IC 2076 Pt2
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IC 2076 Pt2
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Alyce
Thursday November 5th, 2076; EVO Research Park, North of Downtown, Seattle MetroplexAlyce nods. “Yes, they are my friends and I do not wish to betray them. I was thinking more of approaching the CEO and telling him that he may have a problem in his facility here and offer to go inside to find and fix it. that way, we have official sanction from the top to find out what is wrong here and get Silk’s mother out. Something along those lines.”
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Al turned and looked at Alyce. Right at that moment the question of what sort of underwear she had on flashed into his mind, and he angrily slapped the thought away.
“Woman, din’t reckon it were possible no more, but seems ol’ Al done unnerestimated ya once again. Sheee-it, toots, if’n yer friends with the CEO of fuckin’ Evo. Hell, I hadn’t even heard they’d settled on one, but then I don’t much follow such goin’s on. Anyhoo, what’re we plannin’ all this chicanery for? Give him, her, or it a call right now, tell ‘im what we need. He sends a memo an’ Silky’s fake ma’ll be home afore dark.”
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Alyce
Thursday November 5th, 2076; EVO Research Park, North of Downtown, Seattle MetroplexAlyce nods and chuckles. ”At the risk of lessening my value in your eyes, I do not have the private number to Taylor Dacopral. I can, however, reach his office and see about getting an interview with him. He has consulted with me in the past and he might take my call. If I can get to him, what do you think I should say?”
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Al held up a finger in a wait-a-second gesture. He knew she could see that…but not what he had on his Fairlight’s screen. “Jist inna middle o’ somethin’…right with ya….”
Of course, what he was in the middle of was a quick search on this Taylor Dacopral person. He cursed himself for his desire to always impress the woman next to him. But what he found was that Taylot Dacopral – the likely next CEO of Evo – was not a person at all.
“Alrighty – where were we? Oh yeah, what should ya say to Dacopral…Ol’ Al’s familiar with it, o’ course….know all about it….Question quickly becomes, how well do ya trust it? Seems the sorta thing we’re stealin’ – which ta hear Silky tell it is a sort of a prototype from a program ta give meat bodies ta AFIs – well, that might be the sorta program this thing could have a keen innerest in an’ not want disrupted…or….if it’s programmin’ has imperatives ta simulate sentiment an’ ethics an’ so forth…then it might be sympathetic an’ really help us out….an’ then there’s the question o’ how much power the thing really has right now….with this power transition still up in the air, it might choose not ta be rockin’ boats right now….This is a real serious ace-inna-hole ya got here, toots…Wanna be real careful how we play it….Reckon we’d better talk ta Silky, an’ Isaint an’ Rick, too, afore ya make that call.”
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Alyce
Thursday November 5th, 2076; EVO Research Park, North of Downtown, Seattle MetroplexAlyce chuckles. “While you may be technically correct, Al, I prefer to think of Taylor Dacopral as “he”, not it. EVO has always stood for supporting the diversity of metahumanity. That started with the first UGE races then the Goblinization. I think that it is very in character that they are treating AIs and perhaps CFD cases as races that may have value in our lives. I would dearly love to consult with them about this. However, I also see lots of value in discussing the issue with the others before I open up and say the wrong things.”
While talking, Alyce has been monitoring the progress of her drones. “Hmmmm. So far, the drones have provided initial information that includes several potential initial infiltration points. I can try to go into the matrix and look for the sensor suites that I suspect are covering those points. Or, we could just call it a day here and see what the others have found?”
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“Heya, toots, yer talkin’ ta ‘love-see-no-color’ Al here. Hell, I embrace the pointy ears in all they beautiful shapes, sizes, an IQ levels. Evolve with Evo, an’ all that. Trogs, keebs, womern, an’ hell, maybe even them Wookie-lookin’ bigfoot things, they all got the Good Lord’s spark o’ life, maybe even souls. But AFIs? Ain’t nothin’ but a bunch o’ code actin’ like it was told. But I’ll allow some done got so autonomous that they actions make all this philosophizin’ academic – they’s actors with agendas ta be sure. Like the lizards. So kids got teddy bears, Silky’s got her ma, an’ you say yer in cahoots with Dacopral, ain’t no denyin’ it could be useful. As fer hackin’ the place, that’s a potential reward balanced by a calculated risk – an’ why take any risks at all right now if the AFI might jist open a few doors for us? Time enough ta do things the hard way if’n yer contact don’t pan out. Which makes now beer time.”
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Alyce
Thursday November 5th, 2076; EVO Research Park, North of Downtown, Seattle MetroplexAlyce nods and summons her drones back. While waiting, she sends a message. >>Team [Alyce]: Initial visual recon of the site is done. Lots of ways in, but there are many places for hidden sensors. How are you guys progressing? We have had a thought to use a ranking contact at EVO to get us legitimate entry and would like to discuss that with everyone. Where can we meet?<<
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Deckard and Isaint enter this old dark bar, in the basement of a decrepit building. Thanks to his spell, the Magician knew already how many person where inside. What he also knew was that at least a good half of the two dozen patrons where Runners. Sure some where simply wannabe thugs who would love to get a handful of Nuyens for any sort of violent endeavor, but a few could well be veteran runners who knew most tricks of the trade.
