Limit of Infinity: A Shadowrun RP (Game thread)

[Evrant-Knight]

"Sure. And thanks for the ride, I arrived here on foot."

"Not problem. After all, what are friends for." He then powered up the bike.

"Welcome to the Ferris Motors MKII Fenrir Combat Bike. This vehicle has been given the designation name Lupo. Welcome Master Sebastian."

"You can cut the introductions Lupo." With that command, the female voice of the bike went silent. Sebastian then gave the throttle a slight turn, causing a wolf like howl to come from the exhaust. He then drove off into the night, and back to his apartment.

 

[Floris2123]

"Not problem. After all, what are friends for."
we are huh. Awsome.

"So how far is it to your appartment?"

 

[JokerboyJordan]

"So, your a practitioner of parkour then? I must say, I'm impressed, the speed, acrobatics and skill it takes to master that style of movement, is certainly a sight to behold. You know, I've learnt parkour as well... I think we may just along Edge."

Hmph, this guy doesn't seem too bad, but looks like he tries to be "pro" a bit too much.
Nevertheless, I don't get many compliments. I rather like it

As everyone began to take their leave, Edge sat on the couch until it there was only a few still remaining. Technically it was early morning, but he had no other inclination than to go to sleep, regardless of what the time was.

He looked around as the last few members of the group started to drift out of the door. Edge took this as a sign that he should leave as well, as there was nothing for him here, the faint sound of techno music still emanated from further in the club, it's bass working on Edge's ears, rousing him from his brief spell of drifting off into sleep. His gum had lost it's flavour again, the damn stuff was too cheap, he reminded himself to buy better stuff next time, because if he couldn't even chew good gum then what was the point of even aspiring for wealth and power.

As he walked to the front door of the club, he noticed the giant girl standing there looking particularly lost. She probably had no place to go. This turned out to be exactly what was the case.

"I don't have anywhere to stay actually, do you know anywhere I could sleep for the night?"

Edge turned to face her, Nova was her name if he recalled. The visor was only reflected himself, it totally obscured whatever features she may have. Although she posed an innocent enough question, there must be a reason why she doesn't have anywhere to go, along with a reason why she's in that suit, it certainly isn't for fashion's sake.

What is she? Horrible burn victim? Bio-engineered weapon? F'ugly?

"You see girl, I would love to offer you a place to stay, but your magic just seems a tad... temperamental. Plus, my apartment ain't exactly spacious, you'd have to kip on the sofa."

"Here is a place where you can stay for the next week or so. A few rooms in an mansion are mine and you can stay there if you want. When you arrive, just tell them at the gate that I sent you."

*whistles"

"Now that's an offer I'd take up kid. That mansion's too good to refuse. I guess you don't need me now."

He looked over at her, she was hard to make out, but she still was just a kid. Edge brought out a phone, and called a local cab service. It was still raining, so he put up his hood before walking over to her.

"I called you a cab, it'll take you wherever you wanna go, within reason. I referred the guy who runs them a lot of customers over the years, so it's on me. See ya kid."

Edge then ran off into a side alley, clambering over the tops of some dumpsters on to the fire escape, their slippery surface just barely impending on the speed and smoothness of his movement.
The rain faded into a light drizzle, but the wind was strong. As he ran and jumped across the rooftops, the stinging rain pounded against his face.

He arrived at his apartment building, and swung across onto the fire escape just outside his window. It was part of the reason why he had chosen the place, along with the fact that at the time there was a particularly attractive elven woman that lived next door. Unfortunately she had moved away.

Edge made his way inside through the window, carefully closing it from the inside. The catch had gotten sticky, thank god it never acted up whilst he was still outside, he'd hate to have to break in.

"Honey... I'm home" he called, and a slim, tabby cat appeared from behind the tv, jumping it's way over the coat rack, where Edge hung up his gel-padded coat. He scratched the cat softly underneath it's chin, and it responded by purring loudly.

Edge meandered over to the kitchen, over to the fridge. There wasn't a lot inside, a couple of microwave meals and some juice, milk etc, not exactly high living. He poured out some milk into a saucer, placing it on the floor for Honey, who began lapping it up almost immediately.
Dissatisfied with not having any snacks, he made his way over to his bedroom. From the second his head hit that pillow, he was out cold.

Tomorrow would be interesting... All those freaks together at the Dragon's Lair ... Wulf...Nova...Sebastian. Can't wait.

Spoiler: TL:DR

Edge calls Nova a cab, before making his way home. He then mopes around a little bit and feeds his cat, before going to sleep.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Hey I have no plan on rushing Roberts. I just know a target that suits our needs and will be more than happy to help bring him in once our shifter here is ready."

"Alright, good," said Clay, nodding his head. "Last thing we need is to be rushin'. And this guy of yours better be pretty fuckin' close to the top. I mean if shit falls from the highest rung o' the ladder, this guy better be one o' the first to get hit."

Clay began noticing a slow trickle of people leaving the conference room, starting with their 'fearless leader'. He looked at Avalanche with a raised eyebrow, "Guess the meetin's adjourned. C'mon, let's ditch this joint. I gotta see just what you got planned."

 

[mextliloco]

"Alright, good," said Clay, nodding his head. "Last thing we need is to be rushin'. And this guy of yours better be pretty fuckin' close to the top. I mean if shit falls from the highest rung o' the ladder, this guy better be one o' the first to get hit"

"Don't worry this guy wallows in more shit than a pig. He orchestrated and finalized the killer acquisition. Roberts if you're interested.give.me a call"

Jamal walked out of the club and his.face hardened when the young shaman transformed, flaunting her power.

"She'll end up hunted.down and dead showing off like that. Prolly for the best."

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"So how far is it to your apartment?"

"Not far, should only be a short ride." Sebastian then engaged the engines, and headed off into the night.

Fifteen Minutes Later...

