@Michael When your PocSec rang and the voice on the other end introduced herself, you almost upended your teacup. That was two short days ago. Since then you've done double duty at the market bringing in a new shipment of bok choi and scraping together a bit of cred to get that Lordstrang's suit that you wore to prom dry cleaned and tailored.

This could be your big break, could put you on a payroll that would settle your folks' old debts and leave plenty more to keep the grocery store running. Maybe even let them retire.

@Firebird The supersonic from Seattle was running late, which was no great surprise, but it did mean that you wouldn't have time to check into the hotel and freshen up before the meeting. Fortunately, they had sent a car out to the airport, and a cup of fresh kaf in the back of the sleek black Nightsky helps pep you up a bit before you get to the gleaming glass tower.

Something tells you that San Fran is going to work out for you. Being on the bad side of a megacorp is a sure fire way to get yourself killed. The best way to avoid a bad end is to go somewhere that your enemies are weak and find powerful friends.

Now...
Arrayed around the boardroom table you join a number of highly motivated men and women. Like you, prospects. Exclusively humans, well-dressed, clean and well-spoken. There is iced water in jugs dripping condensation and fresh coffee, yes actual coffee, in urns on the long glass table.

At 9:05 an assistant drops in to inform you that Ms Harper-Smythe is tied up at the moment and will be a few minutes late.

What are you doing while you wait for the San Fran director of the Dà Dì Xiāo, internal security branch of Wuxing Inc?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:36, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

Firebird is dressed in her Corp look. Still ready for a fight but definitely presenting a Corp mage look in reds and oranges. She is taking advantage of the amenities like any Corp Mage would in a boardroom.

"Could I get some real milk. It mixes better with real kaf."

She says without looking at the assistant.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

After receiving the phone call from the Wuxing Inc Michael dresses in his finest clothes  to make a good impression for the job. After letting his mom know he has a job interview and heading out for a while.

Once he arrives at the Wuxing Inc offices and checking in with the front desk Michael is directed to the conference room with the other candidates. Well, this should be interesting. He thinks to himself.

You find yourselves at opposite ends of the table. The prospects talk in quiet tones, making introductions. It’s clear there are a mix of talented, deniable assets here today. A good mix of razors, techies and spellslingers.  Obviously Ms Harper-Smythe likes to cover all the bases.

@Firebird

”Naturally Ms Firebird,” an assistant replies, busying himself with a fresh cup and bringing it to you place.

”I would have one of those two,” says an of the prospects, a young woman in a black and pink dress that shows off her well muscled arms and shoulders.

”Certainly Ms Neko.” the aide says affably preparing another steaming mug.

@Michael

The heavyset man sitting next to you wearing a freshly pressed suit sporting a high Mandarin collared jacket, clinks his cup, dropping four sugar cubes into his kaf. ”Hey, name’s Murat,” he says with a slightly Arabic sounding accent. ”You think maybe this is some kinda corp power play, keeping us waiting like this?”

"Could be. But also seems like typical Corp over scheduling. You can call me Firebird."


Firebird looks over all of them. She thinks this might work.

@Firebird: ”Could be what?” replies the woman seated next to you. ”Oh, and I go by Neko.” she adds offering her hand.

I think you picked up the wron prompt Firebird :)

"Sorry Neko that was answering Murat's question."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Tue 03 Oct 2023.

@Murat

Taking stock of the man sitting next to him Michael nods his head in agreement. “I’m Michael and it could very well be just that; a power play to make us wait. We certainly need the corp more than Wuxing needs us.” Motioning with his hand at the others in the room he continues, “A lot of eager faces in the room wanting to prove themselves or catch a quick score; maybe even get their foot in the door with Wuxing for an easier lifestyle. A lot of change is coming to this part of the world and everyone wants to survive and come out on top.”

Tilting his head a little Michael considers, “If you don’t mind my asking. I’m surprised to see someone of Arabic descent here, Murat; particularly for a corporation based in Asia. Have you been in the city long?”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:36, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

@Firebird. ”Mmmhmm,” Neko replies somewhat nonchalantly.

@Michael. ”It is a story for another time,” Murat replies in a whisper nodding toward the door.

@All. Assistants scatter to the edges of the room as a senior aide opens the door and a middle-aged woman walks in. She carries her designer suit jacket over her shoulder, sleeves of her blouse rolled up to her elbows, sporting a wrist comp worth more than a modest suburban home. Without the slightest hesitation she makes her way to the head of the table.

”A kaf, Ms Harper-Smythe?” asks an assistant.

”I would love a kaf Allan, it’s been minutes since I had one,” she replies wth easy affability as she settles into the leather chair at the end of the table. ”I really want to thank you all for taking the time to come and speak with us today.” she continues accepting the cup of kaf from the assistant named Allan. ”At Wuxing we’re excited about new prospective talent and we hope that we can explore some mutually beneficial opportunities in a number of roles. But let’s not mince words, we have interests and we need people to work with who take our interests seriously. You make life and death decisions out there in the field and deserve the best support we can provide. That’s quite a commitment, I think you will agree. So, you understand that, from our perspective, we don’t want people who are going to become a liability after they join our team.” she says, making a long pause and sipping kaf before continuing. ”Which brings us to today. I’m going to assume that you call came willing to negotiate and willing to get right into it. My operations team and I would like to offer you a chance to show us what you’ve got. Call it an extended interview if you like, we work together for one discreet job and then we decide whether or not our relationship continues to our mutual benefit. How does that sound?”

@Ms._Harper-Smythe "Hmm, typical. You expect us to do work for Wuxing without pay.  Not sure that works for me. I am sure Renraku or Gaetronics or some other Corp in Seattle would have had paying work for me tomorrow. Or for that matter the Dragon's corpse by the end of the week. "

Rachel says as she pours another cup for her self and eats another finger samdwich.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:05, Tue 03 Oct 2023.

@Murat Michael nodded in return; whispering back. “Looking forward to it.”

As the middle aged woman enters the room Michael turns his attention to her and listens intently to what she has to say. Gauging people’s reactions around the room he considers what the female runner said; keeping his facial expression neutral. She’s definitely in it for the money. He thinks to himself. With resignation Since no one else asked Michael replies, “What corporate interests are you and your team usually assigned? ”

@All, addressing Firebird:

”Oh it is early,” she says in reply to Firebird’s comments. ”Allan,did I lapse and tell them I expect them to work for free?”

”No ma’am you did not.” the aide replies.

”Ok, great. I’m not slipping.” she continued. ”So right now Ms Firebird, I think you would agree that we are having a conversation . If, after hearing us out, you are interested in what we are offering, perhaps we can break into smaller teams and begin negotiations. But, you carry no obligation. If you believe your talents will be better compensated elsewhere, you are free to leave.” she says, betraying a hint of an iciness in her words. ”If you would prefer to shop around, then off you go. Consider those opportunities that you mentioned. We can have the car come back around and deliver you back to the airport.” she adds, gesturing toward the door. ”You might want to check the morning scream sheets before pursuing employment with Renraku though. They seem to be in a bad spot right now and I’m not sure those folks that are locked inside the Seattle Arcology are as excited about their human resource opportunities as you are.”

@All, addressing Michael

”Now that is an astute question, Michael-san.” she says turning to Michael. ”It will come as no surprise that my people focus on asset recovery, infiltration, intelligence… the usual fare,” she says matter-of-factly. ”So we offer opportunities in those endeavours if they suit your talents. You might be surprised to learn that we also invest a significant amount in inquiries that serve more benevolent purposes. Without going into details before we begin negotiations, let’s just say that it would not do well for profits if some powerful being from the aetheric planes turned our planet into their own private hellscape.” Sipping her kaf, she adds, ”So we like to help out where we can.”

Rachel smiles.
@all, addressing Ms. Harper-Smythe.


" OH Mi Mal. I will hear you out."

@ Ms Harper

Listening to Ms Harper’s reply Michael wasn’t surprised and projected agreement in his body language to her. “I’m still listening Ms Harper. Please continue.” he said warmly. Taking another glance around the room Michael wondered. With this many people gathered here I wonder if something has happened that now Ms Harper has clean up the mess?

”Great!” she says clapping her hands together. ”Let me start by saying that compensation doesn’t just come in cold untraceable cred.” she adds pointedly. ”Before we break into smaller groups and get down to brass tacks about work that needs to be done and the money that will be made doing it, I’d like to show you around the department.” she continues, standing and leading the group to a large cargo elevator. The lift takes you from the boardroom to somewhere high up in the building.

”There are reasons that talented and motivated people go corp. You can scrape by on the streets and maybe even become a prime runner if you live long enough, but day-to-day, you’re just going from one rat infested flop to the next.” The tour passes by a large gym and a martial arts dojo, a hermetic library and a workshop filled with data terms and technicians. ”If that kind of life works for you, well more power to ya, but at Wuxing we want to bring the best out of our teams, and that means giving access to amenities so you don’t have to worry about them.”

