little."  With that said, I slap my shades on and gun the engine into the streets of Seattle.

Mati: After being dropped off at Sammy's apartment, I take a hot shower and relax on the couch in meditation.  I hope that Sammy returns soon, I'm itching for some vengeance.

Gunner: (Gunner), Flash, driver

I turns to flash who is also crouching behind the car by now.  I shrug my shoulders to indicate that I'm not sure what to do.  As A spur of the moment decision I let loose with two shots, one at the back tire and one at the front on the side of the car that I'm hiding.  I turn and give the nod for Flash to do the same, then make my way around the side of the car towards the passenger side door.

GM: (Kate) Clyde

The party at Penumbra tonight is as techno as ever.  DJ Spinster is keepin' the place hoppin' while the techies aim the laser lights.  You can't hear yourself think, but you can smell the artificial fog a mile away.  The walls are covered with stars to match the moon floor--in all, the atmosphere is dark, sporadic, and loud.  Loud enough to muffle any conversation.  Clyde gave you a room number.  The bartender points to the back of the joint where you see a few of your previous business associates mingling.  At 9:31 a tall man wearing a polo shirt and khakis, carrying a briefcase, walks into room 3.  He closes the door behind him.

DJ Spinster revs up the music with a heavy beat as you move through the crowd.

        --- (Mati)

Nothing on the trid... shower's done... nothin' to do... you see your sword in the corner across the room from the couch you are sitting on...

       --- (Flash) Gunner, Veronica's shadow, The Driver

Pulling yourself off of the pavement you ready your gun, hunch over, and take a quick sprint behind the car.  The rear windshield is tinted dark like the others, but you sight up the car nonetheless.  Gunner, in his confusion turns on the car in a rage as the driver turns over the ignition.  The car rumbles and two shots come out of the barrel of Gunner's Manhunter.  The front tire explodes.

Taking the hint, you move out and blast the rear tire, opposite.  The driver slams the accelerator down and sparks fly into your face as he begins to pull away--but he's slow.  Dodging the flames, Gunner makes a jog to the side of the car and brings his pistol to bear on the getaway driver.

He puts his hands up as the car rolls to a gentle halt.

"Kill me quick."

        --- (Sammy)

The wind rushes through you hair.  You think about your daughter and your family and your wife and your job, from a previous life it seems.  The sound of a Harley engine fills the streets of Seattle.  You stare off into the distance, into the skyline and the horizon.

        --- (Kate) Clyde

Business casual would be the opportune word to describe Clyde.  He sits with a double whiskey, looks up to you and motions towards the bench across the booth.  You let the door shut behind you and sit.  The door mechanism clicks with the sound of security.  DJ Spinster cranks the beat.

"Hello Kate, glad you could make it.  I assume you want to get straight to it.  My name's Clyde.  I need you to get my decker back."

He slides a manila envelope your way.  You open it and spread the contents on the table.  The corner of the paper soaks up a small puddle of liquid that was resting next to Clyde's drink.  The pictures are black & white head shots, detailed.

"She's being held by Sincad Inc. in a research plant--Tacoma.  She pulled a job a few weeks back, but never came back.  Then I got a tip she was being held hostage--some sort of crazy vendetta these bastards have on her.  She's one of my best... I've got three potentials who want to hire her, but no dice... no Lil to pull their jobs."

"Anyway... standard pay, plus a bonus for the high risk, payable to any account worldwide in small anonymous installations... and I'll even cover your equipment costs up front."

"How's that sound to you?"

GM: (Durin) Miles, Sliv the Merc

"I HATE guard duty."

The merc paces back and forth on a catwalk high above the factory floor, cussing his head off.  A few weeks back the three of you were all hired to keep tabs on the place.  Seems research facilities are prone to frequent break-ins.  Especially when the damn factory is working on SOTA magic tech.

"I HATE catwalks and I can't stand sitting around doin' nothin'.  I should be the one breaking into this place, not the other way around."

You turn to the meditating mage next to you; bring your hand up to you mouth so that the sound doesn't travel.

"Wired reflexes will make you antsy."

Miles smiles at you and opens his eyes.

You ask, "You plan to sleep all day?"

"Just worry about your drones."

One of the bug drones swoops down and up and down and up in a little dance across the factory.  Boredom give you time to practice maneuvers.

"This sucks."

        ---

"PERIMETER ALERT... ALERT... ALERT..."

Sirens blare and red lights flash.  You look at your watch; the digital face turns over 11:59.  The drone are up in the air.  Sliv leaps up from the catwalk railing.

"That's what I'm talking about."

He runs down the catwalk to the south, so far that you lose sight of him in the controlled panic.  Workers are securing their areas, and the SMG armed guards come out of hiding.

"They're still outside.  Let's move ya' fraggers!"

GM: (Durin) Miles, Sliv the Merc

"I HATE guard duty."

The merc paces back and forth on a catwalk high above the factory floor, cussing his head off.  A few weeks back the three of you were all hired to keep tabs on the place.  Seems research facilities are prone to frequent break-ins.  Especially when the damn factory is working on SOTA magic tech.