Lupo drove through the rain slicked streets of Seattle with relative ease, her tires getting the grip needed to avoid spinning out of control. All the while, Sebastian's coat billowed in the light breeze that pushed in front of them. The overall appearance of the rider, a man in armour, coat trailing along behind him, and a bike as fearful as the Fenrir, made him look like a force to be reckoned with. He slowed down as they arrived at a building, impressive in design, made from what looked like a series of glass and metal panels, that gave it a stylish look. At the front, bore the name of the complex, Apostle Apartments.

Sebastian soon got off the bike, which prompted Finwe to follow suit.

"Here we are, home. Apostle Apartments. A respectable complex, decent living, reasonable price. The gated communities of Bellevue it ain't, but it does the job of housing someone good enough. Downtown Seattle is only a short ride away in that direction. Anyway, lets get inside, before the rain gets worse." Sebastian said, giving a brief description of the building, before heading inside. He moved the bike into the parking garage, removing his helmet, and headed into the foyer. Greeting him, was a young woman of around twenty years of age. Long blonde hair, violet eyes. To many, she was beautiful. She looked up from her magazine, its cover mentioning something about rock bands.

"Oh, Mr. Moreau, good morning to you. Bit late isn't it?" She asked, a slight blush on her cheeks.

"The work I do Aimee, time is irrelevant. Anyway, can I have my keys please?" He replied with, before asking a question of his own.

"Oh, of course. Here you are." She handed Sebastian a key card. "I think the maids have just finished cleaning on your floor."

"Thank you. Come on Finwe." Sebastian ordered, gesturing towards an open elevator. Once both were inside, he pushed the button marked Floor Fifteen. After a minute or two, they had arrived. Walking along the well lit corridor, they arrived at Apartment 1517. He swiped the card reader, opening the door. Sebastian then showed Finwe inside, taking off his coat in the process.

 

[Malyc]

"Guess the meetin's adjourned. C'mon, let's ditch this joint. I gotta see just what you got planned."

"Alright, let's go." Avalanche said, standing up and heading for the door. He waited outside the door until he was sure Clay was following, then turned into a nearby alley.

"I'd rather not have any of the others know about what I can do as of yet." He started, heading deeper into the alley. "Some people can be overly suspicious about this kind of ability. Once they get suspicious, they generally start shooting. I'm going to ask you to please not do that."

Figuring he was far enough from the road to be unnoticed by any passers by, he stopped and turned to face Clay. "Do I have your word that you will keep this under your hat til I let it be known?"

 

[mextliloco]

Spoiler: Jamal goes home and has conversation with his sister

Jamal let his long strides carry him home. He enjoyed walks. The rhythm of his steps gave him a beat to center his mind around. The streets and the buildings began to lose sharpness as Jamal retreated further into thought, contemplating the job ahead. Finally he reached the nondescript, white apartment complex he resided. After climbing the dark brown stairway to his apartment and closing the door behind him Jamal checked the time. It was a little after five in the morning eight on the east coast.

"Have to call Maya. It's been a week, she's bound to be worried."

He entered the number into his comlink, his sister answered after a few rings.

"Hello?"

"Hey Yaya, it's me"

"Well hello little brother. So good of you to finally call. And do you really have to call me encrypted everytime?"

"Yaya, you know that if father ever realized that we were still in contact, he would try and trace our calls. I can't have that."

"I know Jay, but honestly I miss, we all do. Would it be so bad to come home?"

"They miss their security system. We both know the family business has lost ground since I left."

"Ugh, it was never that cold Jay, sometimes I just wish I could smack the back of your head so you could see"

"Good luck reaching it, would you like me to give you a ladder first little-big sister?"

"Oh how clever of you. But anyway how are you bro?"

"I'm good Yaya. Enjoying my work, putting away some cash."

"Ah yes, this "job" you never want to talk about. You keep me worried about your ugly mug."

"I love you too sis. How are you holding up?"

"Wellll...nothing too major. You remember that Orc from NYC, Greg? Well we've gone out a couple times, but nothing serious. Dad has been crazy busy. He is heading out west to organize some deal to get his hands on this new strain of some drug before anyone else on the east coast does."

West? fuck. I don't like him so close"[i}

"Really? Where is he headed? L.A?"

"No farther north, I don't remember exactly where...Shit, that is Greg calling. I have to go little Jay. Don't wait a week to call me again or I really will take that ladder to slap you upside your head"

The link clicked before Jamal could respond.

"Fuck"

 

[Malyc]

"Guess the meetin's adjourned. C'mon, let's ditch this joint. I gotta see just what you got planned."
"Alright, let's go." Avalanche said, standing up and heading for the door. He waited outside the door until he was sure Clay was following, then turned into a nearby alley.
"I'd rather not have any of the others know about what I can do as of yet." He started, heading deeper into the alley. "Some people can be overly suspicious about this kind of ability. Once they get suspicious, they generally start shooting. I'm going to ask you to please not do that."
Figuring he was far enough from the road to be unnoticed by any passers by, he stopped and turned to face Clay. "Do I have your word that you will keep this under your hat til I let it be known?"

"Yeah, sure," said Clay. "Trust me, whatever it is, ain't nobody gonna hear of it. Not from me."

"That's what I wanted to hear." Avalanche said, "Just... Just don't shoot." He began unbuttoning his shirt, it was hard to get out of as a wolf.

"Whoa, pal," Clay started, looking perplexed at the man's sudden action. First and last time I'll ever take another man's invitation to a dark alley.

"Where's this goin'?" Clay asked.

"Just trust me, what I'm about to do is easier without the shirt."

"Uhh..." Clay really wasn't sure what to make of Avalanche's 'assurance'.

Avalanche concentrated briefly, beginning the transformation from man to wolf. Wish I had a camera, the look on his face is priceless...