She leads the group back to the large cargo elevator and you descend from the upper levels down into a sub-basement. ”It’s not all glamorous,” she continues, leading you past a small armoury, vehicle bays and ending at a DocWagon mobile surgery medical bay. ”But we try to protect our investments, which is a lot more than that back room fixer is going to do for you.”

Michael follows along on the department tour with the other candidates and takes note of the amenities Ms Harper points out along the way.  His thoughts racing as he takes in the sights of a future in corporate  employment. An amenity is only a benefit if you have access to it. However, it is impressive and  works well with my goals. He thinks to himself., shaking his head at little to himself. He looks around at the other candidates to gauge their reaction for a taste of what is being offered to them. The question is at what price for all this?

@ All, Ms Harper

As the tour ends Michael asks Ms Harper. “Ms Harper, is Wuxing corporation concerned about the rumors of Japancorp soon having a larger presence here in the local government and immediate area. How would this affect Wuxing’s interests in the area?”
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Thu 05 Oct 2023.

Rachel follows along. Quietly simmering.


" all of this is good. But it makes a few of us more vulnerable. There might be a reason at least one of us isn't  Corp. At least one of us, had the runner life chosen for them. "

She says hating the fact that she is giving away this much info.

”Well, Michael-san, I can’t conceive of the Japanese multinationals having any more influence here than they already do.” she replies, ”The Bay ‘plex is a gateway to the PCC and UCAS, with less access but better stability than Seattle. That’s why we’re here. We can manage Shiawase, Yamatetsu, Renraku; we all have the same standing… now that Fuchi is gone” she adds with a conspiratorial smile.

”Ms Harper-Smythe,” Allan says deferentially.

”Yes, Allan, I know.” she replies. ”Well anyway, I hope the tour helps make things look a bit more attractive for you all. I’ll leave you in the care of Allan to begin to break this group into smaller teams that can discuss some of our projects in more detail.”

As Ms Harper-Smythe leaves, Allan begins to call out names, giving each group a room number and asking them to wait for one of the managing directors to come in with a mission brief.

About mid way down the list, he calls out: ”Ms Firebird, Michael-san, Mr Feb and Ms Neko. If you would kindly wait in room 205 for Mr Findlay from our recovery department. He will join you shortly.”

Rachel shrugs and heads to 205.

Nodding in acknowledgment towards Allen Michael follows Ms Firebird and rest of their group to room 205.

As they wait Michael introduces himself to everyone. “I wanted to introduce myself. My name’s Michael.” Pausing a moment Michael continues, “So, what does everyone think about all this?”

”Neko,” said the well muscled blonde. ”They paint a pretty good image of themselves, but that’s corps for you. It’s always high gloss sales pitch. ‘Course we know the price, it’s loyalty. Stay loyal to the company and you remain an asset. Show disloyalty or fail to get the job done, and you’re a liability.” she added. ”It looks like a cushy place to work though, just gotta remember that it’s a business relationship not a friendship.”

The clack of cowboy boots sound on the hard floor as Fen walks into room 205. Nice boots, a well tailored western style suit, and a black Stetson cowboy hat are what is seen as Feb walks into the room. Seeing introductions taking place he offers his name. A slight cowboy drawl can be heard.

“Name’s February D’Gac. You can call me Feb.” He nods at Niko’s comment. “Loyalty is everything to the corps.”

He looks around the room and task a seat at the far end of the room.

“Let’s see what the job is and what they offer for compensation.” 

After a few moments, one of the assistants arrives with water, soft drinks and kaf. She tells you that Mr Findlay is on the way down.

A few moments later a tall, dark-skinned man wearing yet another perfectly tailored black suit joins you. ”Nice to meet you all.” he says politely, but rather impersonally.  He pulls up a chair and connects his datajack to a port in the table. The trid screens in the conference room come to life with a series of images depicting what looks like a running team.  A red bearded man, an orc wearing smart goggles and a woman with a cyber deck carried across her back.

”Ladies and gentlemen, meet Mr Church and his team.”

Tell it to them straight

”Mr Church was working for us as an independent contractor. A deniable asset. His task was to recover company property that had been taken by a rival. Data, encrypted, hardwired into a read only optical drive. Our work was infiltrated by an agent of Yamatetsu. It was imperative that Yamatetsu not be made aware that we had discovered the security breach, just in case there were other agents that were in a position to damage the company.”

The photos on the screen change to an older man with a grey beard. ”This is  Reyes Cranmore. We believe he was a deep cover agent tasked to infiltrate our home station research and development department. He was able to replace the real drive with a decoy and, taking the real drive, disappeared from the company archology in Hong Kong. We believe that Church had successfully tracked Cranmore to CalFree, to a safe house in Forest Hill, but the team went dark four days ago, missing their last check in.”

Findlay opens a file containing a recording of a video call. ”This is our last check in from Church.”

The video starts to play, the bearded Church speaking into the camera. ”Pacheco Street. Residential complex.” A map appears in the corner of the screen. ”Cranmore, muscle boy, spell slinger. Nothing we can’t handle. We’ll be in touch to arrange the drop.”

”But the call never came.” Findlay says. ”We’d like your team to pick up the trail. Compensation is sixteen thousand. We will provide any necessary tech support from here, our operations centre is twenty-four seven, so if you need a hack or drone support, it’s only a PocSec call away. Acceptable outcomes include tracking Cranmore and recovering the data, or locating Church and getting his team back into action.”

“I’m sure there will be questions.”

" All the same webs, every Corp makes. I remember running a game like this against ChevronDisney. What am I missing that isn't  normal. "
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Sat 07 Oct 2023.

”It is a relatively simple matter,” Findlay replies, ”Ideally managed discreetly and quickly.”

Listening to the briefing Michael takes mental notes. “I do have a few questions, Mr Findlay. One: you mentioned the team went dark four days ago. Do you have an intel or reason for Cranmore to still be in the city? With a four day head start he could be anywhere in the world by now. Two: can you tell us what data was taken? How are we to verify that we retrieved the correct data? Three: do we know why Cranmore came to CalFree in the first place? Was he planning to meet someone to sell the stolen data?

”All we know is that Cranmore came here straight from Hong Kong, that he hired some local help for protection and found a place to hold up. Wether he is trying to make contact with Yamatetsu or has gone rogue and is looking for a new buyer, we cannot say for sure. The pattern of behaviour makes us suspect the latter. We also don’t know if Church and his team made an attempt at recovery at the Pacheco Street safe house or not. We don’t know if Church was burned by the target or if something else pulled him away from the mission.” Findlay replies. ”Church is no stranger to the shadows so the reason his team have gone dark might have nothing to do with Cranmore at all.” he adds with a shrug ”What is on the drive is inconsequential to your task. The files I will provide will help you identify the device. It is of little real value without the encryption codes, which would be very difficult to replicate, but likely not beyond the capability of Yamatetsu.”

" if he came here from H.K., it is unlikely he has gone elsewhere. Unless the third 0arty he is involved with have access to better resources to break inscription. And if he is Rogue the only better places for this operation is Angeles, Seattle, or Denver. I doubt he would jump a transcont again. The potential rogueneA is the new factor. The rest of this I have studied since I was six. Matre Dios.

“So Cranmore infiltrates your corp. Then swaps the drive and skips. You hire Mr. Church to retrieve the drive. They track Cranmore to a safe house and go dark.  Do you have any reason to believe that Cranmore turned Church? Have you sent anyone to the safe house yet?”

Feb takes a breath.

“And that’s 16k each right?” he says with a straight face.

Michael waits patiently for Findlay to answer the others’ questions .

”Fair question. We don’t know. And because we don’t know, you are the someone we are sending to the safe house to find out what is going on.” Findlay replies. ”And the job pays sixteen total. I suggest you divide you shares equally, but that is your business.”

Check msg #15 here (link to a message in this game) if you are wondering if this is a fair deal.

Alternatively consider that if you were consistently pulling in four to five thousand per job, you could make up to a quarter million a year, and should easily be able to pull in over a hundred thousand … tax free … in cash.

In reply to Mr. Johnson (msg # 31):

" That is in Imperial NuYen. Not CalFree Bear Dollars. Then 16k to split evenly is fair. I doubt Cranmere turned Church. It is highly unlikely. I think I rmemember Church from my corp days. "

”Yes, nuyen.” Findlay replied.

Standing he added, ”I’m happy to stay and talk through the details but, if that is all, you can have the room to discuss things between yourselves.”

Anything else for Findlay or are you beginning planning and legwork?

I might have another player interested in picking up the NPC Neko, so she will stay with the team.

Feb nods to Findlay.  "I expected, but it doesn't hurt to check."  He listens to the rest of the responses.

"Yeah, let's talk a little here to figure out what we're going to do.  I don't know Church so I wanted to make sure.  Looks like a Search and Rescue of not only the data but the personnel."

He sits forward in his chair, and puts his folded hands on the table.  "Where would y'all like to start?"

"Probably should do our own reconnaisance."

