Shadowrun: Everybody Lies - [Team Blue] - On the Run

[AceWildcard]

John understood and said to the person contacting her. He did not get why he did not get it before. Maybe too lost in though. John sigh to himself. He hated looking like an punk but could not be help. He did not do something like He then straighen himself up. "No, but I can get the stuff to fake a disguise. It should not take me long to do so. I just wandering the area right now to relax. Plus to think things out. Especially since our last encounter. I can look for the tickets unless you want to do so?" he said in a calm tone towards Zan'nen.

He did not want to have the real things on him so he got some passable fakes. The clothing was easy to get or to create. The piercing he did not know if he could get a good set of fakes. Even so it would not be hard to find something that fit his taste and fit into the theme he was going to do.

[Joani]

Chunin scouted the area around the concert and couldn’t believe what he saw. It was a friggin’ warehouse, not a club, not a concert hall – a warehouse.

Smack dab in the middle of a crumbling industrial district near the docks, the place is obviously not prepared for the number of people who’ll be showing up for the gig. Cars and motorcycles choke the streets, everywhere you look people are double- and triple-parked, and you’re pretty sure that line of porta-potties off to the side isn’t going to be adequate to handle the crowd (even if they are super-sized to accommodate orks and trolls, the majority of the concertgoers). Already quite a few people are milling around outside, and you can hear the booming sounds of music coming from inside the badly soundproofed walls.

You figure whoever’s sponsoring Nabo must have dropped a lot of cred for bribes to make this happen, since you don’t spot even a single Lone Star cruiser prowling around, nor do you see any angry fire marshals. Yeah, this is the Barrens, but even then it takes big money to get something this big ignored.

Infiltrating the area

[Joani] 11:19 pm: making a roll for Chunin

[Joani] 11:19 pm: -2 penalty

[jameson] 11:19 pm: Not a complete waste of time - 3e Impervious is still good against minions

Joani *rolls* 6d6: 5+4+1+5+5+5: 25

[Joani] 11:19 pm: 4 hits, wow

Details will be sent via PM

[AceWildcard]

John got what he needed. He put on his dress attire for the night. He had put on several fake piercing on his body. Around his noise, tounge, ears, eyebrow and belly button. He put a few tatoos on his body. Mostly an ouroboros around his neck, arms, mouth and wrist.

He wore a short leather vest which show his skin. He had on tattered pants and black commando style boots. He put on black punk style gloves on his hands. He give his hair an spiked look. He knew he wasn't going to be carrying anything serious to the event, like guns. He knew that it would probably cause more problems then do any good.

[Marko Cain]

It took time, but Chunin was trained to be patient above all else. Like a shadow he simply moved from place to like he was a spirit of the city, across the street from all angles he moved about the lay of the land investigating the sights and sounds, looking for anything out of place or scenery or people they could use to their advantage. From his vantage point on a billboard sign over looking the immediate landscape of the district he adjusted his goggles and focused.

His comm flickered to life and quickly the members of his team all showed up in his field of vision. "Um, hi, I'd like a double pepperoni, extra cheese, and my maybe some of those little parmesan bite-thingies... do you deliver to hiding places or do I need a physical address?" The stoic expressions from his colleagues earned them a raised eyebrow from him. "Sorry, wrong number, I was planning on sharing... honest."

"What have you found out?" Zan'Nen asked, getting right down to business.

"Well, aside from you being absolutely no fun... I recently discovered these work boots totally clash with my outfit." He kept looking over the area, his legs swinging back and forth as he sat on his comfy perch above it all.

Zan'Nen, although he his his irritation well, was beginning to get annoyed with the Caucasian shinobi. "Chunin, we're on a time table."

"Relax, it's all under control. A little faith in your fellow man goes a long way. Our warehouse has five accesses but only two of those are actual entrances, two others are roll up doors. Not viable as a means to get in, but guarded nonetheless. The fifth door looks like where the backstage area is, I've decided to call it 'the back door'.

"How original." Zan'Nen interjected as he swiftly dictated all the information Chunin was spilling his way.

"I know, right? I was going to go for something a little more classy, like, "le back door", but we're on a time table. Each has two guards stationed at it, some ork, some troll, or a combination. Except the back door. The back door has four orks, very big, very pissed looking, and I'm not kidding, these guys have that 'someone's banging my girlfriend' look of murder in their eyes. Aerial surveillance consists of three drones, MCT-Spy drones if you'd like to look up the schematics, feel free. I was going to but but distracted by porn." Chunin focused his goggles onto a particular point on the roof of the warehouse. "There is, however, only a single ork guard on the roof of the place and two skylights that might provide possible entry."

"Well done." It seemed like the closest Chunin was going to get to a compliment from the elven techno geek.

"Oh, this is nothing. You should see my coverage of the Macy's Day parade." Suddenly his comm went blank as he was hung up on, again. "I'm wearing him down. Yep... wearing him down..." His feet just swayed to and fro as the salty, chilly Seattle air caressed him like a life long friend. "God I'm so lonely."

With a chipper grin he went to observing the area.

Chunin is sitting tight until he's told it's time to move in on the place.