"The fuck is wrong with-" Clay was stopped mid-sentence as the man before him transformed into something else entirely. Fur grew from his bare skin, a snout grew from his face and his entire skeletal structure was reshaping itself. When the transformation was done, Clay looked at the wolf with an eyebrow raised, clearly impressed. "Jesus Fuckin' Christ, that's...that's pretty fuckin' cool."

Now that that surprise was out of the way, Avalanche began the shift back to explain his plan. Hard to talk when you don't have lips... or the right set of vocal chords, for that matter...

The wolf began shifting to his previous form without notice, something Clay would've appreciated greatly. The runner was forced to raise his hand and shield the man's lower half from his view. "Geez, pal. A word of warning before you changed back would've been nice. I really didn't need to see that thing shift."

"Ever hear a wolf talk?" Avalanche asked, amused at Clay's discomfort. To make the other man more comfortable, he put his cloths back on before continuing. "Ain't easy. We don't exactly have lips."

"Never seen a nude man in a dark alley neither," Clay said, lowering his hand and relieved that Avalanche made himself decent. "Though I guess I can fuckin' scratch that off my 'Never Again' list."

"Eh, there'll likely come another time that you'll have the opportunity." Avalanche said, a bit sarcastically. "Anyway, my plan is this: We take a little walk down by the NeoNET building, just a man and his dog. The leash will be weakened prior to this, so that when we get close, I'll be able to snap it with little effort when I chase after a squirrel or something. You try to catch me, but the guards will likely not allow you very close to the building. Once they send you away, you find a nice little spot to hole up where you can see the facility, I'll be covering it from the other side. With any luck, we'll be able to figure out how to take Dr. Shelly alive and without a fight. Then, we meet at the Dragon's Lair and tell everyone what we've found out."

Spoiler: TL:DR

Avalanche demonstrates his shifting ability, and explains his plan to get close enough to NeoNET to be able to recon the joint.

 

[Nooners]

"Sure, it's my spare apartment. I used to rent it out until me and my previous tenant had a disagreement." Charlie said, "It hasn't really been cleaned up from then, so beware. And as a bonus, I won't charge you a dime of rent. Just keep the place tidy. It's not far from here, I'll walk you there."

"Many thanks. Let me grab my stuff and I'll follow you out when you're ready." Nolan said, heading out to the front room again. He went back to his booth and grabbed his duffel bag, unzipping it and making sure nobody had sneaked a peek while it was out of his sight. All the tools were there, his spare clothes, a few miscellaneous gun parts that could come in handy in tune-ups, replacements, or testings...good. Nolan threw it over his shoulder and jammed his hat on his head, and waited for Charlie.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Spoiler: Characterization (Read This First... Please)

Finwe seemed impressed by his house and that Sebastian actually trusted him enough to let him in here.

"You really have a beautiful home did anyone ever tell you that?"
Finwe walks inside the apartment then looks for a place to sit down.
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Sebastian began removing the other parts of his armour, revealing a light short sleeved shirt and trousers underneath. He then placed his armour on a nearby stand, and soon joined Finwe on the couch.

"A few people have, but then again, don't often receive visitors, or have guests round. Most times, it's just me here, alone." He replied with, sounding sad as he said it.
"Then again, when you lead the life I do, company, it becomes sparse at times." He then pushed the few strands of hair that had fallen forward from the rain, returning it to its original style. Sebastian then looked at Finwe.

"Now then, there was something you wanted to talk about?

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He sounds a bit lonely. Understandable you can't trust many people in this line of work.

Finwe sat down and looked at Sebastian.

"Yes I have 3 things I want to speak to you about. The first one being Taylor."
Finwe looks away from Sebastian for a moment gathering his thoughts.
Looking back at Sebastian after a few seconds with a cold look he says:
"Do you think we can trust her? Even though we both know she is an insect shaman? "

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Sounds like he does not have a lot of faith in her. I wonder why? Sebastian thought to himself, question the slight hostility towards the youngest member of the group. He briefly looked out towards the rain drenched sky, contemplating on the question presented to him. After a few moments of silence, he responded.

"Currently, I am unsure about what to think of her. Back at Raven, she remained awfully quiet, not letting on much about herself. That may be something to be wary about, but until we've seen her in action, I'm afraid that I can't make a decision about trusting her yet."

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I don't know if I want to see her in action. Hope I don't have to see her fight.

"Alright I understand that. I don't know if I trust her myself. It is just that i don't trust people easily, and her being an Insect Shaman doesn't really help her case."

Finwe gazed over at the windows. Where Sebastian had been looking a few seconds before."So the second thing I wanted to talk to you about is the job. But more specific the team. Who is going to be the team leader? I mean every team need one that is obvious but who is it going to become?"

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"Hmm, an interesting question. Whoever was elected would have to be someone who commanded loyalty and respect towards his or her charges. Someone who has had experience of leading a group." Sebastian then cracked his knuckles, thinking over the problem.

"Wulf certainly has experience of leading a group, but his arrogance leaves much to be desired. Overall, he seems to only trust his former gang members, and is rather self important, could become a liability."

"Nik, former Lonestar operative. Certainly has respect for others, and will listen to other people?s opinions. Has lacked chances for leadership one would presume."

"Rodrigo, detective. An intelligent being, creative and independent. Has information regarding NeoNET, which could be of some great use to those going after Dr. Shelley." He then looked at Finwe.

"Who would you pick out of our cast of characters?"

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Finwe listened to Sebastian then gave his opinion.

"Well I don't think Wulf would be a good choice as an effective leader I mean he is arrogant and doesn't have much experience as a leader. Nik hasn't once taken initiative to be a leader and wasn't one when he was a cop so that is a no. As for the detective, I jusn't dont have good feeling about him and he didn't look like the leader kind of person."

"I don't know really we don't have a gang leader or someone like that... Maybe have 2 leaders one for each team? If that was the case 2 leaders i would think that you would be the best to lead our team. As you are a master assassin and have lots of experience and everybody seems to like you."