Nodding his head in agreement Michael says, “I agree we should do our own reconnaissance of the safe house. Do we know anything what the surrounding area around safe house?” Turning to Mr Findlay Michael asks, “ What does the corp want done with Cranmore?”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Mon 09 Oct 2023.

”It would be most beneficial to us if Cranmore was brought in alive.” Findlay replies. ”Perhaps we could agree to a performance incentive, say an additional five thousand, if that could be managed. Otherwise, the damage Cranmore caused is done, if he escapes, it is inconsequential, if he is killed, so be it.”

"That sounds about right  and helping Church is more of that corporate loyalty look at me remembering things."

Rachel blurts ilout and goes back to eating.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Mon 09 Oct 2023.

”Whatever deal you strike with Church and his team is your business.” Findlay replied flatly. ”As I said before, we have no way of knowing of the present complications Church might be managing or if they come from prior dealings that had nothing to do with Wuxing. If something from the past has risen up to cause his inability to complete the mission, well, that’s his business. If the cause of Church’s problems are due to the job recovering our property, then I’m afraid to say that he knew the risks when he took the job.” he adds matter-of-factly. ”Such is the world of shadowrunners. That’s why you want to go corp isn’t it Ms Firebird? The cred, the perks, access to executive suites and the knowledge that your enemies now have to deal with your powerful friends?”

What is the plan for reconnaissance of the safe house?

“I think it’s time to get the address of this safe house and do some recon.”  Feb stands  and pushes his chair back in to the table.

“I’m ready.”

You have Findlay’s files, which include the address, pics of the two shadow runners and Cranmore…

Looking for anything else?

" I don't want to go Corp. I was Corp. And the Corps are all more the same then different. More worried the Corp wants more of me then I am willing to give. Buy the sameness is reassuring. "

Seeing as everyone is ready to leave Michael stands up as well. “Let’s go for a drive then.” He replies.

”OK, I’ll drive.” Neko says leading you to a nondescript grey Renraku Sai sedan parked in the building’s underground garage.

Any stops to make before you check the safe house?

Following Neko to the car Michael opens the sedan passenger side rear door and gets into the back seat. He considers for a moment and says to the group. “I hope one of you knows how to pick a lock if we need to in order to get inside the safe house. I was going to suggest doing some astral recon once we get closer to the safe house’s location. Anything else useful in the file Findlay gave us? I assume we call him once we have something interesting to report.”

Rachel hasn't  sent for her Ford Americar yet so gets in Neko's car.

"Physical Security is not in my skil set."

Neko slides into the driver's seat and gives a wry smile to Michael in the review mirror.

"Locks might be the least of our worries if this guy is as paranoid as he should be. But you're not wrong... does anybody need to pick up any gear before we head to the target?"

As Feb gets in the car he says to Firebird, "I've got ya covered on the physical security." 

He pulls his coat aside and shows his gun and two knives.  "When you mages are occupied I'll watch your backs.  I can also go in first.  I just don't have the skills to pick locks.  Yet."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

Picking through traffic gives you some time to look at Findlay’s file and the area surrounding area.

The safe house is in an A-zone. If things go ballistic, you can expect Knight Errant or Nobunga Security to be up your ass in no time. Their contracts guarantee response in a matter of minutes.

The safe house is on the second floor of a low rise condo. There are about fifty units in the three-storey building. The images Church’s team provided show that your target apartment has a balcony.

Next door on one side is a small commercial building. Cafe, restaurant, hair salon, cosmetic surgery; typical business ventures in this part of the ‘plex.

Next door on the other side is an identical condo building. Cookie cutter upper middle class neighborhood.

The pics of the runners look like they were taken by a high flying drone. They show a big man, mid-thirties, sporting blacked out cyber eyes and a tribal face tattoo. His jacket bulges oddly, might be carrying a shotgun or an SMG. The second runner is a dark-skinned man, short cropped hair, razor cut. He wears an armor vest that is decorated with little bits of crystal and marked with arcane symbols. Sumerian maybe? Nothing you’re very familiar with, but obviously the spell slinger.

Cranmore is greying, fat, soft, looking like corporate comfort has been a bit too good to him. The pic looks like it came from surveillance at the airport when he arrived in San Fran.

Church and his crew did their homework. Is there anything you want to know?

Listening to the findings Feb replies, "Does it say anything about the actual security of the building? Anything about security systems, traps, etc."

@Feb

PocSec in hand, you cross reference some info on the local A-zone neighborhoods with the buildings on Pacheco Street…

10:55, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Feb, rolled 9 using 2d6. Weak success

Unsurprisingly middle class homes don’t have traps or active security. This ain’t Grandad’s back forty deepweed plantation after all. There is however a camera system that watches public areas like the hallway and elevator. The door to the underground car park is alarmed and can only be accessed with a key fob.

You find something useful but pulling this info together takes the rest of the ride. You can’t ask any more questions.

Rachel will summon a windspirit to scout ahead for us. While she enjoys the ride.




11:16, Today: Firebird rolled 11 using 2d6+1.  Summon skywatcher.

Yes, great success.


GM Edit: In this game, I roll dice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

@Firebird

A shaman of Phoenix must sing to summon her spirits, she does not rest and enjoy the ride…

Conjure 12:24, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Firebird, rolled 7 using 2d6+1. Weak success

Peering into the astral as your song takes form, a being of light and wind answers your call.  As it manifests, a wave of exhaustion passes over you (Take 1 Harm (stun)), but you hold on to the spirit (a sky watcher).

Firebird [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] - Essence 5

the wind carries your song and answers back

You have one service. What do you bid the spirit do?

"Fly ahead and watch the place."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

@ Feb

Studying the faces of the opposition Michael commits them to memory. “Well, at least we know what they look like.”

@Firebird

Watching the spirit being summoned by Firebird and sent on ahead Michael nods with a smile towards her. “I guess that’s my queue. I go ahead and take a look as well. See you soon.”Turning to the driver he joking says, “Don’t take too long in traffic now.” Michael then leans back into the cushions of the backseat and rests his head against the shoulder seat belt strap; closing his eyes….
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

The song she sings is some Greek orthodox song about how Th Lord watches over us. a lyric rendition of Psalm 23. Every reference to the Lord replaced with Phoenix and pronouns replaced with feminine.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

@Firebird: as the song singer says it will be done The words flood into your mind as the spirit speeds off into the distance.

---

@Michael: you slip loose of your physical boundaries and find it is difficult to tell if you are being observed or not. The car is in traffic after all, so there really isn’t much to check on.

The little sky spirit is gone like a shot with you in tow. It takes less than a second to get to the condo. Unsurprisingly the walls, glass, metal and concrete are all flat and dead grays, lifeless reflections of their physical properties on the aetheric plane.

Check the Situation 17:52, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Weak success

But as you approach the building you notice the glow of magic. Wards, several of them, surrounding the grounds and concentrated on the condo where Cranmore is probably hold-up. Looks like the spell-slinger is being careful and has used the past few days to prepare.

Edge bump this roll to ask two questions of your choice or learn one useful fact that I will provide.

---

@Neko: traffic is about what you would expect on a weekday morning as you turn off Lincoln onto Sunset. You’re probably about fifteen minutes out unless you push it.

---

@Feb: while no magician, your talents do allow you to slip into the astral. Are you staying on the mundane plane, or flitting off after Michael?

Neko sighs quietly as she weaves through traffic, while her passengers summon spirits, astrally project and who knows what other kind of magical hoodoo.

"Alright, you all do your thing... just don't take too long, because we're almost to the target."

Rachel dismisses the skywatcher in song.


"Bye bye bye Ms Skywatcher."

To the tune of American Pie.

GM Edit: action cancelled
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:03, Thu 12 Oct 2023.

In reply to Firebird (msg # 59):

@Firebird - Why have you suddenly dismissed your Watcher? It has just left and has not completed the task you gave it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:42, Thu 12 Oct 2023.

In reply to Mr. Johnson (msg # 60):

I thought it had finished. The Mage was getting aura signatures and the  Sky Watcher wasn't.

In reply to Firebird (msg # 61):

The Watcher was told to watch the place. I presume until you arrived and got a report on what it had found? So it is watching.

At any rate, Firebird knows nothing about the aura signatures Michael is seeing. Firebird is still in the car, somewhere near the turn from Lincoln into Sunset which puts you about 12 blocks away from where Michael sees the wards. Please try to avoid taking actions on info that is meant for other PCs.

Michael will edge bump for a useful fact

@Michael. high above the building, you notice the glow of living energy. Almost the same patterns as the little spirit that you followed here. An air elemental watcher hovers over the building.

You know this will complicate matters. The aura of Firebird’s watcher glows with life against the dead gray walls of the condo and mini-mall next door. Your own aura resonates with mystical energy. You have only a moment before you or the watcher are noticed.

Option one: You are fast enough that you may escape undetected. Firebird’s Watcher is simply hovering and… well, watching, just as it was instructed… so you can’t be certain what the air elemental will do when it notices the sky spirit.