"I HATE catwalks and I can't stand sitting around doin' nothin'.  I should be the one breaking into this place, not the other way around."

You turn to the meditating mage next to you; bring your hand up to you mouth so that the sound doesn't travel.

"Wired reflexes will make you antsy."

Miles smiles at you and opens his eyes.

You ask, "You plan to sleep all day?"

"Just worry about your drones."

One of the bug drones swoops down and up and down and up in a little dance across the factory.  Boredom give you time to practice maneuvers.

"This sucks."

        ---

"PERIMETER ALERT... ALERT... ALERT..."

Sirens blare and red lights flash.  You look at your watch; the digital face turns over 11:59.  The drone are up in the air.  Sliv leaps up from the catwalk railing.

"That's what I'm talking about."

He runs down the catwalk to the south, so far that you lose sight of him in the controlled panic.  Workers are securing their areas, and the SMG armed guards come out of hiding.

"They're still outside.  Let's move ya' fraggers!"

Kate: --- (Kate) Clyde

Sounds reasonable, but I'm going to have to check the place out before I can make any promises on the time frame.  I'd normally ask for some decker intel, but under the circumstances I'll add that to expenses.

I'll check the place out and let you know what’s what.  I'll need a few days.  If you learn anything else in the interim, let me know

Durin: At least two drones follow Sliv, I want a total of 4 outside where the action is, if there isn't another convenient way out, they all go with Sliv.  The remaining 2 stay on patrol inside the factory.  All 6 are armed with tranq darts.  Once outside, the plan is a quick look around and to find good vantage points to face the threat.  I still keep Miles and Sliv informed if possible (building security too if we're working with them).

Miles: <On a side note, if I'm working on shifts with Durin, I have my phone linked as a communicator with him and he has some kind of tracker on me so he knows where I am even when I'm invisible>

I take off with Sliv casting improved invisibility and locking it as I go.  I also pull up the building schematics on my head's up so I know where I'm running too.

"Durin, where the hell are they!!!! Sliv, hold up, don't go running in blind like a fragger born yesterday!!!"

Mati: I remove my sword from its sheath and begin to sharpen it with my stone.  The light glimmers off the metal as I polish it with a piece of cloth.  I look at my reflection in the blade, I await my friends return and ponder where he may have gone.  I'm only interested in two people right now though, Lil and Sammy's daughter.  Tonight we go hunting...

Sammy: I arrive at my apartment and walk up the dully lighten staircase to the run down place I call home.  As I walk in the door, Mati looks up at me from the sharpening of his blade.  "Listen, I'm sorry if I haven’t been myself lately.  As you know this whole thing has taken me off guard.  I just don’t know what to do.  I love my daughter very much, and when this information of her still being alive presented itself, my whole world got turned upside down.  If she still is alive I will find her."  I walk to the closet, grab a spare motorcycle helmet, and toss it at Mati.  "Lets go, we gotta go meet my buddy Dave at the Shuki-Tai Restaurant at 6:30."  I head towards the door, pause and turn to face Mati.  "Thanks for every."  I then walk down the dully lighten staircase into the world of the shadows.

GM: (Miles) Sliv, Corp Guards

You go running after Miles while two drones buzz over your head, underneath the closing dock bay garage doors and into the night sky.  You see a storm brewing, and can smell the ions in the air.  You hear the drip of water and oil falling from high above, inside.  Chains and steam dangle in the stuffy air.  Dodging past an overweight guard, you make it to the security center in the heart of the factory.

The newly upgraded ware handles everything from cameras to motion detection--even a jack points of emergency Matrix security.  Next door is the nerve center for their PLTG, and you can make out the body of a lone security decker slumped in the reclining chair.  A coiled cord runs from the figures left temple to an elaborate array of panels and display screens.  You bring your attention back to the security team just as the chubby guard hurries in, dripping with his own sweat and that of the factory's.

"What I'd miss?  Last I checked the van was a hundred meters off from the driveway.  How'd he get past the sentinels undetected?"

"I'm sorry sir, they had countermeasures... AND counter-countermeasures.  We had to send a team out just to get them away from the building facade."

Another lackey turns around in his swivel chair to face the captain.

"Probably just a media crew trying to make the front page," he says rolling his eyes at the surrounding panic.

"My hoop," blurts out Sliv.  "They problee got a half ton of explosives in that thing and an MMG to boot.  I say we quit wastin' time with the fancy drek, and get me and my friend Ares Pred out there."

        --- (Durin)

You position the interior drones around the key entrances to the building, and send four more outside--one for each side of the complex.  Vines and other landscaping beatify the exterior, especially the front where a dark, full-sized van is wrestling with the corp security team.  They manage to pull the vehicle over, and bring their guns to bear on every window.  Out pops a driver, and another man carrying a trid camera.

The one hoists the device up to his shoulder, but a guard swats it away.  The camera hits the concrete and shatters.  They begin to escort the media mongrels into the building, "for questioning," you hear over the radio.