For those who frequented the establishment, one thing was for sure: their disdain for the awakens was written all over. Yet, Deckard entered with confidence, certainly reassured by knowing the talented ISaint was just behind him. He walked straight to the bar where an young looking ork female was preparing a couple drinks. He was ignoring the looks from the other patrons, mostly humans and a few orks, yet his Astral Sight on to better read people’s intentions.
“Well isn’t it the Deckard boy. What a surprise.” Said the guy seated at the far end of the bar; the owner of the establishment, a cigar smoking human in his 50s
“Hey Joey, long time no see. No longer a boy, you know.” casually replied Deckard.
“We don’t serve your kind here, Boy.”
Deckard looked around, hoping no one really heard that. “C’mon, Joey. Bounty Hunting is part of our job too. “
“Smart Ass kid, leaving in the shadow of his daddy. He’s not a good example to follow, you know”
Now the man was insulting.
“Well, he never liked you much either. I mean who would? Such a dingy place you’re running…”
If Joey’s eyes were gun, Deckard could have been shot dead right here right now.
“What do you want, Boy?”
“Dad once told me I’d get two things in this dingy place: the best whiskey in the neighborhood, and some reliable info. I’d like to start with the drink.”
Joey finally cracked a smile. He nodded at the bartender and she brought three glasses. Deckard flashed a credstick. “Leave the bottle”.
Now Joey was all smile. Deckard poured a shot in the three glasses. And presented one to Isaint. Welcome to Seattle Herr Schmidth.
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With a nod and a smile, Isaint picked up the shot glass, took a sniff and a sip before downing the Whiskey. It took some willpower not to cough or get tears in the eyes, but somehow he managed to suppress both.
“Thanks Mr. Deckard. Please, don’t let me distract you. There is enough amusement around me to keep me entertained.”
Isaint leaned with his back to the bar and looked around. Deckard felt as Isaint knocked once with his knuckles against the bar. Some kind of magic pulse raced out from the point of impact and the echo formed an accurate map of the surrounding building, including the back door, windows and the neat little bolt hole behind a false wall in the cellar. Isaint focused to keep the spell going without getting distracted by it, while keeping an eye open for trouble. -
Joey took his shot.
So boy, you got the whiskey. I suspect you’re here for more than that…Just coming say Hi, in memory of my old man, your friend.
Cut the drek. What do you need?
Deckard smiled. He lowered his voice a bit, to make the conversation more private. You’re one of the best info broker in this part of the city. And you know people, a lot of them. Here’s a scenario for you. I’m hurt, botched run. Need some urgent care then lay low for a while. Let’s say I’m in Northgates. Who do I go to?
Joey chuckled, took the Whiskey bottle and poured another shot in each of the three glasses. Hehe, botched run, heh? Like father like son. Seems the old man forgot to teach you not to put your nose in other’s business, though. I have three bits of info for you; one is free.
The man stopped talking and stared at Deckard, slowly pouring his drink in his mouth.Deckard looked at ISaint. He shrugged then raised his glass too and shot it. He grimaced. Wanna know what’s in it for you, ain’t you?
Here,I thought I could count on your friendship with my old man, but he warned me you were a cheap bastard. Tell you what though. 500, on top of the bottle.Who’s the cheapo now?
I’m just looking for a Doc, Joey, not some top secret paydata.
Northgates, heh? Splatter would be your man. The midget has an underground clinic, max 15min from there. The other possibility would be the NightOwl Soup Kitchen. They have a somewhat non official care center for… well let’s say if YOU got hurt, you’d prefer going there.
I’ll ping you the addresses once I get the money.ISaint could feel the pressing stare of a few more patrons. Some were whispering brief sentences. He couldn’t tell if someone had noticed the Spell he had cast, or someone had recognized Deckard and knows of he’s a Magician.
Joey poured a third shot. Now here’s for you. Free of charge: You’re not the only one looking for the survivor… He winked, laugh and drank his shot.
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Isaint had accepted the shot without blinking, keeping his eyes peeled for trouble. He really didn’t like the look that that elf in the far corner gave him. Neither did he like the troll next to him cracking his knuckles, staring at them, too.
“I don’t want to hurry you, but I think we overstayed our welcome already.” he whispered from the corner of his mouthWhen Deckard indicated that he had understood – likely because it was bleeding obvious – Isaint nodded at the barkeeper and carefully got of his seat, stretching a bit. The map was still clear in his head and he instructed Susi to draw it to his specifications. Because once he let go of the spell, all knowledge would be gone as well.