Option two: if you are quick, perhaps you could banish the elemental before it has a chance to report back to its master.

Or something else?

In reply to Mr. Johnson (msg # 62):
can we just say I didn't  send it away then?

In reply to Firebird (msg # 65):

yes, your watcher is still at the condo

Option 3: Michael will try to take control of the air spirit on the roof. If that fails he will follow the air spirit in the hope it knows a way through the wards. Otherwise he will banish the air spirit.

@Michael: Got it… smashing together a couple rounds of combat to get past this and get the others involved.

With no time to spare, you lunge toward the air elemental (nuisance). Speaking the ancient words of power given to humanity by Hermes Trismegistus…

Banish 00:20, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 9 using 2d6+1.weak success

…and the elemental is held by your power. It struggles against your will, and for a moment you feel like you may break (Take 1 Harm (stun)) but you hold. Continuing your litany, forcing your will to supplant the will of the mage that summoned the elemental…

Banish 00:21, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 13 using 2d6+1 ((6,6)). BOXCARS! something good happens.

…and the spirit succumbs to your control.

from the watchtower of the east, the air heeds your call

You have control. How much Essence will you invest in the spirit. Each Essence you spend gains one service. You must spend at least 1 Essence to hold the spirit here.

PS: there is no move to take control of a spirit… but the boxcars have spoken!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:43, Thu 12 Oct 2023.

Michael will invest 3 Essence in the air spirit now under his control. Unless forced into a combat situation Michael will wait for the rest of the team to arrive at the condo.

Security Tally: 1

Feb [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3
Firebird [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3 / Essence 5
Michael [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 2 / Essence 3
Neko [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 4

Status report: With the air elemental firmly under Michael’s control, you’re confident that the team arrives undetected, Neko being sure to park the car discreetly, maybe a few blocks away. The first layer of Cranmore’s security seems to be breached and their active early warning system is pwned. Firebird’s sky spirit adds a layer of surveillance on the target building. The wards around the condo are still a concern and you have no way of knowing who is on the other end of the cameras that Feb’s research has uncovered.

The team has arrived at the condo. What is the plan?

While waiting for the rest of the team to arrive at the condo Michael discreetly investigates the wards around the condo for a way inside…..

@Michael: whoever set the wards has had plenty of time to ensure that the ‘fence’ has no ‘holes’.

A note on wards (things the magicians would know, maybe even common enough knowledge that the mundanes would know this too):

Physical security, things like alarms, cameras, drones, motion detection… all of this tech can be defeated by the most basic magical ability. Simple astral projection bypasses all of this with the greatest of ease. That’s where things like watcher spirits and wards come in. The most basic magic security measures, these are the magic equivalent of security cameras and motion sensors. Anything magically active (a magician, an adept, a spirit or a paracritter) that crosses one of these wards will immediately be detected by the magician or spirit that set them. Any active spell work around or inside the wards will draw attention as well.

Watching the mages go into the astral Feb keeps vigilant on the approach.  Hearing that there are magical wards, Feb knows that he won't be much good there.

As the car pulls up to the condo Feb cautiously gets out of the vehicle looking for any indications that they've been spotted. His gun is in his hand  (do I have a silencer on it? if so that's what he has), and his combat knife at the ready in his other holster in his coat.

"I have your backs, and fronts.  Once the wards are down I can get in there. Let me know when to move."

---
Check the situation

@Feb:

A quick look around the quiet middle class neighborhood reveals…

Check the situation. 15:00, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Feb, rolled 4 using 2d6+1. Fail Take 1 XP PocSec updated.

…nothing.

But you are suddenly conscious of the fact that you are openly brandishing a pistol in a quiet middle class neighborhood.

I


General questions: do we happen to know the floor plan of the condo? Is it a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom unit? Are we sure the second floor condo is where the package is or is it a decoy?

For the floor plan, you have no idea, but there is that identical condo building next door.

If the package is here or sold, if the place is a decoy, a set-up, an ambush or a legit safe house where your mark is hiding and you can recover the drive: that’s the job, that’s what Wuxing is paying you to find out.

well that could be a problem …

Not seeing anything and completely misreading the situation Feb puts his weapon away and stands looking like a body guard.

He stays vigilant.

@Feb. keeping a low profile…

Overwatch. 22:29, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Feb, rolled 10 using 2d6+1 ((5,4)). Strong success

…you find a nice little alcove to tuck into and keep an eye on the entrance way. From here you can also see into the building where the call up buzzer gives access to the stairs and elevator doors

The team cannot be surprised and will have the drop on any threat that emerges while they remain undetected conducting reconnaissance.

Michael is snooping around the wards…

Feb is providing overwatch…

Looking for actions from Firebird & Neko.

Being of little use in thwarting the magical countermeasures, Neko decides to take a more "traditional" approach to reconnaissance.

"Looks like the two buildings should have the same layout, at least for the rooms. I'm going into the one next door to see what I can figure out about our target location."


Neko will enter the building next door and try to get access to a room--either by asking to see a model room as a potential tenant, or simply finding an empty unit and breaking in.

@Neko. You buzz the building manager…

Stay Frosty 18:01, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Neko, rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  // +1 Privilege Strong Success

…and he immediately buys your story about wanting to see an apartment.

”Yeah, I’ve got one free, two bedroom with a small bonus room that could be a home office or maybe another bedroom for a little kid.” he says showing you around. ”You got a fella? Any kids?” he asks.

Neko follows him to the room, doing her best to memorize the layout and strategize for potential points of entry, escape, overwatch, etc.

"Kids?" Neko tried not to sound too disgusted by the idea, but decided to play along to put off any suspicion.

"No... not yet! My husband and I have been thinking about it, so that's why I'm shopping around today."

”Well, this is a good neighborhood to raise a family,” he says proudly, showing you around the apartment. ”Take as long as you need.”

You have the floor plan.

Entryway leads to a short hallway with two rooms off the right (bedroom, bathroom) the a room off the left (office or toddler bedroom). The suite opens up into a large space that is an open concept living room / dining room / kitchen.

Firebird would walk the neighborhood. Getting a sense of the flow of the neighborhood. Her teacher, would have called thus documenting the arterial flow.

"a group text or a group mind chat would be good."

You all have comma devices and some sort of head’s up display. Chatting over a distance is not an obstacle.

Over the comms Feb asks, "Neko, Have you found anythign that would help us with our target?  I'm good with working my way up to the floor, but want to know anything that could help."

" Watcher is still watching. Neighborhood looks norm. Coming in. "

Rachel says as she  begins the walk back.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:04, Tue 17 Oct 2023.

Neko thanks the super for the tour and excuses herself. She sends the floorplan info to everyone over the comms as she leaves the building.

"Pretty standard layout. Not too many places to stash the package, unless they've installed a safe or something themselves. Could just be a safehouse... or a honeypot."

She stares up at their target and cracks her knuckles.

"Only one way to find out, I guess..."

Neko makes her way towards the entrance, coordinating with the others as she went.

"Feb, let's see if we can get in together for a 'tour' like I did, as a married couple. Then we can trip the alarm 'by accident' or something. Michael, Firebird, keep eyes on with your hocus pocus, and be ready to back us up if things go tits up."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Wed 18 Oct 2023.

Feb nods and sends, "You got it."

As Neko walks up he puts his arm out.  "Shall we check out this place as our new home dear?" His smile big.  He's enjoying this.

Neko gives the building manager the same song and dance…

Stay Frosty 19:05, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Neko, rolled 6 using 2d6+1 ((2,3)). / Privilege +1 weak success

…and with Feb in tow, the lie is completely believable…

…but, the apartment the building manager wants to show you is down the hall from the condo where Cranmore is hiding out. To get there, Feb will have to walk across the ward in front of the apartment. You are sure that will tip off the mage inside.

Neko and Feb: you are in the building, but you are moments away from tipping off the ‘runners protecting Cranmore. And you can’t voice chat with Michael or Firebird without the building manager listening in.

Michael and Firebird: you are still outside. What are you doing?

Assuming the ward only encompasses the condo and not the entire building Michael will try to enter the building near the hallway where Feb and Neko are with the building manager. Also, would Michael know the plan since he is astrally projected and his meat body would still be in the car?

Yes.



This seems like IC stuff, but getting in into the hallway astrally isn’t a problem. During planning, neither was manifesting to talk to the team, or flicking back to your meat body to talk on comms. Once the mana and bullets start flying, not as easy…

Seeing that the building manager is leading them past the condo, Neko suddenly pulls on Feb's arm, dragging them both to a stop.

"Oh shoot! Honey, I left my purse in the car! I don't want anybody to steal it... would you be a doll and wait while I go get it? Won't be a moment."

She flicks her eyes first at the condo door, then the building manager, hoping that Feb will get the message to keep him distracted and to not proceed down the hallway. She turns and heads back the way they came... keeping her eyes peeled for a fire alarm she can discreetly pull.

Feb makes a frowny face at Neko.  "It's your forgetfulness dear.  Of course I'll wait. I'm sorry I forgot to remind you," he says with a smile.