Finwe looked at Sebastian waiting for a response.

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"Fair enough. Best they aren't put into leadership roles for the time being."
Sebastian then thought over the possibility of him being the leader of the second team. He briefly closed his eyes, thinking on the qualities that he possessed, that would make him suitable for the job.

"I do have the right qualities for an infiltration assignment such as this. But we should discuss it with the other members of the second team before we reach a decision. It would be unfair on them. Now then, what was number three?"

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"Yes the third thing well I have been giving our team some thought. To what its purpose is and how it should react and who should be in it. Maybe we should spilt the team up into 3 smaller teams."

Finwe looks at Sebastian then continues.

"This is what I had in mind:

Team A would be made out of you and maybe another assassin like type with the objective to kill the target.

Team B would be to distract so it should be made out of experienced fighters who can lay down fire and pin them down.

Team C is special; it should be made out of me and a hacker or something like that. Team C purpose is to, 1) heal people, and 2) maybe hack something to try and also pin the target down by using traps and such.

So what do you think about my idea?"

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"It's a good plan, but remember, we don't have to necessarily kill Dr. Shelley. Bringing her in alive, might provide the client with more useful information, especially regarding this Convergence Project; which seems to be a key point, and should be noted."

"After all, not everything in regards to it will be kept on the archives. From the looks of it, she has a data-jack, which may contain something. But, whether we decided to kill her or not, depends on the situation at the time."

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Finwe looks a bit surprised at Sebastian answer.

"I do understand she doesn't have to die but it might be allot harder to capture her. To capture somebody we need to kill or distract all of the guards. Run to where she is then take her away without being followed. But it might be possible."

"So should we send everybody a message about my plan or not?
And do you have a topic that we can discuss? Because those where my topics."
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"We probably should, that way, the plan can be analysed, allowing for other people's opinions, and also to see if any possible suggestions for improvement."

"As for a topic, well it's more so a question. How come back at Club Raven, you decided to strike up a conversation with me, rather than someone else?"

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Finwe seemed pleased that his plan was approved by Sebastian.

"As soon as I get home I well send everyone a message. With it my plan and the question if that sounds good or if they have anything to add."

Finwe seemed surprised by the question.

"Uhh well... That is a hard one. I guess it was because of a few reasons.

A) You are an elf like me having dealt with discrimination my whole life I rather spend time with meta humans then non-meta humans.

B) You looked like an experienced shadow runner. I could tell from your clothes this wasn't your first run.

C) And finally something about the way you looked something was just similar to mine. I could see that you were cold. And that you had killed some people. Just like me."

"So when I looked around the room and looked at everybody we work with. You looked the most interesting person there. And you seemed a bit similar to me. So I figured if I am going to talk with somebody I might as well talk to the most interesting looking one."

"So why did you greet me so...Nice when I came up to you. I mean you must have seen that I was dangerous right?"

Finwe asks looking at Sebastian.

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"Fair enough. And yes, I did see someone who was dangerous, someone who looked like they had been through a lot, both physically and mentally. I take it you never had that many friends, and that your parents never really loved you?"

"But, I've learned to look past the dangers, to see the true person underneath. You're a good person Finwe. I think your past has merely altered your perceptions of reality."

"The shadows that hang over you, they seek to twist your soul into something unpleasant, it takes a strong person, with a good heart, to overcome these things, rather than be consumed by them. I believe that you have such a heart."

Sebastian then looked around the apartment, realising how much more like a home it was, when someone else was there.

"You know, you are welcome to stay here for the evening."

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"Both those statements are correct."

A pained Finwe admits.

"Huh"
There he was again he looked right through Finwe. And saw his very soul and his being and yet he wasn't scared by what he saw. He even said he was a good person.

After listing to Sebastian he was silent for a moment.

"Thank you...And maybe I do have such a heart...At least I hope I have such a heart...
Finwe heard Sebastian offer him to spends the night hear. He thought about it and answered. "I would love to it's not like I got anyone waiting for me at home. So I might as well stay here and talk for a while longer."

Finwe smiled at Sebastian knowing he had finally made a real friend for the first time in his short life.

Finwe was silent for a moment then thinking back to the girl in the lobby.

If we are friends I could talk to him about her. Let's test that theory.

"So on to a more personal matter."

Finwe said with a sly smile.

"That girl downstairs has the hots for you. You know that right?"

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A brief chuckle had escaped from Sebastian's lips at the thought of Aimee.

"Ah yes, Aimee. Certainly is a fine woman. She has expressed interest from time to time in me, and I'd like to remain friends with her for as long as I could." Sebastian replied with, a slightly pained expression on his face. He decided to quickly change the subject.

"So, can I get you a cup of tea or coffee?" He then looked out to the window, still raining outside. A more relaxed mood had settled.

"You know, sometimes, when not on a mission, I like just looking at the rain; so calm and peaceful, yet catch it at the wrong moment, and it can become a destructive force."

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He doesn't like talking about her. He doesn't want be with her it seems. Or maybe he does but he won't? Maybe of his job and fearing that she will get caught in the crossfire. Well I won't push the matter.

"Sure some tea would be great what flavours do you have?"

Finwe said excited.

Finwe also looked outside while Sebastian was talking. "I agree I would even go so far as just lying in the grass outside feeling the rain when I was younger. It just gave me some kind of spiritual rest."

Finwe looked at the rain a few more seconds then looked at Sebastian again.
"Maybe you like the rain because it reminds you of yourself? I mean you are calm and peaceful but also deadly and destructive when you want. Maybe that is why you like it?"

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Sebastian couldn't help but smile after the comment that Finwe made.

"You know, I think your right Finwe. The rain does kind remind me of myself. As for tea, well I do have a wide selection of fruit flavoured ones, some rare, others more readily available. In regards to that, is there any particular preference?" Sebastian asked before getting up off the couch, and heading towards the kitchen.

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Finwe smiled at hearing that his comment was appreciated.