The guards return to their posts, scattering.  One commandeers the van and pulls drives it off to who knows where, and your eastern posted drone grabs you attention.

A dark figure is glued to the side of the building wearing nothing more than an expensive stealth suit.  And the clouds let loose a Seattle downpour.  Wet drones are not easily maintained.

Durin: I swear to myself for not getting my drones waterproofed and make a mental note to do that soon.

"Hey Miles, forget the media for now, we've got a guy in a stealth suit on the east face of the building, I've got to get out of this rain."

I bring the other 3 drones inside and watch likely points of entry for stealth suit boy.  I try to find cover for the east drone so I can keep an eye on him and maybe shoot him if necessary without getting soaked.

Miles: "What Floor Durin?  I'll take him out from a window or roof." I head to the best vantage point and start perceiving astrally.  When I find the SOB, it's manabolt time (remember mag scope).  I stay invisible the whole time and alert the ground crew in case he's still alive for questioning.

Flash: I walk up to gunner before he can pull the trigger, and put my hand over his, in order to lower the gun.  "It's your call Gunner, you're the brains," I say, loud enough for the prisoner to hear, "but maybe we should keep him alive for questioning.  I saw this movie once and the guy got tortured and they told him everything.  Otherwise..." I cock the gun and load a bullet in the chamber.

GM: (Kate)

You make your way out of the private booth, slam the rest of your drink back, toss the glass to an unsuspecting waiter, flip you hair, and exit the building.  The heavy bass of the club is muffled as the club door slams behind you.  The manila envelope containing Clyde's job rests on the inside of you coat.  You make your way past the line of impatient people waiting for their chance to drink and dance their way into someone's pants.  You look up at Seattle and take in a breath of fumes and steam.  You finger Clyde's business card and place it safely in your back pocket.  "Drop me a line if things check out," the back of the card reads.  His contact info and the certified cred stick in your opposite pocket are yours to walk away with.  Clyde seemed intent on obtaining your services.

"Ten hours to decide whether or not to accept the job.  Beautiful," you mutter with a futile smirk.

        --- (Flash) Gunner, The Driver

Gunner gives you a nod, pops the lock of the car, and yells at the driver to open the door.

"Get on the ground!  Kneel.  Put your hands behind you head."

"Flash, if you have any questions I'd say you ask them now.  This one isn't going to live much longer."

You see a smile in the corner of Gunner's mouth, right before he gives you a wink.  Looking back at the man on the concrete, you see his hands shaking rapidly as he maneuvers them to the back of his neck.  He's looking at you with a desperate glare in his eyes.  You can see the eyeballs of the driver begin to glaze over and a single bead of sweat drip off the tip of his left earlobe.

"I only drive the ca... ca... ca... car."

        --- (Mati) Sammy, Dave

6:26 PM Outside the worst smelling Tai Restaurant in Seattle, and Sammy is convinced that the food tastes great.  You walk through the hanging beads which serve as the door to the establishment and immediately pinch your nose to ward off the unforgettable stench of fried fish and burning inscents.  You see the only suit in the place sitting comfortably at a well lit table; a waitress with one to many hairpins attached to her scalp and a facial tattoo of a dragon takes his order and moves to the next table.  The place is packed.  Sammy turns to you and points to Dave.  The two of you shift through the tight matrix of tables and take a seat on small wooden chairs.  A putrid candle burns on top the table.  On the walls are scrolls with oriental symbols and scenes painted on them.

"Hey, Sammy.  How ya' doin'?" Dave says as he passes you each a paper menu.

"I'd recommend the chicken.  It's great," he smiles as he turns towards you.  "Sammy and I discovered this place years ago.  Luckily the owners are still alive.  Rumor has it she had skillwires implanted when she discovered her old bones were too rickety to make the specials.... Still tastes great if you ask me."

GM: (Miles) Durin's Drones, Stealth Suit Man, Mysteries

As you slump into astral space you see three drones running up the factory walls; a security guard pushes a chair from behind you, but you don't feel the plush cushion as you are already projecting by the time your head falls limp to one side.  Half of a quarter second later your astral form is gliding next to what you believe are Durin's drones on the eastern facade of the building.  All production has stopped in the factory in order to better deal with the situation at hand.  You know this because the factory houses some of the most bizarre magic tech in the history of anything you have seen in your life.  Fountains of color exploding from the central generators are only the tip of the iceberg.  The experiments on people are insane; bonding foci like you've never heard of; and the mages they bring in for research during the day have power beyond Seattle's best.  In the magic department you tend to feel like a decoy from time to time.

Straight ahead you see a dull barrier obstructing your better view.  The wall.  You float to the opposite side.  You spot a glowing form midway from the ground and the roof of the building - Durin's stealth boy.  Taking only a split moment to scan the horizon, the sight of nature and rain calms your nerves.  The large astral form in front of you does not.  He's big and in his right hand is a flaming sword the size of a pole arm.  The mage lets out a screech, pitched to deafen the most intimidating creatures.  He wields the sword like a kamikaze bent guardian.  The flaming swords spins before your eyes and the mage screams towards you.