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori was going in with Zan’nen, so she choose clothing designed to hide her weapons. First, she wore baggy stonewashed jeans that appeared to be barely clinging to her hips; hints of the lacy tops of her underwear occasionally winked at the observant. They were too tall for her, and the ends were draped over the steel-toed boots covering her feet. She had on a tank-top which proclaimed her to be a ‘Nabo Slut’ – despite looking as if her slim frame would be torn in half by the much larger Orc. The back of her shirt was a little shorter than the front, allowing a tramp stamp tattoo of Nabo’s famous logo to show when she moved. Another tattoo of Ork tribal artwork crossed her upper chest and flirted with her clavicle while barbed wire coiled around her arm in black and red ink. They were all fake; Zan’nen knew she’d never tattoo herself. The final touch was streaks of red through the black of hair and heavy makeup that made her look much older than her sixteen years.

“Thanks, Chunin.” Her response to the white man was said to dead air and she gave Zan’nen a slightly reproachful look. “I don’t know why you’re so down on him. He’s doin’ a good job. Better than the elf lying around on his back.” She was actually joking about that; Saori was well-aware of what good intel could do for a mission. Still, she was smirking as she snaked her arm through Zan’nen’s and leaned her chest against him. “Wanna try to get ourselves in now or wait a bit?”

[AceWildcard]

John was headed to the area. He decided to try and find someone who he could buy tickets off of. Hopefully someone who was not selling fakes. He also asked the others if they had theirs yet. If not then he would help in getting them for them.

[z025]

"He's....what's the English word? Starts with an 's'? Smarmy. He's smarmy." He made a face. "What a strange word. Give me a minute and we'll see about how everyone's getting in. I want to check out our options, first."

"Okay," Zan'nen's voice came over their comlinks a few minutes later as he finished up his prep. "We've got a few options. Legit tickets from scalpers cost a minimum of 500 N¥, and fakes that will probably work are running 150 N¥. I can try to spoof us past as long as I can get my hands on an actual ticket, but that's pretty risky. I can also try to get a blueprint of the warehouse and at least some of us could sneak in."

He was already digging into the Matrix, looking for the warehouse plans just in case they needed them anyways. "So, who wants to do what?"

Rolls

Malachite *rolls* 11d6: 1+5+1+6+4+5+6+2+6+2+4: 42

[Jeremy] 7:06 pm: nice5 hits

[Malachite] 7:06 pm: timestamp

[AceWildcard]

"I would prefer to go the route where we can get to the target as quick as possible if we can. If we can sneak in there that would be good for us. If not then we should get a ticket and try to mix into the crowd in seperate areas so not to be notice as a group. Or should we do mulitple means of entry so we can cover the various corners?" John asked.

[Joani]

The team had roughly 3 hours left before the concert would start and had to decide on how to get to the commlink on which the valuable data was they needed - Their goal was to find the seller's location and thus the disc.

(ooc: You get another update once I know which option you've taken - possible opitons have been posted in the Hands-On Tutorial here: Click )

[z-Xiao Saori]

The team finally gathered together to determine their plan. “Are we taking votes? Is this a democracy?” Kerumi asked her questions cutely, bouncing slightly on her toes as she waited for an answer. When it didn’t come fast enough, she added, “Because I vote for cracking someone’s skull when they go to leave a shit in the can.”

“Of course you would,” Zan’nen replied, familiar with his teammate’s enjoyment of at least suggesting the least tasteful route available. In the end, Saori would agree to take the smart path, but until Zan’nen found a way to suggest it and make it seem like her idea, she’d stick to hers. It never took her long to come to that point, she’d never endangered a run with it and it was almost cute.

“Does anyone have a better idea?” Her question was a challenge.

[AceWildcard]

"Rather let it be an democracy unless we have an genius tactnician on the group. Since I don't know everyone throughally I suggest that we stick to that unless someone also wants to be the fall guy if their plan fails. Either that or split into our own plans, which could be dangeirous. I was merely adding suggestions." John said calmly trying to be helpful for the group.

[Joani]

As you all reach the general vicinity of the Warehouse you realize just how crowded the place is. The first thing to catch your attention is the above average number of Orks and Trolls all ready to get crazy. It is not hard to imagine what would happen if things got out of control... it was any security guards nightmare come true.

You found a comfortable spot scouted by Chunin oversighting the entire area. Tomas reported that there were no magical security measures or any other kind of barriers or spirits. Security had no magical back up which was good news.

Zan'Nen easily produced the blueprints of the Warehouse and forwarded the image to everyone in their network while Chunin quickly added the position of the guards he saw.

Map of the Warehouse

The question now was - how to access the building and get to Nabo's room where the commlink was you needed.

OOC

Ok - I posted in the Hands-on Tutorial the options you have how to get inside - you don't have to pick the same option collectively - it is viable to split up in 2 Teams or try to get inside seperately as long as you meet inside and get to Nabo's room. I need to know you next steps before I can make another update

[Marko Cain]

Chunin, who was simply leaning up against the wall of the alley way with his arms folded. He was dressed to the nines for a job, not a concert, which means he wasn't planning on the 'front door' approach. His two swords rested parallel on his back with a host of other weaponry, from a gun to a few throwing knives. His 'ninja mask' was draped over his shoulder, held in place by a fastener on his light armored vest.