"You say you have some rare ones right? Well then if you wouldn't mind I would like a rare one. I wouldn't mind tasting a new flavour."

Finwe said relaxing on the couch watching out the window again.

"Say Sebastian where were you born? Somewhere in this city or somewhere else?"
Finwe asked looking at Sebastian.

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"I was born in Toronto, more specifically, as you know into a fraternity of assassins. Moved here to Seattle around three or four years, my reason being, to improve upon my skills, outside of what I had already been taught." Sebastian remarked from the kitchen, as he was preparing a pot of tea.

How does it go again? One spoon for each person drinking, and one for the pot. He thought to himself, remembering part of the process. He soon appeared from the kitchen, brandishing a tray, on it was a tea pot and two cups.

"Here we are-" Sebastian said, sitting back down on the couch.

"It's a pineapple flavoured tea I had discovered from this place in Hawaii." He then added, pouring the tea into the cups.

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"Sounds interesting being born into a group of assassins."

Finwe answered. "Pineapple flavoured? Really? My favourite fruit is pineapple."
Finwe seemed really excited while looking at the cup.
He grab's his cup and begins to blow into it.

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"It was. Although, we weren't trained since birth. Up until the early teens, we had a fairly standard life like any other being. Although, we were taught parkour, to help improve our speed and reflexes." Sebastian remarked, taking a sip of tea.

"From around the ages of 13 to 15 onwards, more emphasis was put around combat training, starting off with hand-to-hand, and working our way up to swords and guns. Many assassins prefer to specialise in a certain method of combat; however, there were those who could master all three, me included."

"One of the tenants that we were taught, was to hide in plain sight; let the people mask you such, so that you became one with the crowd. This allowed us to move silently amongst our surroundings, and to kill without attracting unnecessary attention."

"When I was around twenty years old, I learnt the skills necessary to become a hacker; as some targets were in high tech facilities, but also, because their own security systems could be used against them." Sebastian then took another sip of his tea, as he looked at Finwe.

"You enjoying it?"

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Finwe listened carefully as Sebastian began telling his story occasionally drinking from his tea. Finwe seemed impressed with Sebastian story as well as the tea.

"Yes this is the best tea I have ever had."

Finwe looked at the cup.

"So I think it would be better to send my plan around."
Finwe began typing out his idea and then send it to the other runners.

Spoiler: The Plan

Message From: Finwe

For shadow runners who are going to be on team 2 the assassination/capture team. I have an idea and I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Here is the idea.

My idea was to split the team up into 3 smaller teams so that we can use our skills more effectively and that we will be more effective as well as being able to react sooner.

Team A) would be made out of Sebastian and maybe another assassin like type with the objective to kill/capture the target.

Team B) would be to distract so it should be made out of experienced fighters who can lay down fire and pin them down.

Team C) is special; it should be made out of me and a hacker or something like that. Team C purpose is to, 1) heal people, and 2) maybe hack something to try and also pin the target down by using traps and such.

Please send me a reply with commentary.

Thank you.

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After that Finwe turned around looking at his friend.

They began talking again they talked deep into the night.

 

[Terratina.]

"Many thanks. Let me grab my stuff and I'll follow you out when you're ready." Nolan said.

"I'm ready when you're ready." Charlie replied.

He waited for the mechanic to gather his things, then they walked off into the rain. After twenty minutes or so, they reached a run-down block apartments. Marlowe turned to Nolan.

"Here's the place, let me show you to the room." He said as he opened the door and walked into the entrance hallway.

 

[mextliloco]

Spoiler: @Evrant

I am doing this for dr.migit since he is currently appealing his ban but the only ppl that know he is a robot are wulf, and roberts and neither have revealed that to the group yet.

 

[Gabanuka]

Spoiler: Target discussion Via text

Roberts: Jamal right? Orc from the Raven? You said you have a good taraget for me and Nik.

Jamal: Yes I do. The man's name is Adam Vougner. He is a mid level executive and he personally orchestrated the killer data acquisition. He now runs the whole facility and has total clearance. I happen to know where he goes for lunch every day.

Anything I should know about him? Augmentations? Magic?

Vougner doesn't use any magic, but he has a few augmentations; cyber eyes and ears, plus a pheromone secreter. Nothing that your eye shouldn't be able to pick up.

He almost always has a handful of guards- your typical augmented thugs. He is pure upperclass; fine dining, fine alcohol.

I know the type. Just send me the location and he should be knocked out in a ditch by tomorrow

Woah Roberts, slow down. You need to tail this guy for a few days, learn his habits like Cowboy Clay said. Everyday he goes to lunch at an uptown restaurant called The Silver Oasis. I've attached the address. I don't suggest grabbing him there. Tail him and his guard for the rest of they day. Figure out where he goes and who he is with after work. After of couple of days you'll have picked up his habits and know the perfect moment to strike. I'll be more than happy to help you bring him in if you'd like some backup.

Figure of speech; its been 60 years, I know what I'm doing.

As for backup, just stay on alert for the next few days, this is a mall scale job and I already have Nik working with me. If shit hits the fan I'll give you a call, it'll be fine though.

Alright Roberts. Happy hunting. You know how to reach me if you need anything else.

Roberts closed the text window on his HUD and gave a small smile; he had a target and a location, perfect. He did a quick search for The Silver Oasis
Fancy place, not a known criminal hangout, shouldn't be an issue beyond Vougner's goons. Better give Nik a call

He brought up hios contact list and selected the phone number, as it rang he began downloading schematics of the place and its surrounding area, it was pretty irrelevant but good to know. Besides he already had a plan.

 

[drmigit2]

Venaticus had been simply observing at this point. Figuring out what he would do now that he had an appointment set.

Matchstick's, 8PM
Seat next to the picture of old cars (Lotus brand cars.)