        --- (Miles)

<<<
Drone BRAVO 3: Reports [MOVEMENT] on [EAST] rooftop;
Monitoring;
>>>

Slipping into captain's mode you take a second to glance upwards with your own eyes for a change.  The roof of the building is littered with slanted glass windows that protrude from the flush surface of the building top.  You see drops of water moving in sheets down the panes and a lone spotlight piercing the skyline from left to right to left.  Then a shadow leaps over the glass too quick to identify.

"There's my man."

Mati: (Mati) Sammy and Dave

I scan the restaurant and take in all of the ambiance.  My eyes then return to the man called Dave by Sammy.  I sit quietly and take in their conversation not wanting to be a bother them.  I listen intently to what they say and try to absorb as much information as I can.  I decline any food that is offered to me and remain content drinking the from my glass of water.  At one point early in the conversation I do take the time to peak into the astral plane and make sure no one is listening in on us.  I hate it when that happens....

Miles: Taking comfort in the gentle rain and the small lead I have on this guy, I flee from him trying to lead to Sliv or the other guards.  Screaming at Durin, "I've found your mystery man and he's going to chop me to pieces!!!! TRANQ THE FRAGGER!!!"

Durin: Back into direct control of eastern drone.  I bring it out of cover from rain to attempt the shot on Mr. Stealth.  I take a moment to get a good shot lined up and then take it.  Continuing patrol with remaining drones.  Paying attention to thermographics trying to spot any more goons.

"What's going on Miles!?!"

Kate: After complimenting Clyde on his deal making I excuse myself and get to work.

As soon as I leave the club I give Eddie a buzz and ask for some help.  Hopefully he has some schematics on this place already.  If he doesn't, I might just have to add some expenses in the form of magical or technological recon backup.  By the time that I arrive at Sincad to see what I've gotten myself into I'm all business.  While I wait for Eddie's response I might as well check that credstick one more time.  I hope it covers whatever Eddie comes up with.

Miles: Well then, I wish to stop projecting ASAP and start perceiving and zap the body of this MOFO so hard it will hurt 'till the stars come home again.  Come at me with an astral sword, who does this punk think he is fraggin Conan.

Flash: (Flash), Gunner, Driver

"Well, Gunner, you're normally the one to do the talking, but this time I'll take a crack at it," I say as my eyebrows twitch a little.  I turn my attention to the disabled man on the ground, "So you're not the supervillain here, huh?  Well, odds are you know where the secret hideout is, so why don't you tell us that before my friend here pulls the trigger.  Besides, if you're helpful enough, maybe I can persuade him not to.  So give a hoot and tell us everything you know."

I leave on my wired reflexes as a sudden case of paranoia touches me.

Sammy: I look around at the restaurant and think back of all the good memories I used to have here with the old crew.  Man, I miss Xerc and Slag.  I look over at Dave.  He has been such a good friend, even with all the shit I have put him through in the past.  He sticks around.  I appreciate that.  Whether he knows it or not, it means a lot.  Especially now.  I look at the menu and order the same thing I have been ordering for the past few visits.  Pan-fried noodles and Egg-Drop soup.  I look up at Dave and look him in the eyes, giving him a little smile.  "Thanks for meeting with me here.  I know your schedule and you probably had to cancel a meeting to be here."  I shift a little in my seat and look over at Mati who is patiently waiting and listening."  "So, Dave... What kind of information do you got for me today?"

GM: (Sammy) Mati, Dave

"I'm sorry Sammy.  I didn't exactly have a whole lot of time to gather up all the info you asked for, but I did what I could.  Jesus, I can't believe that Samantha is still alive..."

Dave pauses for a second and takes a handkerchief out of his breast pocket.  He brings it up to his mouth, and you can see him spit something out into the cloth.  He drops his arm behind the small chair he is sitting on and shakes the hanky sharply.  A mutt of a dog without any noticeable teeth runs up from another table, pauses, and then scampers off with Dave's morsel.  The ceiling fan above you continues to twirl in a low hum.

"I did a quick search of the matrix and called in some favors, but in all things showed up pretty dry.  It looks to me like the corp the swiped her wants to keep a lid on the situation.  But anyway... one name did show up.  In fact two of my people mentioned Frupps Incorporated as the people who got the ball rolling on the S.D. Binding program."

"What's S.D. Binding?!" Dave looks surprised before his expression settles down into a sigh.  "I keep forgetting you're not hip to the same big money sources I am.  I really am sorry about your daughter Sammy.  Anyway, the Binding program involves a lot of SOTA magic and new style totems something or other.  I'm not really sure on the details, but I get the impression that whatever Frupps was working on before Sincad bought them out was about to change the way magic was done all over the world.  It's really some interesting research if you like that sort of thing."