He walks to the wall and stops before the doorway and puts his back against wall, leaning while he waits for Neko.  He tips his hat back and looks at the manager.

"She won't be but a minute.  She's an amazing person, but a tad bit forgetful.  Know what I mean?"

Feb tries to draw the manager into a conversation while staying back from the doorway.

@Feb. ”She seems nice.” the manager agrees. ”Probably lots on her mind, what with you trying to find a new place. That kinda thing will make anyone’s mind run a bit.”

@Neko. once you are out of sight around the corner and standing by the small bank of elevators, it’s pretty ease to find a fire alarm.

@Michael. the walls of the condo hallway are dead gray whole the life force of Feb and the building manager rippes with energy and color. You hover in silence, unable to hear what is happening, but as ready as you can be.

Neko makes her way swiftly over to the fire alarm and pauses a moment to send everyone a message over comms.

"Hang on to your butts. We are go in 3...2...1..."

With that she yanks the fire alarm and hurries out of the building.

@Neko. the alarm begins to wail, emergency strobes flashing throughout the building as residents begin filing out into the hallways. Confused and in as orderly a manner as one could expect, they begin filling the corridors and stairwells.

@Feb. in the corridor where you stand, you can see the condo door where you believe Cranmore is holding up. It remains closed as the building residents begin their evacuation.

@Michael. the hallways begin to glow with the auras of the building’s residents. Trailing behind a few, small hearth spirits, drawn to their residents in the confusion. In the midst of it all, the ward on the condo door flickers, then goes dark. A glowing form emerges from the door, its aura flickering magical energy. You immediately recognize the astral form of a mage (threat rating: peer) - he must be conducting an astral sweep of the hallway…

Well, here goes nothing.  Seeing the astral form of the mage in the hallway and wards dropping around the condo Michael immediately moves out of the hallway into the adjacent condo next to the target and makes quickly through the target’s condo; looking for the enemy mage’s physical body, and other runners, and the target…..


If the mage returns to the condo and engages Michael then he will cast his mana bolt spell at the enemy mage. Also if the opportunity arrives he will use a service and tell the air spirit to find the target and the data, open the condo door, and bring him to the parking garage downstairs.

@Michael. dodging into the condo next door, you avoid being detected by the mage but find the wards on the walls still intact. It seems that he only dismissed the ward on the entryway, presumably in anticipation of eventually having to evacuate. Regardless of whatever the reason may be, you are still unable to enter the apartment undetected.

There is a break in the wards, but the mage is in the way.

Ambush him?

Double team him with the Elemental?

Use the elemental to distract him and check the apartment?

Wait it out?

Something else?

Dammit!! As he crashes into ward Michael exclaims to himself. So much for that idea. Michael prepares himself for a fight and ambushing the enemy mage. He tells the air spirit to distract the mage as best he can while Michael attacks.



@GM Michael will use a service and use the air spirit to distract the enemy mage while he cast mana bolt spells at the enemy mage.

Rachel walks after towardthe aprtement as she hears Neko count offm

@Michael. you fly out of the apartment, ambushing the mage you have the drop deal 4 damage. His spirit is deeply wounded by your mana, he isn’t out of the fight yet, but he is trying to flee back to his meat body. Your air elemental flits between you and the mage, guarding you. Watcher spirits cannot attack, but they can guard you against attacks

@Feb. as the alarms begin to wail, the manager begins helping shepherd people down the hall. C’mon, c’mon, he says to you. ”We gotta get these people out of here.”

@Neko, @Firebird. in a throng of people fleeing the building, you meet at the main entrance to the apartment complex.

Michael is silently combatting the mage, the rest of you are oblivious to the fight occurring on the astral plane.

Security Tally: 2

Feb [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3
Firebird [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3 / Essence 4
   Sky Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]  / Services 0
Michael [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 2 / Essence 1
   Air Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services 2
Neko [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 4

---

Mage [X] [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] fleeing

Seeing the enemy mage trying to retreat Michael moves quickly through the condo’s front door and the ward. Get after him, Michael! He chastises himself with his air spirit in tow…..



Michael will cast another mana bolt spell at the enemy mage before they return to their physical body and moves through the condo’s front door to get around the wards.

It may be too late for this but early while Michael was waiting on Feb and Neko to appear at the condo Michael would’ve tried centering to recover some essence.


This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Mon 23 Oct 2023.

" Michael is being to silent. "


Firebird looks into the Astral.

Neko grimaces at Firebird's report.

"Shit, that's not good. Can you tell what's he up to in there? Does he need backup?"

Feb let's himself be ushered out so he can meet up with Neko.  He leans in to talk with Neko.

"I'm going to say that Isee someone needing help and rush into the building to help, but then run up to the floor and be ready at the door since the door ward is down.  You could play it as 'no hubby come back' and run in after me."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Mon 23 Oct 2023.

"I am physically coming in as well."

Rachel runs past them into the building while searching for Michael's Air Elemental.

@Feb, @Neko. heading back up toward the second floor, against the flow of the people trying to exit, is much harder. You are making headway, but it’s slow going.

@Firebird. amid the throng of people pushing past you out into the street in front of the condo, their auras sparking with fear and uncertainty, you see nothing noteworthy.  The moment’s delay puts you several steps behind Neko and Feb as you begin to climb up the stairs to the second floor.

@Michael. Center. 21:05, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 2 using 1d6 ((2)). you bend the mana to your will…

Cast a Spell. 21:08, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 6 using 2d6.

Option one: fail take 1XP … but the mana does not answer. The enemy mage escapes past you into the apartment.

Option two: Edge bump weak success … and bolts of pure magic fly from your hands. A wave of exhaustion passes over you as the mage’s Essence begins to dissipate. deal 4 damage, the mage is dying, take 1 stun.

Feb struggles against the people trying to exit the building. Some trying to make him go back out of the building.  But he puts on a face of "I need to help my friends" and makes his way up to the second floor.  As he reaches the doorway to the second floor he waits before entering the hallway.

To Neko he says, "I'm going to project into the hallway to see what's there..."

He takes a moment to astrally project into the hallway to recon the current status.

---
Check the situation - looking for the target and any bodyguards

@GM Michael will edge bump the spell casting roll and move quickly into the condo.

Neko nods to Feb and keeps her eyes peeled for trouble in the immediate vicinity.

Rachel will continue up the stairs getting in behind Neko and Feb.


" Still can not see our mage. Or what is keeping him silenced. "

@Michael. you fly into the condo finding an empty hallway. Down the hall there is the glow of life, a glimpse of an aura, tainted with the black pollution of cyber ware. A lot of it. A street samurai (threat rating peer).

Another life is there too, bright and strong, it’s essence tied to the wards. A spirit (threat rating peer). It is working some magic, pouring mana into the fading aura of the mage you ambushed.

@Feb. you shift your perception and scan the etheric plane around the condo door. The ward over the doorway is down. An air elemental lingers in the hallway, it seems to only watch. Otherwise nothing seems amiss.

@Neko. you arrive with Feb and find the door closed. The hallway is empty. You’ve done this kind of thing before. Maybe it’s time to take charge.

@Firebird. you round the corner into the hallway just as Feb and Neko arrive at the door, trailing half a hallway behind.

Still watching Astral as I approach, Rachel moves up to Feb and Neko as she draws her knife.

Whether it was instinct or simply experience, something inside Neko calls out clearly: The time for waiting is over.

She draws her concealed Colt Manhunter and looks at her two companions.

"No word from Michael, so he's either dead or already inside. Time to breach. I'll go in first, Feb you follow, Firebird watch our six and be ready with your magic."

Moving into the hallway, she quickly sidles up to the door of the condo, waits until Feb and Firebird join her, then counts down silently on her fingers before turning and slamming her foot firmly into the door.

Seeing the decker and street samurai in the condo Michael is relieved a little. Looks like I’m in the right place. He focuses his will towards his air spirit and tells it to unlock and open the front door to the condo, so the others can enter. Michael then turns his attention towards the enemy spirit. As his fatigue and pain worsens Michael centers himself as best he can and lashes out with his will at the spirit. Go back to wherever you came from. Your time on this plane is over.



@GM.

Michael will use a service if needs be so his air spirit will open the condo front door for the rest of the team to enter. The air spirit will then return to either protect Michael .
Michael will either try to banish or take control of the enemy spirit in the main room.

Michael is starting to become concerned with his astral “fingerprints “ in the immediate area and will need to start masking up auras soon to cover his tracks.

Feb returns to his body just as Neko outlines the plan.

"I only saw the air elemental in the hallway."

He nods as Neko heads forward.  Feb draws his weapon, stands behind Neko and to the side.  His head on a swivel keeping an eye on the door and the hallway. A grin spreads on his face.

"Let's Rock'n'Roll," he says quietly to himself.
---
Rock'n'Roll when the door opens at the first available enemy target.