"We have options." He started, no hint of sarcasm in his voice. "There are two skylights on the roof, only one guard. The threat there is the drones, but if Zan can hack into them he might be able to reformat their operating protocols. To completely refresh them and make them combat worthy again could take some time and an on sight technician. If we can make it look like an 'accident', then that;ll leave us an easy access. They don't build walls in warehouses all the way to the ceiling, chances are the tops of the rooms are open air, which means by following the support framework from the skylight a small team could maneuver above the room, drop in, get what we need and we're gone. Like thieves in the night."

"Option 2," He pushed himself off the wall and joined the rest of the group. "We start a riot. Look, I know orks and trolls are an intimidating lot. They're big, mean looking, and they have a reputation. What most people forget thought is that they're just regular people, just bigger. No one, I don't give two farts in the breeze who they are, wants to get shot or killed, these are not trained people, just citizens wanting to see a concert. If we can start a ruckus, then the bad element will probably stay and fight and start a huge riot, but most of these people will flees the scene in a stampede like you've never seen. It's during this chaos that we can make our move since every ounce of security will be distracted." Chunin sighed, resting his hand on the Savalette Guardian on his thigh. "The down side is that all the staff will flee for the rooms we need to get into and then try to leave the scene ASAP. We'll have a very small window, and there is a high chance for a lot of blood shed. Hardly discreet."

"Or we combine the two. Once team one gets into position, team two starts a commotion and team one slips in and recovers the package in the midst of the chaos." He looked to Kemuri, surprisingly still devoid of sarcasm. "Our goal should be accomplishing the task, not looking for a fight. We don't know which of these people have families to go home to tonight, we're better than the animal gangers out there. Blood should be the farthest thing from our minds," He winked and smiled at Kemuri. "But if it comes down to it don't hit them softly. Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly."

"So, those are my ideas based off the intel I gathered."

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori was eying the crowds and quickly came to the conclusion that getting the tickets would be dirt simple. Most of the people were arriving drunk; those that were responsible enough to arrive sober were rapidly becoming drunk. And there were a number of non-metahumans here, so she wouldn’t have issues with taking on someone twice her height and four times her mass, or with stealing from an elf. Not that she particularly hated dwarves or humans – it was just a matter of preference. Getting two or even a hundred and two tickets would not be a stretch.

Chunin’s statements drew silence from her until he was done speaking. “I like the way you think, even though you seem to be judging me.” Even as he started to agree or protest, Kemuri held up a hand. “It’s okay, I don’t mind. People judge others, it’s what we do, only someone who gets judged negatively is going to object. Which is a little hypocritical. So, that aside, I like your idea. The combination.

“I suggest the following: give me five minutes to get Zan and John tickets, and they can go in together. He can short the drones and you and I go in the skylight. I have my workin’ clothes nearby.” Kemuri smiled, the curve of her lips slightly innocent and mischievous at the same time. “Whadda say, Chunny? Ready to do some B-and-E with me?”

[z025]

Zan'nen shot Kemuri a look that said don't encourage him, but nodded. "That sounds like a good plan. If I can do it, I'll have the drones start firing off in rhythm to the music or the like so it starts off looking like a prank. That should get people's attention, and we can dial it up until we have enough chaos to work in."

He glanced around again, coming to much the same conclusions about the crowd the Kemuri had. "You guys go get in position, then. I'll start working on the security." He moved over to lean up against the wall of the warehouse, slouching into an insolent wait for the for the tickets to get in and then the concert to start, while his mind ranged into the Matrix, looking for the weak spots in the mechanical security to exploit.

Mechanics

Not sure the rolls I need to make here, Joani.

[z025]

Zan'nen shot Kemuri a look that said don't encourage him, but nodded. "That sounds like a good plan. If I can do it, I'll have the drones start firing off in rhythm to the music or the like so it starts off looking like a prank. That should get people's attention, and we can dial it up until we have enough chaos to work in."

He glanced around again, coming to much the same conclusions about the crowd the Kemuri had. "You guys go get in position, then. I'll start working on the security." He moved over to lean up against the wall of the warehouse, slouching into an insolent wait for the for the tickets to get in and the concert to start. His mind ranged father out, probing the Matrix for a way into the code of the drones.

Mechanics

So, what do I need to roll/do for this?

[AceWildcard]

"The idea sounds alright. I could either be part of the theif or distraction. Just tell me up front. Though if we are gong to go down into the building then I think I would need to get some rappeling equipment unless we are planning to just drop down from the top. What I am concern with is the timing. But I am up with any idea. The combining could sound interesting. Plus might shift eyes a bit." he said.

[z-Xiao Saori]

Kemuri just grinned at Zan’nen’s silent order to not encourage the human – she didn’t know why not. He was cute and it was so much fun to poke at him! But she didn’t say anything, instead letting John talk. “You’re part of the distraction with Zan,” she outlined for him, “and you’re not rappelling anywhere. That’s for Chunin and me, and if we don’t have grappling equipment already, we should slink home in shame and retire to the couch, eating Doritos until we get too fat to say the word ‘rappel’ anymore.

“So one more time: I’m going to get tickets for you and Zan, then Chunin and I will get inside our way and get to the dressing room. If we have an issue, we’ll signal and you guys do the distraction. Or if we get bored and want a distraction.” Kemuri grinned at the thought. “So, that’s the plan. You wait with Zan, Imma get some tickets. Chunin, I’ll meet you at the rolled up doors and we’ll climb together. Questions?” Without waiting for anyone to ask, she blurted, “No? Good!” and slipped into the crowd, looking for a mark.