"Yeah, so the S.D. part... well I asked around and it turns out that Sincad decided to continue the project when they bought out Frupps, or at least they needed Frupps' production facilities to further one of their own, similar projects.  Evidently the magic tech requires some heavy-duty cyber implants.  I don't know.  I think it sounds hokey, but if your daughter is involved I'm willing to put aside my own suspicions.  And that's the thing Sammy.  As far as I can tell S.D. is Samantha Dixon.  I think your daughter is at the core of Sincad's entire project."

        --- (Kate) Fast Eddie

The headlights of your car cut through the night scene in front of the Sincad building.  You complete your first drive-by when the ringer on your cell phone catches your attention.  It's been two hours since you left a message on Fast Eddie's machine - all you ever seem to get is his answering service lately.  For someone as supposedly fast as the guy pretends to be he sure as hell has a lot to learn about customer service.  You fumble around for the button on your phone.

"Yeah hiyaKate this faEddie.  I know ya called like overan hour ago, but I've hooked upwith afew new clients down here where it's warm.  Ya know whad'I mean?  So I know ya wanted some blueprints of that building, but I left my computer in my apartment and I really haven't got set up in the bungalow yet.  With allthe palm trees and sand and water I'm abit anxious about heavily investn' in electronics so I called a friend and he said that he'd fax you some stuff like as soon as he could manage so check your messages cause they should bethere now.  So I gotta go and smuggle in some drugs over the border and then I'll call you and we'll catchup.  Good luck and I think you owe me money but don't worry."

So the cred stick checked out and you have your blueprints, but still no backup in case things get messy.

The Seattle wind is picking up speed now as you pass by the building for the second time.  Behind you a media van's door slides open and a camera man sticks his telescopic lens out.  Inside the complex you can already tell from the silent alarms you're monitoring that a corp security team is scrambling to nab the cameraman and his buddies.

"Stupid bastards."

        --- (Flash) Gunner, The Driver, Valentine Wolf

"I... I... I... told ya already.  I only drive the car.  The boss gives me a phone call and I head over to wherever she is.  She gets in and... and... and... then the glass divider goes up and I take here to her meetings.  That's all I know.  You... you... already know I work for Sincad right?"

Gunner uncocks his gun and pulls a peace of twine out of his pocket.  "So maybe you don't know anything, but I sure as hell ain't gonna let you head back to the boss and tell her all about us.  So I say you hold still while my partner here make the knots nice and tight."

The man takes his hands from his neck and turns a quick glance at the both of you, "I got kids and a wife.  You can go to hell if you think I'm letting you kidnap me you stupid sons of bitches."

The driver scrambles around in the gravel for half a second and rises to his feet.  Before Gunner can pull his weapon back out the man is off running.  Gunner follows.  You can see hear his feet pounding in a panic against the pavement as you follow Gunner's lead.  The man moves to turn a corner, leaps a stray bag of trash lying against the building and then a cry of pain emerges from the alleyway.  What sounds like a man's skull hitting concrete echoes out from round the corner, and then a muffled, "Shit."

Running up to the very spot where the driver is laying unconscious on the ground you allow your eyes to slowly move upward.  There you see the guise of a pale and gangly man with leather all around and recently styled hair.  If you were a woman you might want to have sex on the spot if it weren't for the groaning corpse-like victim at his feat.

"Is he yours," the man speaks.  "Forget it, do you know where I can find the Zest and Pepper club?  I heard it's a blast and I need some action if you know what I mean."

Staring past the figure with an almost dumbfounded look you can make out the silhouette of a Westwind 2000, Euro edition.  The then man cracks a pill, of which he removed from the change dispenser attached to his belt, and downs what can only be an expensive yet smooth high.

GM: (Miles) A mean astral form, chaos, Durin

Your astral form turns and in an instant you see your body resting peacefully on a reclining chair.  The factory is alive with workers and security guards and with auras in dark hues.  With the intention to harm your assailant you ready yourself to slip into a physical form, but the glowing sword travels faster than you are able to evade.  You whirl around to face your opponent.  He looms over your body like a confident soldier and cocks his weapon.  You quickly dodge the blade and return blows with the mage.  The area around where your fist impacts the attacker bellows with a ripple of color.  You see a face of pain grow on the spell-caster.  Making use of the opportunity you jump into your body before he has another chance to delay you.

Back in your normal plane of existence you look upwards towards the ceiling where Durin is already bringing his drones to bear.  You can hear him giving instructions and then the quite sound of him succeeding.

"I got him with a tranq dart.  Somebody pick him up.  Oh shit... wait he's moving... I'm moving in again."

You see through the glass skylights a figure stumbling around, trying to get his balance in the rain and in the dark.  The figure is hovering around like a dumbfounded child learning to walk.  He's in perfect range for a manabolt and so you let one fly.  The window is, for a moment, a full spectrum of translucent multicolored glass, and then the bolt of pain takes hold of your victim.  He takes one final stumble and comes crashing through the ceiling.  Shards glitter in the floods of the factory as he falls.  Sliv comes running down one of the higher catwalks at the same instant the man hits ground in a final thump.  The broken window comes down after him and the bits shatter upon impact.  The sounds permeate even the noise of chaos amidst the scattered security forces.