That is what the note said, and he intended to show up there. The Triads were a menace and after this job was done, he was going to make it his job to tear them apart. Power bills, staffing fees, most of that would be taken care of by his twenty thousand nuyen. He had little to worry about now, aside from getting torn apart by the Triads, but that was a minor worry. He could have handed Marlowe all two thousand of the nuyen he owed, but as he had learned, people become less dependable when they have what they want from you.

"Well gentlemen, it was a pleasure. I will meet you all at the place provided. Until then, Adieu."

Venaticus walked out of Club Raven, his car came rushing towards him like the demon it was and opened its door. I wonder if that will impress someone. He made his way back to his office, there was still work to be done.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Spoiler: Training Session

Finwe woke up early as usual looking around he didn't recognize his surrounding.
Thinking back to last night he remembered where he was and relaxed again.
He knew that he wasn't in danger here.

Finwe slowly stood up flexing his muscles. He looked at his watch. 6:00 That seems about right. Finwe thought to himself. He looked around the apartment, then went to the bathroom to wash his face. I wonder is Sebastian is awake yet? He thought to himself while splashing some water in his face.

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Sebastian woke up a little bleary eyed from the few hours of sleep last night after talking with Finwe. But, he remembered being taught how to go long periods without sleep when he was but a child, so this was nothing new to him.

After waking from his reverie, he turned his head to face the view from the window. Whilst the weather was just as grey, at least it wasn't raining. He then looked at the clock next to him.

6:05 AM. Should probably get at least another hour or two's worth of sleep, considering that I spent an hour up on a rooftop in the pouring rain last night. But, I'm used to these weird hours. He thought to himself, as he clambered out of bed. Sebastian then grabbed a short sleeved shirt with buttons, and headed over to the kitchen.

He made himself a fresh cup of coffee, whilst cleaning out the tea items from the previous night. Whilst he worked, he could hear the sound of water running else where.

Hmm, Finwe must be up as well. He thought, as he grabbed his coffee, and sat down on the couch, and closed his eyes, in a vain attempt to catch some sleep.

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Finwe finished washing his face then looked at himself in the mirror.
I don't need to shave today but it would be good if I shaved tomorrow. I wonder is Sebastian is up yet? Wait where is my bag? Finwe checks himself but he doesn't have his bag on him.
He grabs a towel and dries of his face.
Finwe walks out of the bathroom. Then begins to walk back toward the couch where he slept last night. My bag must be lying around there somewhere.

As he enters the room he sees Sebastian with his eyes closed. What is he trying to do?
"Hey Sebastian are you okay?" Finwe asks while walking over to the couch and grabbing his bag. Then sitting down on it.
Is that coffee? Huh guess really everyone drink that except for me.

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"I'm quite alright, thanks for asking. Just catching a few extra moments of sleep, even though I'm trained to go for long periods of time without it; sleep is something that everyone should get." Sebastian replies with, as he first opens his right eye, then the left, noticing that Finwe had sat on the couch.

"Besides, I have a feeling that it'll be a long day. Take it you slept well?" He asked in return, taking a gulp of coffee afterwards.

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"Yeah the couch was allot comfier then I excepted and I just woke up so I feel pretty good. I never was one to sleep allot anyway."
Finwe smiled recalling one of his few fond memories of his childhood.

"I always used to go days without sleep just studying magic and medicine. So I became sot of used to it so I could function fine with only a little bit of sleep. So now I don't sleep that much anyway."
Finwe sat back looking at the ceiling.

"You know I have been thinking and I have come up with an idea. Do you want to hear it?"

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"Go ahead." Sebastian replied, downing his coffee, placing the mug on the table.

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"Well how about we train together?
You know show off our skills fighting techniques? Maybe even learn some things from each other? and generally just get a good idea of what the other can and can't do."


Finwe looked at Sebastian.
"I mean we got some time to kill before the meeting so we might as well train. So are you game?"

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"Of course, it shall be a learning experience for the both of us. One must always keep their skills in check." Sebastian replied with as he got up from the table.

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"My thought exactly"
Finwe smiled as he stood up from the couch.

"I wouldn't want to damage anything here so it might be better to go somewhere else. You got anything like a training ground nearby? Or maybe an empty house?"

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"Indeed I do have such a facility, a building behind the apartment complex. It is equipped with areas to practice both shooting skills, and for melee combat. I rent it out for people to use on occasions, fortunately, no one is scheduled to be in there. today." Sebastian then grabbed his coat.

"Right this way."

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"Your own private facility wow."
Finwe stood up grabbing his coat he followed Sebastian.
Must be expensive.

"So how long have you had that facility?"
Finwe followed Sebastian into the elevator.

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"About a couple of months at the least. Before that, was going to public rifle ranges and the like." Sebastian replied as he swiped the key card into slot of the elevator. They soon began their journey down to the foyer. When they arrived, Aimee was nowhere to be seen.

Probably still asleep the poor girl, I'll let her have her rest. He thought to himself, as they turned right upon exiting the elevator. After entering a small garden area, they arrived at a long building. Sebastian swiped his key card into the slot, and the door opened.

Inside, the room had been split into three sections. At the back was the rifle range, with undamaged targets dotting the range. In the middle, was a place to practice sword combat, with an array of practice dummies. Final, closet to them on the right, was a hand-to-hand training area.

Sebastian soon turned to Finwe.

"Which area to do you want try out first?"

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Finwe wonders where Aimee is but figured that if Sebastian wasn't worried it was fine.

"Well this looks impressive and also very professional."
Finwe commented upon seeing the training room on the inside.

Sebastian asked him a question. Finwe thought if over for a moment then responded.
"I don't know I don't really excel at any of these. How about we do the shooting range first? That one is the least tiring and has the least change of injuries."

Finwe walks over to the back of the room. Inspecting the guns and the distance.
"So we each take 10 shots and then compare our scores?"
Finwe ask Sebastian looking through the scope.
Then looking at Sebastian.