Saori eyed the porta-potties, looking for one where a human was about to enter. Given the number of waste cubicals here, she had no problem spotting a likely guy. Sidling up to him – and cutting ahead of several people – Saori purred, “Hey, mind if we share?” She gave him a drunken grin and swayed slightly.

“Sorry, doll, this fag pees alone.” The guy’s grin was good natured as he gently steered her away from the door.

Saori was undeterred. She kept up the drunken grin as she slurred, “Mkay!” and staggered away. Her next chance came shortly and she stumbled up to the man, steadying herself by grabbing his metal-studded belt. “Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii,” she slurred, giggling. “Wanna share?”

“Uh…” The guy looked down at her and put an arm around her, feeling her slim form. “It’s gonna be a bit cramped… these things aren’t big.”

It wasn’t a no and Saori staggered past him into the booth. “There’s plenty of room,” she insisted, grabbing his arm and tugging him after her. Despite his reluctance, he followed and shut the door. It was cramped but he didn’t seem to mind either as he put his arms around her and tried to kiss her. Saori deftly maneuvered her lips from his, presenting her neck to him. He nibbled at her skin as she dug in his pockets covertly. Feeling slips of paper, she held them up over his shoulder, checking they were two tickets to the concert. Those went down the front of her pants while she pretended to fumble with his belt.

When they were safely hidden, Saori suddenly took a closer look at him. “Ohmigawd! You’re not Darrik!”

“Wha? No, I’m Chris.”

“I thought… I gotta go!” He protested but he wasn’t a rapist or even a jerk and she was able to wiggle out of his grasp and out of the stall. Grinning, Saori joined Zan’nen and John long enough to retrieve the tickets – still warm from her skin – and say, “I gotta change before someone comes looking for me. See you inside!”

It was a short walk to her bike and she quickly changed, utilizing the strange feminine ability to change clothing without becoming indecent. Once she was in her working clothes and comfortably armed again, she headed for Chunin, circling wide around the warehouse and joining him on the far side, where there were fewer people to see the two gather. “Ready?” she whispered to him, pulling out her climbing gear.

[AceWildcard]

John just took the tickets when given to him and the man he was to protect. He just wanted this to over and done with. He was given his order and knew to obey them to the best of his abilities. He just hope his partners could do their job. He figured they had done this stuff before so he hopped things should be easy if not. Also he figured when the time for blame would most likely be on their part and not his as he felt he had not really done a whole lot which more or less piss him off. He wanted to give his employer the best he could and felt at least he fail a bit there on that mark.

[z025]

It took only a few minutes to find the drone nodes and hack into one. Whoever was on the other end was either incompetent or woefully underfunded; either way, it was a boon for them. "Drone at the skylight is taken care of, you're both good to go." He glanced over at John to follow him and pushed up off the wall, making his way to the unruly line waiting to get in.

"Hopefully we won't see either of you until we're back at the rendezvous. Good luck," he muttered into the comlink, his words quickly lost in the din of the crowd.

Rolls

Locating the Drone nodes:

[Malachite] 1:25 pm: Zan'nen lookin' about:

Malachite *rolls* 8d6: 4+2+6+3+3+1+4+4: 27

[Joani] 1:26 pm: I get to roll with my Rigger NPC vs. your Stealth of 5 - that means, if I get 5 hits in one roll he detects you

Joani *rolls* 6d6: 3+1+1+5+5+4: 19

[Joani] 1:27 pm: 2 hits - you're safe

[Joani] 1:27 pm: your next roll

[Malachite] 1:28 pm: Lookin':

Malachite *rolls* 8d6: 4+5+3+1+2+1+4+5: 25

[Joani] 1:28 pm: 2 hits - for a total of 3 counting your first roll

[Joani] 1:28 pm: not quite enough. I get another chance to detect you

Joani *rolls* 6d6: 3+5+3+6+4+5: 26

[Joani] 1:29 pm: 3 hits - you're still safe

[Malachite] 1:29 pm: Lookin' more:

Malachite *rolls* 8d6: 4+1+2+5+4+6+3+2: 27

[Joani] 1:29 pm: you should succeed with your next roll (1 hit is enough) - or else I auto-detect you

[Joani] 1:29 pm: ok - you were lucky

[Joani] 1:29 pm: you found the drone's Node - the Rigger almost had you, though

Getting control:

[Joani] 2:02 pm: alright Mala - roll em - you need to reach 7 hits

[Malachite] 2:02 pm: Joani - That was my first roll. *points up*

[Malachite] 2:03 pm: Malachite rolls 8d6e5: 5,6,3,4,3,6,1,2. Successes = 3

[Malachite] 2:03 pm: Your turn now, right?

[Joani] 2:03 pm: ah - sorry, overlooked it

[Joani] 2:03 pm: yeah, I roll now

Joani *rolls* 5d6e5: 6,2,3,6,2. Successes = 2

[Joani] 2:04 pm: you're still safe - next roll Mala

Malachite *rolls* 8d6e5: 4,4,5,5,6,2,5,5. Successes = 5

[Joani] 2:04 pm: wow - you're in!

Malachite does happy dance!

[Joani] 2:04 pm: I still get to roll, though

Joani *rolls* 5d6e5: 1,2,5,4,4. Successes = 1

[Joani] 2:07 pm: you're safe - one sec please

Zan’nen has one Drone under control and is aware of two others on the same network. He’s editing the information from the drone he controls to give Kemuri and Chunin cover while getting in through the skylight.