        --- (Durin's Drone)

<<<
Drone BRAVO 3: Reports [TARGET] Acquired;
Relinquishing Controls;
Resuming AI Heuristic;
Reports [ONE] of [ONE] shots [SUCCESSFUL];
Reports [ANOMALY] on [EAST] rooftop;
>>>

<<<
Drone BRAVO 3: Reports [NO MOVEMENT] on [EAST] rooftop;
Target [OUT OF SENSOR RANGE];
Extrapolating Possible Positions;
Monitoring;
>>>

Valentine: I let the slight sneer on my lips fade as the synthetically induced seizure washes over me like an angry ocean beating against the rocks.  My mind is all too briefly flung into a tailspin, and I almost drop off the radar.  Almost. "Damn" I mutter thinking, coke ain't the shit it used to be, not after the others hit the street.  Well, this sucky retro experience is brought to you by "Retro Experimentation" the news crazy to hit the streets, I think I’ll drop it.  What?  Some guy's in front of me talking... Jesus, where the hell do all these people come from...

God damn leg is twitching again.  Fuck.  I've been pushing it lately, life just isn't as full as it used to me... if it weren't for Mary...  Anyway, no time like the present, I slap in a mix of stim, psyche and jazz (to fix the damn leg).  My other hand lightly plays over my shirt and chest as the modern drugs crash through my system.  Wait for it.  Wait for it.  Ahh, god damn leg is still twitching...   A slight frown as I quickly place my hand in my deep silky leather pocket and whip out my pocket sec. "What the hell you do want?" I say to the shaking bitch.  Her response slips through me, as I remember the god damn play.  FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK.  Carefully considering the drugs in my system for a moment I mutter 'fuck 'em I can take it' as I slam the combat pack into my bloodstream (Nitro, Jazz, Kamikaze, Novacoke, and Cram).

Suddenly I look up.  What the hell?  God Damn gook is here (gunner).  "Hey Man, your an interesting guy I'd like to hook up, but my daughters play is starting in 5 mins and its on the other side of town.  Here’s my card call me.  Names Valentine Wolf by the way"  Fucking christ I hope that came out like it was in my head, no time for it now.  I begin running for the car at combat speeds, 13 year olds aren't very understanding when your late.

Mati: Mati (Sammy, and Dave)

Sammy looks at me asks if I'm in.  I know that Sammy doesn't know about my entire past, but he does know that he can count on me.  I nod, keeping my eyes on him at all times.  I can see the same kind of conviction in his eyes that I have had.  Sincad, Crazy magic, and a little girl caught in the middle of it all.  Someone is messing with the forces of Maruk and everyone knows that when that happens Maruk always wins.  I feel a surge of energy around me at the thought, my spirit begins to swell as the magical energy flows through my veins.  I continue to listen intently as I try to recall as much as I saw while in the Sincad building and my mind begins to formulate how to get past that Phoenix.  This is not going to be easy, at all.

Miles: I take a minute to check and make sure I'm alright. "Durin, that was a close one.  If he was a split second faster, it would have been elf shish-kabob their cleaning up and not fried intruder.  Keep an eye out while I see if this guy can be questioned.  Oh, and thanks for covering my ass back there."

Durin: (Durin)

Bravo 3 - continue investigation of anomaly.

North and south drones - converge on last known contact and report.

One inside drone - investigate east wing under broken skylight.

Other inside drone and West drone - continue present patrol.

Familiar with the effects of Miles' manabolts on those on the receiving end, I turn my attention to further possible breaches in security.  The panic in Miles' voice indicated that Mr. Stealth wasn't alone.

"Miles, you ok man?  I'll check up on our friend, let me know what's going on."

Sammy: I turn towards Dave and say, "What the hell is going on?  Are you toying with my emotions?  My daughter's name was Molly.  Who is this Samantha chick?"

Kate: (Kate) - Stupid News people, Security

Parking on the third level of the near-by parking garage I survey my view of the security around the building.  Hopefully the news crew will give my a good chance to see Sincad's security procedures first hand.  If they don't, at least I can use the time to plan my recon run into the building.  Nothing too silly, just enough to see if a rescue attempt could be made.  It's gonna be a long night.

Flash: I pick up the unconscious driver and haul him wherever Gunner thinks is a good place.  "We should call that guy if we ever hook up with Kate again.  He may be of some use."

GM: (Flash) Gunner, Valentine, groaning driver

"Like hell I'm letting this Fragger go!” Gunner screams as the man turns towards his car.

You see Gunner drop the driver's hands - the piece of twine he was about to use falls free, and Gunner stands up straight.  He hops the overturned trash can and runs quick paced to the Westwind 2000.  Valentine is attempting to get the car door opened, but his multiple drug induced muscle twitching is preventing a speedy success.  The door finally pops open after some swearing and a few more pills, but Gunner has already positioned himself for the interception.  Placing himself in between the now open car door and the plush synth-leather interior, you can see Gunner's lip quiver.