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Deckard nodded to ISaint and got up with him as soon as he received the data from Joey.
He felt the pressing look of more and more patrons. He grabbed the Whiskey bottle and lifted it above his head before placing it loudly on the counter.
The bottle is paid for. Be my guest, it’s on us.The Elf on the far corner got up too, and so did two military type humans by the entrance of the bar. Shot buzz cut and square jaw, fit looking in their 30s. There had been no animosity for now, but a bad feeling lingered in the air.
Deckard nodded at the woman behind the bar, passed iSaint as he walked toward the entrance and whispered to his companion: Nothing you can’t handle, right?
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“I’d prefer a tactical retreat without any enemy contact, but yes, if they aren’t cybered up, I can take them. Get in front of me. If they bar us the way, I’ll try to distract them. Use that to get past them. When you are out of the door, I’ll just barrel through.”
They hadn’t managed to get halfway to the door, when Isaint heard the distinct rasp of a knife drawn from a belt sheath.
A short prayer to his patron hardened his body and enhanced his agility.
They made it just up to the exit before the two military types stepped up, their eyes fixed on Rick.
But before they could engage him, Isaint called out in earsplitting loudness:
“DID YOU JUST CALL MY MOTHER A DISTRACTION? RIPE BLUEBERRIES DON’T TASTE LIKE THAT!”The non-sequitur made both men look at him with a confused expression on their face. Isaint lightly brushed against them with the cuffs of his coat, triggering the shock fur.
The jolt of electricity made both men flinch a step back, opening the way outside for a moment. -
@The Team
[Thursday November 5th, 2076; Argent’s Home, NE 37th Street, Bellevue]Almost simultaneously with Rick’s contact reporting the same information the team received a communique from Silk…
>>I’ve found our missing runner. She’s a street sam who goes by the handle Pepper, she was spotted by a contact about thirty minutes ago going in to a chop shop in the Body Mall. I don’t need to tell you that she has to be desperate to go there so if you can offer you assistance I don’t doubt she will be sufficiently grateful…if you can talk to her before the shooting starts at any rate! I’ve got a watcher on site who will try and track her if she leaves but it would be better if you could get to her before that or before Tamanous get to her!
>>Silk#05
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Al and Alyce hadn’t had a response from the others yet about a meet, but that was academic now. He put the truck in gear and took off for the address provided.
“Ya wanna compute an ee-tee-ay an’ let those boys know we’s en route, toots?”
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Now that they were practically fleeing from the bar, with two very shocked customers, Isaint practically jumped into the passenger seat, drawing his taser, ready to shoot any pursuer.
Learning about the real whereabouts of their target, he shrugged and said: “Well, seems like we could have avoided that hassle if we just went for a burger somewhere. But that wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun.”
<<We are enroute to you guys, try to make contact with Pepper before someone else does.>>
he sent on the team channel. -
Deckard followed ISaint tactic and exited the bar without looking back. He heard the commotion inside and their best chance was to simply get in the car and get the hell out. iSaint still managed to get in the car before Deckard did. A couple beer bottles came crashing on the rear window. They drove away.
I’d still go for a burger. Let’s do that all together after we get that Pepper girl.
It wasn’t hard for iSaint to notice that Deckard was a pretty lousy driver. Nothing scary or dangerous for others, but when it come to speeding up, that sure wasn’t Al. It was all good where they were, but once they’d make it to the Barrens…
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Isaint’s ‘hurry up’ directive was all the excuse Al needed to put his trusty Gaz through its paces. It was a far cry from his Diabolus, or even his less souped up Aguilar – both were back in London. Indeed, the pickup trucks mods were almost all concerned with durability rather than speed. But it had a GridGuide override, and freed from that tether Al could amply demonstrate that speed through Metroplex traffic was much more about the man than the machine.
Twenty minutes later, he pinged the other two. <<I’m half a mike north o’ the Mall. You fellers close enough ta risk waitin’, or shall we head on in?”
Al kept closing the distance – the structure was in sight before he’d finished speaking. <<Silky, we’s there. Where’s that mini-demon o’ your put the young lady?”
A nod at Alyce and the blind hacker was already feeding the Mall’s interior cameras into a couple of windows on the HUD that covered Al’s windshield.
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>>It’ll take us at least another 10min to get there. Can any one get a visual of what Pepper may look like? I’m sure it will be easier to find her. <<
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Isaint had regained his composure after the short altercation. With a bit of worry he saw Rick driving the car. He knew his friend still had a few tremors from the fight against the nightmare. And now they were moving into a more dangerous terrain.
“Do you mind if we switch seats? I don’t have my artillery with me in the front. So it would probably be a good idea if you ride shotgun with your ability to throw lightning bolts while I take care of steering.”
Isaint was well aware that he wasn’t a particularly experienced driver either, but he had the reflexes and the awareness of a mungo on speed, not to mention that he could concentrate in a way that let him ignore most distractions entirely.
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