@Michael. you grasp the spirit’s mana, pressing into it with your will…

Banish. 22:39, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 9 using 2d6+1 ((3,5)). weak success

…and it begins to fade under your onslaught, but lashes out with ethereal flames tearing into your essence (Take 1 harm) and engulfing the condo in flames.

---

@Neko. your kick is unnecessary as the door swings open, unlatched by some invisible force.

Doorkicker. 22:47, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Neko, rolled 9 using 2d6+1 ((4,4)). weak success

You catch the samurai completely by surprise, putting a shot from your Manhunter squarely into his armored vest. you have the drop, deal damage 4 - 2 armor + 1 AP = 3.

---

@Feb. right behind Neko, your own Manhunter barks…

Rock and Roll. 22:57, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Feb, rolled 9 using 2d6+1. weak success.

…striking the samurai deal damage 4 - 2 armor + 1 AP = 3. while he returns fire hitting you with a burst from his SMG deal damage 3 + 1 burst - 2 armor + 1 AP = 3.

---

@Firebird. I don’t see a knife on your character sheet. Are you asking for a change?

---

The fire elemental is reeling, but fighting back as flames engulf the furniture of the living room.

The mage is a crumpled heap in the dining room

Seeing he is outnumbered and already badly wounded, the samurai dives toward the balcony as smoke from the growing fire begins to fill the apartment.

@Michael, @Feb - edge bumps cancel the damage you took this round. Just let me know if you want to use the Edge.


Feb [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3
Firebird [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3 / Essence 4
   Sky Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services 0
Michael [X] [/] [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 1 / Essence 1
   Air Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services 1
Neko [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 4

---

Mage [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] unconscious, maybe dead
   Fire Protector [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services ?
Street Sam [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] / fleeing

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:15, Sat 28 Oct 2023.

@Mr. Johnson Staff then


Rachel waits for an opportunity.

@GM Michael will use an edge point so he doesn’t have to take damage.

Next combat round…

@Michael: still tangling with the Fire elemental or something else?

@Neko, @Feb: the samurai is behind cover. Are you hunting him down, or concerned about the spreading flames are you letting him flee? Something else?

@Firebird: entering the burning apartment or hanging back? Something else?

@GM. Michael will continue to banish the fire spirit and have his air spirit defend Michael and help with the banishment. Michael is still in the second floor condo main room.


Michael continues to force his will against the fire spirit in the main room as flames start to engulf the condo. Have to put this spirit down quickly before it burns down the entire building. He thinks to himself through the pain, exhaustion, and fog surrounding his mind.  Sending a thought towards the air spirit Michael commands it. Help me!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Tue 31 Oct 2023.

In reply to Michael (msg # 124):

Rachel being a creature of fire and rebirth
enters the building and continues looking around both in the Astral and mortal.

"Shit!" Neko shouts as the flames begin to consume the apartment. Things had taken an ironic turn...

"Feb, drag the mage out. If he's still alive, we can interrogate him. Firebird, see if you can find anything in here before the whole damn place goes up. Then you and Michael get the hell out of here too."

After doling out her plans to the others, she leaps over the still body of the mage and tries to get a bead on the street sam, hoping to disable him without killing him.

Feb's desire to hunt down the samurai is quickly quelled when the flames erupt and Neko barks an order.

"On it."

Not checking if the mage is alive or not, Feb grabs the mage by the collar and drags them out of the room into the hallway.

Looking back he checks to see if everyone else is out and good.

In reply to Feb (msg # 127):

" Michael. Where are you? "

Firebird is still scanning the area.

In reply to Firebird (msg # 128):

Michael is in the second floor condo main room battling with a fire spirit; trying to banish it. The is also an air spirit working with Michael.

There’s a decker in one of the bedrooms. Not sure if the target or the data is still in the condo or not.

@Feb. you push further into the condo as flames crawl up the wall…

Stay Frosty. 20:52, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Feb, rolled 5 using 2d6+1 ((2,2)). fail take 1XP.

…your attention divided, you never see the flames coming as the fire elemental perceives you as a threat to its summoner and lashes out. Take 2 harm

---

@Michael. your grip on the spirit’s mana…

Banish. 20:59, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Michael, rolled 7 using 2d6+1. weak success

…is unrelenting. You send the spirit from existence in this plane, banishing it, but as it flails out of existence, the mana burns across your spirit. Take 1 Harm

---

@Neko. you spot the samurai making a break for the balcony…

Rock and Roll. 21:04, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Neko, rolled 11 using 2d6+1.  strong success

…but he is a half step too slow and you have him in an arm bar before he can get out.

---

@Firebird. you enter the apartment as smoke begins to fill the hallway. a shadow tries to dart past you, Cranmore (threat rating: peer) appearing suddenly from the bedroom and trying to flee down the hall…

Stay Frosty. 21:10, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Firebird, rolled 12 using 2d6+1. strong success

…but you are too fast for him and easily block his path.


Feb [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3
Firebird [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3 / Essence 4
   Sky Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services 0
Michael [X] [/] [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 0 / Essence 1
   Air Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services 1
Neko [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 4

---

Mage [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] unconscious, maybe dead
   Fire Protector [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] banished
Street Sam [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] / subdued

Neko doesn't much care for getting in close and personal, but needs must and all that. Giving the samurai a little bit of her elbow, she growls in his ear as she begins dragging him back toward the exit into the hallway.

"You can come quietly... or I can kneecap you, and watch as you try to drag your ass out of here before you burn to death. Choice is yours, chummer."

She then shouts back over her shoulder at the rest of the team.

"Grab what you can and get out!"

Rachel will attempt to hit him with the staff hard.

In reply to Firebird (msg # 132):

combat roll is 11 with the +1 from staff

Rubbing at the burns from the fire elemental Feb grabs the mage again and drags him to the hallway.

In the heat of everything and confused from the attack Feb looks around for their target.

"Anyone see our target?"

With the fire spirit gone Michael feels the waves of exhaustion flow over him. He begins to focus him energy and being on the astral plane and starts scrubbing and masking his astral fingerprints and auras from the condo and surrounding area. He then prepares to leave discreetly through the floors to the parking garage and his meat body.


@GM if helpful Michael will use the last service and have the air spirit help him remove his astral signature from the area so it can’t be tracked back to him later.

@Neko. as the adrenaline rush subsides, the samurai doubles over in pain at the gunshot wounds he has suffered. He is going quietly.

@Michael. among the wards, the spirits and the spell work, trying to cover your tracks is like trying to dust the fireplace mantle after a nuke hit the city. You do what you can and, with the spirit’s help, you think your hasty work has covered the worst traces before you return to your body.

@Feb. the mage is dead weight and you can’t tell if he is breathing, but you do the right thing and start dragging him out of the smoke toward the door.

@Firebird. you take a swing at the corp as he tries to make his escape…

Rock and Roll. 19:17, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Firebird, rolled 8 using 2d6. weak success

…you connect a solid blow and in the narrow hallway, are able to block him from escape deal 1 stun. He is able to retaliate, hitting you with something hard and metal that he is carrying in his hand take 1 stun.

---

Feb [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3
Firebird [/] [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3 / Essence 4
   Sky Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Services 0
Michael [X] [/] [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 0 / Essence 1
   Air Watcher [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] services expended
Neko [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] / Edge 4

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Mage [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] unconscious, maybe dead
   Fire Protector [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] banished
Street Sam [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] / subdued
Cranmore [/] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

As Neko drags the samurai toward the door, she looks back to see Cranmore dueling with Firebird in the entryway. She stops, places a foot firmly on the samurai to keep him pinned, then brings her pistol to bear, taking aim at their target.

"On your knees, Cranmore!" she barks.

Rachel shifts her stance as she swings her staff to hit him to try to give Neko a cleaner shot.

" Yeah, surrender. "
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Tue 07 Nov 2023.

Feb drops the mage to the ground and follows Neko's lead and put pressure on the mage to keep him on the ground.  He aims his pistol at Cranmore and aims for his legs in case Cranmore tries to leave.

Since he's behind everyone he says, "I have a bead on Cranmore too."

In a rush Michael returns to his physical body in the back seat of the car and a low groan escapes his mouth. Slowly opening his eyes and stretching out his stiff muscles. Raising his head a little Michael takes a look around to get his bearings. “Hmm… This is Michael and I’m in the car. What‘s everyone’s location?” he says over his comms. Gathering himself he gets out of the car and moves to the front seat . He tries starting the car; hoping to find the car keys……

" So, Canmore just so you understand. I usually use fire magic on my opponents. And you have two pistols aimed on you. So I suggest you surrender. Or I will burn corpse as a sacrifice to my totem. "

Flames climb the wall, reaching some nearby furniture, changing the gray smoke to acrid black…

Everyone Stay Frosty + Stamina to resist the smoke and imminent danger:

10:53, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Firebird, rolled 12 using 2d6+1 ((5,6)). strong success

10:54, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Feb, rolled 5 using 2d6+1 ((2,2)). fail take 1XP.