[AceWildcard]

John follow Zan'nen. He made sure to keep up with him. He did not like the idea of messing up a mission or failing such an simple task. If he did he would not forgive himself. It seems this mission so far was not going well for him. He knew he had to prove himself or the others might just do more then a simple good bye.

[Joani]

With Zan’nen’s help the two Ninja-like Shadowrunners quickly found their way on the roof of the warehouse taking adavantage of the general noise and scattered light that made focusing on something in the dark extremely difficult. As Zan’nen already noticed – security was far from top notch and highly inappropriate for a star of Nabo’s fame.

The crowd inside was getting giddy as the lights got turned off and a single flash illuminated the center of the stage where Nabo appeared. Deafening screams followed and then the first heavy discordant riffs got played and the crowd went totally wild.

On the roof Chunin and Kemuri can feel the music and hear it almost as if they are in the middle of the crowd – the music echoes through the district like a malevolent banshee.

[OOC: I’d like to see an Infiltration roll from Chunin and Kemuri each and those inside the building should provide me with a Perception test (2)]

[z-Xiao Saori]

Kemuri smiled at Chunin; he could see, even in the terrible lighting up on the roof, that she was enjoying what she was doing. She knelt next to the windows and carefully slipped the window open. The young woman studied the shadows up near the roof; the lights were hung from the rafters, leaving the area above them hidden in shadows. After satisfied that her way was clear, she laid on the edge of the opening and rolled through the opening. Her deceptively strong arms bore her weight as she extended a foot and got her toes on the rafters. Her other foot followed and she shifted her weight from her arms to her feet carefully.

When she had her balance, she looked up at Chunin and gave him another smile as she beckoned him to follow. Then she was slipping into the darkness, finding a path from their position to the dressing room.

[Carver Soze] 10:21 pm: Infiltration roll

Carver Soze *rolls* 9d6: 2+1+3+5+4+2+6+1+6: 30

[Carver Soze] 10:21 pm: So that's 3 hits?

[sandman XI] 10:22 pm: Soze roll /socc9d6e? where ? is the number off success

[sandman XI] 10:22 pm: succ 9d6e?

[Carver Soze] 10:23 pm: IIRC, it's 5 and up for success.

[Jeremy] 10:23 pm: yes

[Jeremy] 10:23 pm: you got 3 hits Carv

[Marko Cain]

He was sort of in 'serious mode' right now, but Chunin had to admit, he'd follow that butt of hers anywhere. He liked her, she had spunk, but her constant focus on the amount of trouble she could get into, he felt, would eventually get her killed. She was skilled, but lacked control and discipline. At least she had a great ass.

Like thieves in the night the two slid silently into the window, Chunin's feet fell upon the rafter and his balance was near perfect, but he hated this sort of environment to work in, the constant thumping in his inner ear made it difficult to balance, regardless how much mental focus one thought they had. Thank the techno gods for commlinks. "East along the main rafter should take us directly over the package."

He'd been a bit of a stick in the mud since he slipped into 'serious mode', so he thought, since they'd made it this far, he might as well try and talk to her, since her keeper wasn't around. "You handle yourself well, color me impressed." He spoke over the commlink, which thankfully drowned out some of the background noise. "I'm surprised your boyfriend trusts a flexible guy like me alone with you, up here, in the dark..."

2 successes on the infiltration

[z-Xiao Saori]

Kemuri smirked - not that he could see it since she kept her focus on where she was stepping. “Zan’s not my boyfriend. He pulls the big brother act because he’s been watching over me since we met. I think it’s gotten to be habit for him now.”

Chunin digested that as Kemuri swung over to another rafter, displaying her own flexibility and grace. “So you’re getting the big brother treatment. I’m pretty sure that Zan doesn’t think of me that way. He’s just really picky about who I date.”

“Who are you dating to make him so nervous?” Chunin’s question was casually stated as he followed her over to the rafter.

“Right now, no one. I’ve had some dumb boyfriends in the past, though.” Kemuri snorted. “He didn’t get all up in arms about me dating that one hacker, for example, and he was a major jerk. Of course, we had been running with him for a bit, so maybe he trusted him or something. Besides, Zan knows I can take care of myself against 'flexible' guys like you.”

[Marko Cain]

"You're so casual about it, Zan I mean." If anyone had seen those two above them it would have been awe inspiring. The way they slid and leapt about from rafter to rafter to rafter like the ninja's one might see in a trideo. This was the side of running most people never saw, the part where real runners did real action movie impossibilities right in front of a bunch people who would never know. Welcome to Shadowrunning 101. "He obviously cares about you, that's not something you should take for granted. Not that I'm intending to preach, just saying."

He had to smirk, she was cute. "I happen to know a great rooftop, once all this said and done, if you'd like to try and handle yourself against a guy like me. Not many ladies impress me. I hate to say it but a part of me hopes I get to see you in action, if not, rooftop, breakfast is on me. Y'know, if you're interested."

[z-Xiao Saori]

“I know. I know he cares and it’s not a bad caring, either. He isn’t smothering me or holding me back.” She peered down at the crowd, her eyes scanning quickly for familiar hair. “I care about him, too. He’s really tense all the time about stuff. I worry he’s going to come down with elven ulcers, ya know?”