"How long have you been watching us?" Gunner inquires, kicking the door as far open as the hinges will allow for.

"If you think that you can watch us... and then just skip town to tell the authorities you have another thing coming.  We've been getting screwed over all day, and now pretty boy, drug addict here has to make things worse," he says waving a finger at Valentine.

Gunner looks down at the card Valentine handed off to the both of you, "You have a card?!  What the hell? Who are you?"

At your feet you can hear moans of a recently revived victim.  The driver, showing an impressive amount of endurance, attempts to pick his sorry hoop off of the ground.  He remembers, in a second, why he was unconscious in the first place, and the look of terror returns to his face.  The blood of his open head wound drips into his eyes and mixes with his untidied hair.  In a panic he gropes through the open bags of trash and pulls out a wine bottle.  He cracks it on the concrete and manages to get up on his knee and face you.

"Just back the frag off man.  I don't want any trouble."

        --- (Kate) The Sincad Security Force, Unfortunate Media Mongrels

The media van made a valiant attempt to escape from Sincad's private security force.  You noticed that even though the van was technically not on corporate property, the swat style team still pursued the news people like an armed team of runners.  They escorted the reporters and into black SUVs and took the van around back, but you noticed that the alarms were still ringing inside.  Once you located a pair of binoculars you were able to zoom in on the action.  Currently you can make out a single silhouette of what appears to be a man suction cupped to the side of the building.

The figure pauses for a minute as the van and SUVs round the corner, but then deftly climbs atop the roof.  You are having a tough time making out the action in the rain and the evening air - despite the expensive night vision option you opted to pay for.  You scan the scene and spy a few security drones patrolling the area, but the quickly maneuver underneath the protection of eaves and other outcropping on the building.  The rain must interfere with their navigation electronics.

Trying another broad sweep of the complex, you notice a second figure on the east side of the building - just outside the jurisdiction of Sincad.  The figure is slumped over, hiding behind a fence overgrown with vines and ivy.  He doesn't move for at least 20 seconds, and you can make out what looks to be a cloak covered in concentric circles and odd configurations of dashed and solid lines.

"Hmmm... that's a mage."

        --- (Sammy) Mati, Dave

"Calm down Sammy.  I know your daughter's name for Christ's sake.  I'm telling you though, Samantha Dixon is Molly.  They are the same people.  I'd guess the guys who kidnapped her didn't bother checking out her real name and just called her whatever they wanted to."

Bursting out of your seat, you almost hit your head on the ceiling fan above.  The crowd of people all shoot you a stare, and even the dog drops his pre-chewed food from out of his mouth.  Only the waitress continues business as usual as she moves from table to table, attempting to take orders from suspicious customers.

"Now hold on.  Sit down.  You can't just go running off to Sincad with an army and expect to get her back.  I'm not even sure if my facts are exactly straight.  This is all coming from my corporate contacts and a few runners who worked for Frupps security before they were bought out, but if they are right you are going to need more than guns to get into the Sincad building."

Dave pauses again as you take your seat.  The crowd has already decided that nothing violent will come of the situation, and have all resumed their lunch.  Meanwhile your own plate of rice and vegetables is bellowing steam right below your nose.

Dave continues, "What's your friend's name again?"

"Mati, I can tell from your tattoos that you aren't exactly from around here.  I'd go so far as to say you know how to fling a few fireballs.  Who do you know in the way of mages?  If I were in your guys shoes, I'd say it's time to call in a few favors.  My luck is all spent, and I have to get back to the wife.  If you need any more info give me a call Sammy.  Just keep in mind - Sincad is crawling with mana.  If you know anyone even remotely connected with the company, give them a call.   You'll need the help."

Dave stands, readies his coat and flings it around his figure.  With the second arm through the sleeve he grabs a briefcase from beneath the table.  From his pocket he draws a credstick, swipes it through the reader on the table, and says a final goodbye.  He nods to the owner through the window to the kitchen, and presses on through the other patrons towards the door.  He take a left once outside of the restaurant.

Mati gives you a serious look of sympathy.

"Eat your food."

GM: (Miles) Durin, Sliv, Intruder, Guards

The man groans on the floor, his body surrounded and embedded with shards of glass.  His blood forms a small red pool next to his left thigh.  The puddle enlarges in size every half a second in a rhythmic pattern.  Walking over, you have to push a couple of corp full-timers out of the way.  The man is still living.  They have already removed the mask from his face, and you can see the disheveled face of a dying human.  He looks up at you - he has to struggle to open both lids at the same time.  The right side of his face is swelling at an alarming pace.

"M... Miles?" comes a sputtering voice.

About a month ago you pulled a job with this sorry sack of drek.  The both of you got inside an Ares building, hunted around for a couple of loose pay data files, and jet as fast as he had defeated the security systems.  He was the recon; you were the special forces.  You don't even remember his name now.

He tries to raise his arm, but his body gives out, and unconscious sets in - but not for long.  The corp team tries to pick up the body, and he wakes with screams of pain.  You can see a long piece of glass protruding from the back of his left leg - blood staining the shard.