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"Yes, that is correct. Grab a rifle, and then step up to the mark." Sebastian replied with, heading over to weapons rack, picked up a hunting rifle, then made his way over to the range.

"When your ready, fire."

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"Sounds good."
Finwe walks up to the weapons rack grabs an hunting rifle and walks toward the mark.

"Good luck."
Finwe focuses then shoot 10 shot quickly after each other. Looking over at his target all of the bullets were hit. but only 5 in the chest and 3 in the head. And this was a none moving target.

"Well I am not that good with a rifle I am afraid. Handguns are much more my style."
Finwe says a bit embarrassed. Looking over at Sebastian target he sees something much more impressive.

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"Fair enough. For someone who was had not much experience with a rifle, that was good. Next time however, take a small break in-between shots, that way, the recoil isn't going to count against you. Also remember to breathe, so you can hold the gun more steadily." Sebastian remarked, offering Finwe some advice the next time he wielded a rifle.

Sebastian then began to fire at the target, instead of shooting rapidly like Finwe, he took time with his shots, allowing him to refocus after each hit. After his ten rounds were up, each one hit the head. However, there was less than ten holes.

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"Thanks I will remember that for next time."
Finwe said looking at Sebastian's technique with his rifle.

"..Did you just shot through some of the holes twice?!"
Finwe looks at Sebastian with allot of respect.

After taking a few more shots and talking for a bit Finwe asks.
"So we doing the sword fight training next?"

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"It appears I did." Sebastian remarked as he placed the rifle down, walking over to the swordplay area, taking off his coat as he arrived. Finwe soon followed him over.

Sebastian grabbed a couple of practice swords, handing one over to Finwe, before standing at his side of the space, giving his sword a few practice swings.

"When your ready, we shall begin."

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Finwe takes of his coat. He then throws the sword around in his hands a few times. Testing the weight and material.
"I am Ready. Let's start."

Finwe takes a defensive position then begins to move in a circle around Sebastian. Looking for any sign of an attack.

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Sebastian watches as Finwe begins to circle around Sebastian, his eyes searching for signs of attack. He steps forward, and aims a strike at Finwe's legs; before side stepping to avoid a counter attack.

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Finwe side steps avoiding the strike. Then counters with an downward strike but Sebastian side steps avoiding the attack.
Finwe then steps forward and stabs aiming for Sebastian's stomach.

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Sebastian counters the attacks by Finwe to his stomach, by pivoting on his right heel; following it up with a swing to Finwe's back.

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Finwe's attack is counterd but he sees the sword heading to his back. Finwe quikly rolls forward avoiding his blade he stands back up looking at Sebastian again. I guess those Judo lessons really helped after all.

He slowly begins to walk towards him ready to strike at any opening Sebastian gives him.

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"Nice dodge there, not many think about protecting the back, after all a powerful enough strike to the spine, and your pretty much down." Sebastian remarked, complimenting Finwe on his technique. He then flipped his sword to a reverse hand style, holding the blade behind him.

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"Thank you. And you are right if you hit the spine hard enough the enemy is either paralyzed or dead."
Assassin style fighting?
Finwe slowly comes closer.
Then does a fake slash to Sebastian's chest stopping halfway to block the counter.

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The pair continued to train for awhile, both of them showing off their skills to the best of their respective abilities.

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After a while they both sit down. Finwe is exhausted he has never met such an skilled opponent before.

"Well you really live up to the title, Master Assassin."
Finwe remarks looking at his new bruises from the sword combat training.

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"That I do. You know Finwe, your pretty good with a sword, with some more training, and you could be even better."

"Really? Thanks for that Sebastian. I best be off, got things to do in preparation for the mission."

"I have as well, got to arrange equipment drops from my contacts, along with that security access. Guess we'll see each other in a few days time then." Finwe and Sebastian grabbed their coats, and then left the training room, the pair separating. Whilst Sebastian went back to his apartment to began making a few calls, Finwe called a cab back to his place.

 

[drmigit2]

Hours of searching and nothing. The streets had been surprisingly clean for the past twelve or so hours, the news blazing about the quadruple homicide and cover up in regards to the elven woman's family. It seemed as if he was one of the few to know that the Triads were responsible. Venaticus realized it was seven and made his way to his car yet again. "Matchstick's" he said in his usual apathetic monotone voice as the car began roaring down the road and within a half hour or so, he had arrived.

Matchstick's was a new place for Venaticus, or as far as everyone around him was concerned for the moment, Rodrigo. It was a restaurant which would prove problematic as Venaticus was incapable of eating, doing so could prove damaging. I already ate. That is what I tell him. He could detect that the food was most likely basic pub food as the whole restaurant had a wooden interior, unlike the outside metallic appearance. Upon gazing around, Venaticus noticed the lotus cars and his seat was still open. He sat down and began waiting. The time was seven forty five, so he was a tad early. Here is hoping I don't have to track down Marlowe and make him give me my five hundred back.

 

[3quency]

Spoiler: Kodiak Correspondence

Nik: Dammit girl, this is like the fiftieth message I've sent out, where the hell are you? I took the damn job. I'll talk more about it next time I can actually hear your voice. And for Christ's sake, call me. Poka. -Nik

Kodiak: Dear Poka, (couldn't resist)
Sorry for the late response, but I thought you could hold your own for a few hours. Truthfully, I've been busy with the job I accepted. I can't say much, but its a good one: high pay, relatively simple, and no one shooting at me yet. I should be around all day tomorrow, so give me a ping when you are not passed out on that death trap you call a bed.
-K

Nik: Uh, hey there. I'm up. Everything good?

Kodiak: Are you kidding! I'm great - I wish you could see the job I'm doing right now. I'll have to tell you about it when it's done. So... how's the that mysterious job I forwarded you?