She paused as they came to a stop over the dressing room. “As for the roof… you’re sweet, but I don’t date guys like you.”

Chunin paused and then asked, “White?”

“Human.” Kemuri clipped on a line, found a suitable shadow and started to consider her approach into the room.

[Marko Cain]

Chunin smirked and visibly chuckled a bit. "Why's it always gotta be a 'date'?" He asked. "Don't get me wrong, your dating biased aside, you're an attractive woman, but I wasn't asking you out. We just met, Ninja-Girl, you could be an organ harvester for all I know and I could be living in my moms basement watching porn while reading guns n' ammo in my spare time. Needless to say, we don't even know if we like each other, let alone should be asking the other out."

"I was extending an offer of friendship, on a non-professional level." He latched her cable and made sure it was secure. There was no sense in both going down there for a single item unless it was absolutely necessary. Despite his intrusion to her personal space while he secured the harness, he remained a gentleman. The man seemed split down the middle between smart ass quipster and professional Shinobi. "Just got here not long ago, and to be honest, you and Zan are not that bad as far as people go. He's the Ying to your Yang, and I can respect that, I'm too much man for you so you don't humans, I can respect that too, and frankly, don't blame ya, some women just aren't all about this much muscle mass. It's my cross to bear." He patted himself on his armored abs to punctuate his bullshit. It earned him rolled eyes and an amused smirk that shown faintly under her tight mask. "Honestly, I can't do this all the time. The shadows, the fighting, the killing. I need an escape to remind myself I'm human, and to do that I few 'friends' couldn't hurt. Y'know, if you want to get together some time. If not, that's cool too, I still have a few issues of guns n' ammo and some porn I've yet to go through, so I've some time."

They knelt down in the shadows, waiting for their queue. "You never know," His avatar winked and smiled at her in her field of vision. "I might change your mind."

[Joani]

The two love-birds were proceeding fast thanks to Zan’nen’s control of the Drone which covered the side from which they approached.

As they reached the rafters Kemuri noticed a shadow a few feet away while Chunin remained focused on securing her and… taking in the sight.

The female Ninja noticed how the shadow, obviously surprised fumbles for his machine pistol, ready to lay down a rain of bullets and ask questions later.

Surprise Round

[Joani] 9:54 pm: alright, rolling Perception for the Guy on the Roof of the Warehouse. It's dark and loud his roll is at -3 - that leaves him with 3 dice

[jameson] 9:54 pm:

[jameson] 9:54 pm: meep!

Joani *rolls* 3d6e5: 5,6,4. Successes = 2

[Joani] 9:54 pm: wow

[jameson] 9:55 pm: I hide behind the meatshield,

[Joani] 9:55 pm: Kemuri and Chunin have been chatting too much

[jameson] 9:55 pm: errr I mean other players

[jameson] 9:55 pm: oh

[Joani] 9:55 pm: The Guard on the roof notices Chunin but not Kemuri

Kemuri’s Attack

[Carver-working] 11:02 pm: Joani: Sorry about that - work.

Carver-working *rolls* 9d6e5: 3,3,4,6,1,5,1,6,3. Successes = 3

Guard gets no action since he is surprised

[Joani] 11:08 pm: that means you do a base of 8 Physical damage and his Impact Armor is reduced by 1 because of the Monofilament Sword

[Joani] 11:08 pm: His Impact Armor is 4 and gets reduced to 3

[Heritage] 11:08 pm: she was also smart, but just normal smart

[Heritage] 11:08 pm: I put all her power into her deadly kick-ass prehensile hair

[Abyss Phantasia] 11:08 pm: Marina also can breathe in space

[Joani] 11:09 pm: He's a tough bugger, though. I get to resist with 10 Dice (Body of 7 plus 3 remaining Armor). Each hit I get reduces the damage you do by 1

Joani *rolls* 10d6e5: 4,2,5,3,6,2,5,5,2,5. Successes = 5

[Joani] 11:09 pm: wow - tough bone

[Joani] 11:10 pm: you do 3 Physical damage

Kemuri has 2 more IPs which is enough to knock the Guard out, before he can act.

Surprise Round ended.

Almost as fast as the situation could get complicated the young Ninja summersaulted towards the Ork Guard drawing her Monofilament sword in midflight and slashing the young Ork with two extremely quick strikes. Chunin can see how utterly surprised the Ork was and unable to comprehend what was happening to him. Before he could get his arms up for any kind of defense Kemuri was already around him and with a backhand swing using the butt of her sword knocks the Guard out dead cold – it didn’t even take more than 6 seconds for this to be over.

The two Ninja’s proceeded with the plan and Kemuri let herself down on the rope which Chunin secured – right above Nabo’s dressing room – The noise of the music is almost deafening and the team now has to communicate either over their Commlinks or by using visual queues.

Ninjastuff

Kemuri’s Infiltrationroll

Carver-working *rolls* 12d6e5: 2,6,3,1,5,1,4,3,4,3,1,4. Successes = 2

Guards Perception rolls:

[Joani] 12:06 am: here we go

[Carver-working] 12:06 am: To which I say... "good luck - you'll need it".

Joani *rolls* 2d6e5: 2,2. Successes = 0

[jameson] 12:06 am: hee

[Joani] 12:06 am: and second roll

Joani *rolls* 2d6e5: 4,1. Successes = 0

Kemuri made it into the room – safe and secure.