10:55, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Neko, rolled 12 using 2d6+1 ((5,6)). strong success

Cranmore, seeing his bodyguards decimated and that he is clearly outnumbered by Neko and Firebird raises his hands in surrender.

Inhaling a lungful of acrid smoke, Feb doubles over, suffocating. He drops the mage and drops to the ground himself, struggling to get out of the smoke and catch his breathe. Take 2 Stun.

In the midst of the confusion and chaos, no one answers Michael’s text messages.

@Neko, @Firebird: you have complete control of the situation, but will have to Stay Frosty every turn you remain in the burning apartment.

@Feb [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [/] [/] [ ] [ ] / Edge 3 - you are in serious danger and must flee or you risk falling into unconsciousness and dying in the flames.

@Michael. No one answers. You hear sirens in the distance.

Doubling over and gasping for air Feb drops the mage and starts to make his way out of the room.

Over the comms he says, "I can't get the mage so someone will need to get them out of here.  Michael the room is on fire, they have Cranmore. He appears to be surrendering."

Feb struggles to make his way out of the room.

" now let's get you away from the fire. Walk slowly out. "

Firebird moves around him holding her staff at the ready.

Talking over the coms and hearing Feb’s voice Michael replies, “Copy that, Feb. I am in the car and do hear sirens in the distance. Everyone needs to evacuate now! We need to get out of here before the authorities arrive on scene.”

Michael gets the car engine started and scans the area near him .


@GM Michael uses a check the situation action and will try meeting the rest of the team with the car. He will also try to determine what direction the sirens are coming from and the movement of the apartment building occupants who are exiting the building.

Seeing the flames flare up and Feb begin to struggle, Neko kicks the samurai toward the door and heads back to Feb. She grabs his arm with one hand and keeps her gun trained on Cranmore with the other.

"Out! Everybody who doesn't want to get barbecued, out now!"

She helps Feb along as they make for the hallway.

"Forget the mage, let's split before the cavalry roll in," she whispers calmly to Feb.

@Neko, @Firebird as the smoke blackens out the hallway, a controlled exit becomes impossible. You lose sight of each other in the dark and need to crouch low to avoid the worst of the smoke. Neko’s arms lift Feb from the ground while Firebird corrals Cranmore, leaving the wounded samurai unwatched. You both lose sight of him in the smoke as you stumble into the hallway.

@Feb. you must leave the mage to his fate, unable to both save him and save yourself. Neko pulls you by the shoulder, dragging you into the cooler air of the hallway where you gasp fresh air into your lungs.

@Michael. getting the car any closer to the building proves to be difficult. There are seventy five or more residents milling about on the avenue in front of the condo and driving into that fray will make a quick exit impossible.

Seeing the crowd milling about the front entrance Michael pulls out his pocket secretary and does a quick search for a street map of the immediate area; looking for alternate exit routes out of the building onto the street. Over the comms Michael says, “There are about 75 people milling about in front of the building. The sirens haven’t shown up yet, but they are coming.”


@GM Michael will look for a side or back exit for the condo building to meet up with the group.

@Michael. The condo’s main door opens onto the avenue. There are emergency exits on the other three sides of the building, but they all open inside the fence/wall that surrounds the condo. There is a door in the wall on the opposite side of the building that opens into a narrow alley. The door is locked, at least from the outside, perhaps it opens from the inside, but you can’t tell. The alley is too narrow for the car, but easy enough for people to walk through.

@GM. Assuming Michael can drive the car to the alleyway on the backside of the building…..


Michael touches his comms set and says, “Everyone, there is an emergency exit door on the backside of the building that opens into an alleyway. So far the alley is clear and would be a better pickup option than fighting through the crowd the avenue side of the building. Confirm?”

Feb appreciates the extra help under his arm.  As he gets to cleaner air he scans the area.

He keeps an especially keen eye on Cranmore just waiting for him to do something.

"Copy that Michael.  Neko, let's head to that exit."

In reply to Feb (msg # 151):

" You heard him. Keep moving."

Neko nods to the others and sticks her gun in Cranmore's back, making for the exit Michael informed them of.

"Right, let's get the hell out of here."

You have lost the mage to the flames and the samurai in the smoke, but have Cranmore and, with luck, the oblong grey box he smashed Firebird in the face with is the optical drive that you have been sent to recover. If not, that too may be lost to the flames.

The hallway is thick with smoke until you reach the stairs and make your way down to the alley exit. You come to the door in the wall and unluckily there appears to be some sort of key card reader to disable the lock.

The sirens are close. None of you can see any fire trucks, ambulances or police cars, but the volume of the sirens tells you they are somewhere near the condo.

"Ah hell..." Neko mutters. She looks around at Firebird and Feb.

"Either of you good at cracking locks?"

She jabs Cranmore with her pistol.

"Hey, you got a keycard for this?"

" Is it burnable? "

Rachel shrugs as she also jabs Cranmore with her staff.

Cranmore fumbles in his pockets for what seems like an eternity. ”Did I have the card or did one of the others take it?” he says.

Spending an Edge gets you the card automatically. Otherwise, I roll … on 6- no card, on 7+ all good.

In reply to Mr. Johnson (msg # 157):

I will spend an edge.

Cranmore fumbles for a long frustrating moment but eventually produces a flat plastic card with a mag strip. ”Oh, I do have one,” he mutters, tapping it on the pad and unlocking the door.

The door opens into a narrow alley, where litter and large garbage cans clutter your path to Michael in the waiting Sai. The sirens are deafeningly loud, and you can see red lights flashing on the walls of the building next door. The emergency response must be arriving in the avenue side of the building. On the alley side, you see don’t see any cops or firefighters… yet.

Michael drives the car around the building to the alleyway entrance and waits for the rest of the team with the motor running. “I am driving to the alleyway entrance near the back of the building. Hurry! Meet me there!”

Rachel continues leading Cranmoee to the car

Neko hasn't been around for a few days so bumping the thread...

The walk over to the car is uneventful, but you find another minor annoyance when you get there. With Michael in the driver's seat, that leaves three spaces empty for four passengers: Firebird, Cranmore, Neko and Feb...

As the his four companions walk over to the car Michael realizes the math issue with their escape and gets out of the car’s driver’s seat; relinquishing it to Neko or Feb. He comments with a smirk , “Next time we should take a van.” Trying to keep his face in shadow away from Cranmore’s eyes Michael explains, “You four take the car. I’ll make my way by another route and we’ll meet up later. Just make sure I get my share.”

He texts Firebird and Neko a contact number where he can be reached and walks away from the group, down the alleyway to the street, away from the sirens, and gets lost in the crowd of people. Michael does a quick search on his pocket secretary for public transportation and businesses in the area.

Rachel pushes Cranmore into the car.
"Get in."
Once in the car, Rachel responds to the text to Firebird from Michael with her own contact number.

@Michael. its a long walk to a BART station, but once you get ont the train your ride downtown back toward Wuxing is tolerable enough.

@Neko, @Firebird. Cranmore has enough sense not to resist at this point. You make a point of creeping out of the neighborhood to minimize the chance of drawing attention and the fire works to keep the cops distracted.

Do you meet back up?

I think Neko eventually drives us back to Wuxing.

Michael suffers taking the BART train back to the Wuxing Corporation building as he makes sure he is not being followed. He also periodically shifts his perception to the astral plane to make sure his aura didn’t attract any attention from KE or other parties. I will have to do better next time masking what I do if I don’t want to get caught. Sloppiness breeds mistakes. He thinks to himself, shaking his head a little. I will have to do better. He promises to himself.

Once the train is half way to the Wuxing corporation building and the coast is clear of being followed Michael takes out his pocket secretary and sends a text message to Neko and Firebird. “ It appears I’m clear of anyone following me. I will meet you at the place we first met.” Putting his comms away Michael makes his way towards the Wuxing corporation building to find Mr Findlay for their payday.

Still no sign of Neko IC, so I guess we’re back to just Michael and Firebird.

With a rendezvous point set for the Wuxing lobby, you converge back to where this run began just a few short hours ago. The director’s aide, Allan, finds you and escorts you back to the conference room where you met with Findlay. Cranmore is led off to whatever interrogation room they have in store for him and Feb is taken by medics into the small medical facility you were escorted through earlier.

You’re left alone for a few moments. If you have any plays to make or need to talk out your next steps, now is the time.

Rachel eats some of the food still there and drinks some fresh real coffee and real milk.

" Hmmm, something is wrong? "
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

Michael glances around the room and shifts his perception to the astral plane; checking the landscape. He then replies to Firebird’s comment. “Why do you say that? Do you sense something wrong?”



@GM

On the train ride over Michael would have tried centering his energies to recover essence in case he had to cast more magic. Assuming he had time to do so.

In the room Michael uses a check the situation action. He will probably also use a clairvoyance spell to gather more information.


This message was last edited by the player at 04:21, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

" Given what we have done and how we have gotten this contract. It seems making us wait is very unlikely corporate. "

Rachel says while eating and drinking.

Michael replies, “You believe something is wrong then?”