Nik: I dunno. There's a lotta people on this thing - a hell of a lot. I mean, I'm not too sure but something about this whole job stinks to me. Whoever this Johnson is he's well to pay out 20K to each person on what's gotta be a 12-man team. But hey, you never know right? Not sure how much I should say other than that. So let's hear yours then.

Kodiak: 12 people!? Damn, that's one hell of a job; my group's only a third that size. Guess you're facing a serious job huh?. Mine's just a simple, if well paying, job shoring up a security... hold on for a sec, k?... Hey DarkSteel! That hobo's back again; he's totally casing the place. Don't give me that look; he's been back here for three days now! Thanks... Sorry about that, multi-tasking a bit here. Anyway, we're just shoring up a security shortage. I can't imagine working with that many people; do they at least get along?

Nik: Ha, you're kidding right? At least two fights broke out before the Johnson turned up. If one of us doesn't get his act together and actually play leader things could go horribly wrong. At the least dandel- the Elves seem to be getting along okay. Wait, are you actually at a job in person?

Kodiak: Hardly. I'm working through a drone right now. As for a leader, you were a lonestar officer, why don't you try to guide them? It's just a suggestion but I think you'd make a great lea... God damn it! Hold on, apparently my partner is trying to interrogate someone.

Minutes pass...

Kodiak: Sorry I keep being dragged away, my partner is taking this job to a new extreme. For future reference, if you ever run into a runner calling himself DarkSteel, don't accept the job... complete bastard. Anyway... where was I? Oh right, I think you'd make a great leader, you have tons of experience, knowledge about lonestar, and generally don't kill your teammates.

Nik: I dunno, it's been a long time since I lead anything. Suppose I'll just have to see how it goes, right? Anyway, it sounds like you've got your hands full an' I've got other calls to make. Take care Omae. Give me a yell anytime.

Kodiak: Take care of yourself Nik and likewise with my line. *click... Beeeeeeeeeeeeep*

Spoiler: Mandrake Correspondence

Nik: Professor, I wish to speak with you about something, but if I were to do so, it would be of the utmost confidentiality. I don't wish to alarm you and you have my word that it is nothing illegal, I am merely concerned about something of an Awakened nature. Thank you once more for allowing me use of your meditation room in recent weeks, I feel I have learned a lot. - Nik Lepechin.

Mandrake: Nik, Mandrake. Good to hear from you; glad to see that "emergency at work" wasn't too bad. I don't know what I can do for you, but My door is always open. top by and I'll answer any questions I can.
I'm glad the meditation room has been helping, I know you have been struggling with your magic as of late so that it could help is great news.
Stay safe and see you soon.
Oh yeah, one last thing: WHY WOULD YOU ASSUME I WOULD THINK YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL! I HEARD A RUMOR YOU WERE IN DEEP IN... WELL, THE WRONG SIDE, BUT I NEVER BELIEVED IT! IF YOU HAVE GOTTEN INTO SOMETHING LIKE THAT THEN... *BEEP*

Nik: Morning professor, first can I say that I'm really sorry about the misunderstanding with my message last night. I wasn't implying anything, it was just a poorly phrased message.

Mandrake: ... alright, just don't do anything I wouldn't do. You're one of my students, and a damned good one; I don't want to hear you've been gunned down on some street corner is all. Anyway, what's this question you want to ask me?

Nik: Thanks for the concern professor, but I'd better get to the point. How possible is it that the Bug Shaman are still around? This astral sig I saw last night was very insect tainted. To be honest, I'm a little worried that I don't know much about them past the Chicago Incident.

Mandrake: Hm... well, they still exist - that much I know; I still here about groups of them popping up around Chicago every now and then. You know how it is; you think they're all gone, then 10 more show up in some strange location - like cockroaches I suppose. Otherwise, the last major incursion I heard about was in LA, maybe 10 years back and in occasional, unconfirmed, corporate experiment. Frankly, if you think it was a bug shaman, I'd say you're probably right. Just in case, I'll have the my colleagues keep an eye and an ear out for you - can't say I like hearing a bug is in town.

Nik: Okay, thanks. I'll try and stay observant at my end and I'll try keep you updated, I think there's a good chance I'll be seeing her again. I must say, it's got me feeling uneasy, I think there's something I'm missing here.

Mandrake: Something you're missing - like what?

Nik: I'm not sure exactly. The Shaman - it's a girl. A sixteen-year-old girl if I'm guessing right. Something just seems off about it. I served with Lonestar for a long time, I know a fair few gangers that used kids to do all kinds of stuff. I'm not sure what to make of it. This probably sounds fairly incoherent, doesn't it?

Mandrake: That's young for a shaman, but not unheard of. Like I said, I'll try and keep an ear out, see if anything comes up about bug spirits and shamans. In the mean time, I'll pull together what information I have on bug spirits.

Nik: That's greatly appreciated, thank you professor. If I find out anything else, I'll be sure to contact you. Until then, Do Svidanya professor.

Nik was relaxing in his apartment after a couple of lengthy conversations, catching up on Seattle: The way it REALLY is on his trid set when his 'link started to buzz again.

Presumably something to do with the job.

Pausing the hologram, he brought up his AR display and took a reluctant look. Incoming call, from Roberts. Right, Nik has wasted enough time already, time to get to work.

"Yep." he said, allowing the call through.
"Guessing this is about our guard?"

 

[Gabanuka]

"Guessing this is about our guard?"

Roberts smirked

"Better, our executive. Turns out that orc is more than just muscle, he knows a guy; Adam Vougner. High level executive, should give up full access. I wont be able to pass any DNA scans but if someone else takes care of those then we're golden."

As he spoke the schematics of the Silver Oasis began to flicker up on his HUD, its was a pretty large place in on of Seattle's less... unsavoury districts, plenty of escape routes if things happened to go pear shaped.

"The guy hangs around with some hireded goons so getting to him might be an issue. I have a plan for taking him down but before that we need to learn everything about the guy, anything that will make my performance more convincing. Think you can do that?"