Nabo’s room was a mess. He didn’t really care much about his stuff and Kemuri found his Commlink laying on the small table next to a number of odd looking prescription bottles…

Snatching it was easy – now they needed Zan’nen to crack the codes.

In the meantime – Zan’nen and James made it inside trying to stay out of most of the trouble while moving closer towards the “backstage” area.

There are 2 Guards blocking the way but they look rather busy so there might be a chance to slip through if they remained lucky.

[OOC: If Zan’nen and James are trying to get backstage I need an Infiltration Roll from you, or a good idea how to bypass the guards.]

[z-Xiao Saori]

It was really easy for Kemuri to get in and out. She’d seen that. It’d be a lot harder for Zan and James to get back here. With that thought, she changed the plan. “Zan, I have another idea. I can get the McGuffin out, super easy. Find a dark corner and we’ll bring it to you. Then I can get it back into the target’s place. How does that sound?”

It meant that James and Zan’nen wouldn’t have to sneak into the back room. It left Chunin and Kemuri doing all the B&E which they were way more suited for anyway. It was a good change, in her opinion. She glanced up at Chunin, wreathed in shadows and invisible even to her, and waited for an answer.

[AceWildcard]

James was waiting on news from the others. "So what do you think they are holding up?" He asked Zan'nen while waiting for news from the others. He did not know if this was going to hold up for him. Yet he did not say anything. He knew that things might turn bad if he did or say anything stupid.

He then hears the call from Kemuri. "So are you going to pick it up, or want me to address our current situation?" James asked Zan'nen. He wanted him to do it since she was calling him. Yet he could also do it as well.

[z025]

"Let's stick together," Zan'nen said softly over the comms to James. He pointed over to a corner of the warehouse made by stairs leading up to the second floor offices that were being used as a private party room at the moment. There were guards, but only at the top of the stairs and they were focused on protecting their drunk-and-disorderly clients, not sniffing out runners pulling a job on the talent.

It took them several minutes to make their way through the bouncing mosh-pit of a crowd and stuff themselves under the stairs, looking like battered refugees from the mostly-orc swarm on the main floor. "Okay, Kemuri, I'm in place. East side, under the stairs."

[AceWildcard]

John nodded and just follow Zan'nen. He was quited. He did not want them to think he was more of a idiot as he was already. Plus he just them do what they wanted. If he could get off just doing guard duty then fine by him. He looks around to see if there would be any problems coming their way.

[z025]

"Heads up," was the only warning Zan got before Kemuri flashed in and out of the shadows, dropping the comlink in his hands and disappearing back to...wherever she was. It still unnerved him that after so many years, he still couldn't keep track of her if she decided to 'go stealth'. He clipped the comlink onto his other ear, keeping his hand over it and bouncing his head up and down like a thousand other metahumans around him.

Hacking the 'link was easy - too easy, Nabo was an idiot to rely on others for all of his security, especially information security. He needed to hire better staff, it wasn't like he couldn't afford it and he was about to find out why. He found the email, traced it back through an inexpertly laid trail of false mail drops, to a hacker in need of a better name and a few more years of training before he jumped into the little leagues, "Zipper". In a fit of pique, Zan pushed down the firewall on the 'link and made himself an admin account so he could trace where the link went from here. He dumped all the info on the comlink onto his own, after checking it for bugs, and palmed the device away from his ear.

"Done," he said over their shared channel. It had been less than three minutes. "Ready for retrieval and leaving." This is considered music? Orks. He kept his opinion off his face, but his head was already starting to pound from the heavy beat and press of so many people far too close for the reserved elf's tastes.

Lots o' mechanics stuff.

[Joani]: Kemuri hands you the commlink and with it in your hands you can easily hack it for information

[Joani]: I first need a Computer + Logic roll from you

[Malachite]: Okay. Lemme look up the new dice stuff so I can get used to it. 5 and 6 are successes, right?

[jameson]: yar

[Malachite]: *rolls* 7d6t5b1: 1,2,5,5,6,2,3. Successes = 3. Botches = 1. Total = 2. The target number was changed to 5.

[jameson]: 1's aren't botches

[Malachite]: I couldn't remember if ones mattered or how, so I just made sure they got counted up.

[Malachite]: So, three hits.

[Joani]: gud

[Joani]: you have access to the Commlink. Nabo doesn't know shit about security

[Malachite]: Hehe....

[Malachite]: Okay, he's make a copy of the info they're after and then anything else he can swipe quickly as well, just out of curiosity.

[Malachite]: Or take the info. Sorry, can't remember exactly what the job was now. Brain is buzzed from waking up a 4:30 AM>

[Joani]: ok - the file is obvioulsy the first one in his inbox of his mail-account

[Joani]: here are your options:

[Joani]: You can try to trace back the email address from which the file was sent you are looking for (the file contains an offer to sell the disc you guys are sent to retrieve)

[Joani]: And you can search the commlink for other useful files aside from the one you are looking for. In the Matrix this takes only a few seconds actually

[Joani]: grabbing the file doesn't require any further rolls -- you can download it directly.

[Malachite]: I forgot we were looking to trace the offer, not getting the info directly here.