More screams... but not from him.

"What the frag?"

Sliv shouts down from his catwalk, "Holy shit, there's another one.  He's fraggin glowing."

Sliv pulls out a sub-machine gun, slides a clip in and cocks the weapon with a hit of his fist.  The shoulder strap dangles at his side.  In two half a seconds, the upper factory floor is lit again by the flash of gunfire.  Another body comes tumbling down from above with a yell of agony.

The guard hits the floor with a thud not unlike the previous body.  He hits his head on a guard railing, splattering his remains across the floor, all the way to Durin's feet.  You look over at the dwarf as he backs away from the mess.  Your eyes meet and then simultaneously glare upwards.

Another man is hanging by his fingertips to the ledge of a metal railing - his feet dangling in the air - his body about to fall.  He looks down and his security helmet falls from his head.  You see his face and his eyes.  Above him, the astral form you fought has manifested in a spectacle of light and fire.  His sword is at his side.

Miles: Still stunned by the two men at the floor and another hanging at the ceiling I quickly scan the intruder.  "This isn't right! No Fraggin mage can pull at stunt like that and then manifest himself like that."  (To myself "He must be about spent.  Now it's my turn...") And I let the manabolts fly!! If there's time I've got some healing and levitation for the injured and falling.

Mati: Mati, Sammy

"Fling a few fireballs?  Why does everyone think that is so easy to do.  I can't do that."  I look at Sammy and he just stares back with a sort of quizzical look on his face.

"Never mind.  Your friend Dave is correct though, we do need some help and connections.  We need some mage connections.  I can attempt to contact Naguum, but he is old and not likely to make the trip across the Atlantic.  We should keep to the locals anyway."  My mind is full of possibilities and I begin to ponder our next move.  We need help and I might be able to find some.

"When you're done Sammy lets call some of your contacts and see what we can get or maybe we can try some of the local occult shops.  They might know where to find some people.  We also need to find that women from Slag’s place.  She is the one that gave me the envelope with the information on Samantha Dixon."

Sammy: (Sammy) Mati

For some reason, I've lost my appetite.  I have a lot of Slag on my mind.  "I hate Frupps.  This was before your time, Mati.  I have been to that place once before.  It was no cake walk, ill tell you that.  I had a lot of help from some good friends of mine.  However, the bad boys who ran it with me are both dead now."  I drop my head.  I smirk, followed by a little chuckle.  "Those guys were the best.  Always shot first and asked questions later."  Looking back into the cat-like glow in Mati's eyes, I smile.  "This is my problem.  I realize that you don’t have to be here...but, I appreciate you risking your life with me.  Thanks."  I stand up out of the booth and shoot Mati a smile.  "I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid.  If we are going to get into that place, we're gonna need a high-tech decker who knows what he's doing.  Plus a few extra guns."  I head towards the door.  "Lets go find that chick that started all this mess."

Durin: Knowing that I'm out of my league trying to understand all of this mage stuff, I duck behind some cover and send out a frenzy of instructions to the drones.  "What the frag is that, Miles?!?!?"

I shoot the glowing figure with the drone closest to the action.  I don't know enough about manifestations to know if this will do anything, but I gotta try something.

I tell all the other exterior drones look for that fraggin' mage, he's gotta be around here somewhere.  Rain be damned, I use what cover I can, but make a full perimeter sweep.  Low-light and thermograph have to find something.  If any start to get too wet and act funny I cycle out the interior drones to replace them to continue the search while I bring the wet one inside.

Flash: My hand twitches as I watch the driver threaten me with a primitive weapon.  I
raise my Predator and fire a shot near his leg to show I'm not joking around, despite the
smirk on my face. The bullet barely makes a sound, thanks to the silencer. "Put the bottle
down," I hear myself say, and without taking my eyes off of him I address Gunner, "Where's
the twine you were holding? I think we need to take care of this guy now, before he gets
out of hand. Either that, or I can just take him out. Either way, nature will balance
itself out."

"What are you gonna do with our new friend?"

Kate: Taking full advantage of the rain I decide to take a much closer look at the facilities. Being VERY carefull, I put myself into complete stealth mode and slip into the complex. Keeping low in the mist formed by the falling rain I move quickly towards the building recording what little is visible in the mist. If my sensors are blinded by this mess, whatever security this place has has got to be just as hindered. Hopefully I can get close enough to see just how they "manage" thier prisoners. If this doesn't work, I think I might go join Eddie for a few months...

Valentine: A grin plays across my face, these guys interesting, but maybe a little tooo interesting... "No reason to get upset, I was just droping by for a chat" I smile as the effects of psyche and novacoke hit my bloodstream, I'll need my wits about me for this particular interaction. It seems that you have a little undelt with issue, however" I point over gunner's shoulder with my left hand and let loose with a burst from my implant SMG, causing what has to be one of the most interesting blood patterns to appear across the side of the truck. "Since that distraction is gone, however, I was wondering how you'd feel about about teaming up?"