" Not sure yet nest to remain on edge. "

Rachel says as she tries to sit and look comfortable.

" But look comfortable."

Michael checks the room again and sits in a comfortable chair himself to wait patiently. He asks, “Do you have any plans afterwards?”

You are soon joined by Findlay, sweating, wearing white sports wear and carrying a squash racket. ”Well that was fast and efficient. What it lacked in subtlety it made up for in expediency,” he says taking a seat at the table.  Reaching across the flat plastic surface, he picks up the optical drive. ”So much fuss about this thing, wonder what’s on it?” he asks absentmindedly.

Choose one:

Option one “All in”: ”No matter. The C-suite is calling this run a successful job interview and is willing to make an offer that puts you on the roster. A place in the corporate family, a suite in the skyraker, expense account, steady paycheque,” he says. ”Should we get someone from HR in to discuss your offer?” This sounds like a good deal, roof over your head and solid pay. Hell you might even negotiate Doc Wagon coverage, but maybe there is a way to get a better deal…

Option two “Double or Nothing”: ”But that is of no consequence. There is still the small matter of Church and his team.” he explains. ”Considering the information we hope to gain from Cranmore we might have a line of inquiry that you could pursue on our behalf. Much like the last job, we would want an asset that remains deniable.” Take a chance on a second run and get a better offer from Wuxing if you come through for them. If you blow it, you may blow the whole deal.

Rachel was about to answer and sees Findlay come in.
" Squash huh? Anyway if I go all in I would have to speak to HR privately. As far as plans, my coworker, we need to see what we do with Wuxung first. "

Michael considers a moment and slightly nods towards Findlay. He says, “I would prefer the all in option #1 Mr Findlay. “  However, as my coworker stated, I would be more interested in the fringe benefits of the company. I hope we can work well together to our mutual satisfaction. What say you Mr Findlay?”

Rachel smiles. " it likes like we will need separate HR reps. '

Ideally you come to an agreement OOC.

There is only one offer on the table, it’s the one you agree to when you choose one option. As soon as you choose, the other possibility never existed.

After coming to an agreement with HR about his employment and status within the company. Michael considers for a moment. “So, what’s the next step?”

Do you both agree on option 1 or option 2?

@GM Michael would take option #1. He would be more interested in a steady income and access to magical resources and knowledge than trying to gamble for a better deal.

I assume at this point the original 16k nuyen payout for the run has been paid out and split evenly between the four runners; 4k nuyen each? Is this correct?


This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Fri 15 Dec 2023.

We both want option 1

Just in character, Rachel doesn't  want to share her past with anyone yet. She has to share it with HR.

I am not saying do anything in pms a Chinese wall to indicate separate rooms is fine.

”You’re looking for certain assurances,” Findlay says to Firebird. ”I can appreciate that. You can have the room and I’ll send a representative down from HR. Michael and I can walk the department, I’ll give you the lay of the land.”

Option one. Take Middle Lifestyle. You pull in ¥60,000 a year (net). You have an apartment in the skyraker, all of your bills are paid by the company. You have access to the armoury, magical libraries and shamanic circles.

Major purchases (like foci and fetishes) are still your own problem but if you need any smaller peices of mundane equipment, assume you have it.

Rachel sighs. " assurances yes but not just for me for Wuxing as well. My past is a feral Dragon's Hoard. Thank you. "

Rachel smiles.

Michael replies to Mr Findlay. “I appreciate you taking the time to do that Mr Findlay. I am curious as to what my job responsibilities will be while working here and possibly receiving more mage training and advancement opportunities while working here.”

When the representative arrives, Rachel clears her throat.
" Let's see. I faked my death a few years ago after I found out the Corp, I was raised in was trying to blood sacrifice my entire maternal line including me and my sisters to bring some Ancient Being back under their control. I used to be Raquelle
Angelique Costa-Trastamara de LA Vega of Aztechnology. If they ever find me they will want to hunt me down."

@Michael Happy to help out a new hire" Fidnlay replies walking you through the faciilty. "I'm no magician, so I can't really say much about mage training. Maybe you want to talk to our operatives in the metaphysics operations department."

@Firebird The HR representative joins you as requested. A petty young woman with dark hair and hazel eyes in a pencil skirt. "That's a very strange way to introduce yourself. Are you feeling ill?" she says looking at you like you have three heads exploding from your neck while making a note on her datapad.

"I was practicing efficiency. Like I was taught in my Corp school. I was Pyramid on LA. Till our overlords on Aztlan heard about my maternal bloodline being descended from a member of the House of Trastamara mating with a Phoenix. "
Rachel sips her coffee.


" I am Raquelle Angelica Costa-Trastamara de la Vega. One of the few descendents of the House of Trastamara and one of the few people in this world descended from a Phoenix. I thought Wuxing as a corporation should know they are signing on someone Aztlan wants to sacrifice. "

“I’ll be sure to do that Mr Findlay. There is another matter that you may have an answer. I was planning to craft alchemy compounds and maybe foci as a side hustle during my downtime. Would the company be interested in buying and selling magical materials from me?”

@Firebird. ”Ok…” she seems to reply automatically, maybe buying some space to think by filling the silence. ”Listen, I’m going to level with you. That sounds pretty far-fetched. Absolutely insane in fact. If I take that to my boss, they’re going to send you for a full psych shakedown, or straight out the door.” Tapping a few more details into her datapad, she looks up and asks ”What is it worth to you to make this conversation disappear from the corporate record?”

@Michael. ”Ok…” he seems to reply automatically, maybe buying some space to think by filling the silence.  ”Listen, I’m going to level with you. Wuxing would prefer to leave that kind of artisan creativity out of our dealings with our operatives. What you do on your own time, and, I must emphasize, with your own resources, is your own business.” Stopping at the door to what seems to be a magical library, he adds, ”Unless you come up with something very cutting edge. Maybe then we can talk.”

“Hmmm. I appreciate your candor, Mr Findlay. I was wondering where limits of the company’s generosity were. I’ll be sure to keep my personal projects at home off the books.” Seeing the door before them Michael asks, “What are the rules to using library materials? Is access restricted to company business only?”

In reply to Michael (msg # 192):

" Let's just say I am not insane and I pay you off with money I don't  have. And Aztechnology finds out Wuxing has someone who is their citizen and someone they want to sacrifice. Now, as my training has taught me this will either result in. A shadowraid to get me or Aztlan declares war on what is left of CFS and the Imperial Japanase state. What would happen to you for not letting your employers now."

@Firebird. ”The Empire is here precisely to deter Aztlan,” she says, her frustration showing through before she gives a look that clearly says she can’t believe that she is even having this conversation. ”Listen, Ms de la Vega, there is no way I am bringing this to Mr Findlay without some kind of proof other than, frankly and please take no offence, your half formed ramblings. Did you perhaps suffer a head injury during that last run?” she asks, showing genuine concern for a company asset’s health and welfare.

@Michael. ”I’m glad we understand one another. Now, the library is at your disposal of course. We feel that investing in our operatives is investing in ourselves,” Findlay replies. ”The library is at your disposal as is access to tutors which we can arrange for a nominal fee.”

In reply to Mr. Johnson (msg # 194):

She pulls out a ID stick from inside her arm.

" This is my old ID stick. It should give you all the info you need to confirm the confirmable of what I have said. But if you think you shouldn't tell your employer any of this then lets keep it between us beuatiful."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Mon 01 Jan.

“I am interested in learning more about the metaphysics and metamagics associated with magic and growing in these areas. Does the company offer initiation trials? Also, are the fees for tutors and training standardized or are they different for each teacher depending on skill and expertise?”

@Firebird. ”Beautiful?” she says…

Manipulate. 20:58, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Firebird, rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((2,5)). weak success

…suspiciously. Taking the ID stick, she holds it against her clipboard. ”Keep the compliments. If what you say is true…” the wheels are turning and she sees the potential for advancement if she can bring something useful to the executives.

@Michael. ”Case-by-case of course,” he replies. ”Depending on whether we need to seek outside support or if we have someone on payroll. We would want an opportunity to vet any outside organizations that you wished to be initiated into. Merely to ensure their interests were not contrary to ours of course.”

" Of course that only is the provable elements. Like my identity and when I faked my death. And how I got my current identity. And there is some internal emails about blood sacrifices. "

“That sounds fair. I had hoped there would be a group internal within the company. In the long term I am interested in becoming a geomancer mage for the company, so I will need to develop and hone my skills and knowledge accordingly. If you wouldn’t mind looking into this matter for me I would appreciate it.” Taking a quick look around the library. It appears this library is quite extensive. I’ll be spending a lot of time here. he thinks to himself.

Returning his attention back to his boss Michael asks, “What are your goals Mr Findlay, so I may better help you? I assume you still want Church and his crew found if possible? If so is there any new data on him and his crew that wasn’t already in the dossier file you gave us earlier that might point us in the right direction to finding him?”

Michael pauses a moment with the game of 20 questions to gauge Mr Findlay’s response.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Fri 05 Jan.