[Joani]: yes - Nabo was sent an offer to buy the disc - it's the only lead you have to the potential thief

[Malachite]: He'll grab most of Nabo's info, especially travel itineraries and contact information, and try to trace the offer.

[Malachite]: Would there be anyway for Zan to leave a tracer program, to track the commlink after they're done with it?

[Malachite]: Am I still here?

[Carver-working]: You are

[Malachite]: Okay, good. Things go quiet and worry that I've been booted and not told by my 'puter yet.

[Malachite]: Carver - Do you want anything in particular for dinner?

[Malachite]: We've got leftover brawts, obviously.

[jameson]: lol

[jameson]: I was going to make a sausage joke!

[Malachite]: She does like her sausage.

[Carver-working]: Mala: I dunno. We gots leftovers, so that's the best. I do need to hit HyVee; illness made me forget that Chloe is running out of greens.

[Carver-working]: And I need hay for her. *sighs*

[Malachite]: Does HyVee have her hay?

[Joani]: sorry, was distracted

[Joani]: okay - we do it step by step

[Lobby]: jameson has left at 10:16 am

[Joani]: Tracing back the email address - Computer + Tracking - this will be an extended test. I get to roll vs. your stealth which is 5 I suppose?

[Lobby]: jameson has entered at 10:16 am

[Carver-working]: Mala: No.

[Carver-working]: Just means goign to target instead. No biggie.

[Carver-working]: brb

[Joani]: I don't even get to roll actually

[Joani]: so all we check is how long this will take for you before someone notices something is fishy

[Joani]: Mala - leaving a Tracer programm... you can try to create an Admin account on the Commlink and then create a backdoor for you. With that you can easily access the Commlink from safe distance and keep tabs on it

[Malachite]: Okay, he'll do the tracking first, then set the tracer if he has the time.

[Malachite]: ...however, it doesn't look like he has Tracking, so this could take too long.

[Malachite]: Just roll Computer, then? No mental stat added to it?

[Joani]: one sec please

[Malachite]: k

[jameson]: I'm gonna duck out for a qick walk

[jameson]: bbiab

[Lobby]: Chosen has left at 10:32 am

[Joani]: ok, back

[Joani]: Computer + Logic -1 Dice

[Joani]: I'll make a perception check for the guards in the meantime

[Joani]: but you go first

[Malachite]: *rolls* 6d6: 4,3,3,1,5,2. Successes = 1. The target number was changed to 5.

[Malachite]:

[Malachite]: Out of curiosity, when is the actual -Hacking- skill used?

[Malachite]: I put more points into that than Computer and from what I'm seeing so far, that was not a good call.

[Joani]: The Commlink is already "hacked" there was no security on it so you easily bypassed it

[Joani]: Hacking is used whenever you try to get "illegal" access to a node/system

[Malachite]: Ah. Okay.

[Joani]: once you use Hacking, there's always a chance someone notices your hacking attempts

[Joani]: what you are doing right now is basically using the Commlink as if you were Nabo

[Malachite]: That's fine, I was just confused.

[Joani]: you have full access to everything because the "idiot" didn't mind putting any security on it

[Malachite]: So, perception check for the guards?

[Joani]: now trying to trace the email back to it's sender - that requires some Computer skill - that's why I ask you to roll that

[Joani]: I make one Perception check for every 3 of your rolls - you need to gather more Hits - so please two more rolls

[Joani]: then I roll

[Malachite]: Oh, I wasn't questioning the skills being asked for, it just seemed like Hacking wasn't going to be used, in favor of the more general Computer.

[Malachite]: Ah. Okay.

[Malachite]: *rolls* 6d6: 4,5,5,6,5,3. Successes = 4. The target number was changed to 5.

[Malachite]: Woot!

[Malachite]: *rolls* 6d6: 3,2,4,4,6,2. Successes = 1. The target number was changed to 5.

[Malachite]: So, six successes so far.

[Joani]: very good!

[Joani]: now my Perception roll

[Joani]: *rolls* 2d6e5: 5,4. Successes = 1

[Joani]: not enough to spot you

[Joani]: ok - you got a trace on the mail address

[Joani]: The sender tried to route the message over several anonymous mail drops but you can find the original sender. YOu also realize that the one doing this wasn't very clever or good at it

[Joani]: the whole thing traces back to someone named "Zipper"

[Malachite]: Huh. Interesting. Seems like an unlikely string of very incompetent people......

[Joani]: Do you still want to try to grab some more stuff from the Commlink. Roughly a minute has passed

[Malachite]: Yeah, he will, and put the tracer on.

[Joani]: good - for the "Tracer" you'll need hacking

[Joani]: This time you'll Roll Hacking + Electronic Warfare - you need 9 Hits to get an Admin Account and set everything up the way you want it (basically making sure you get easy access to the Commlink anytime you want until Nabo notices something is wrong and wipes the memory of the Commlink)

[Joani]: I make one Perception roll for every 3 of your rolls to see if any of the guards notice you doing something aside from moshing to the metal music

[Malachite]: *rolls* 8d6e5: 5,2,3,2,1,5,1,3. Successes = 2

[Malachite]: *rolls* 8d6e5: 4,5,4,6,2,6,3,6. Successes = 4

[Malachite]: *rolls* 8d6e5: 2,1,2,5,4,2,1,4. Successes = 1

[Joani]: ok, I get one check

[Joani]: *rolls* 2d6e5: 4,5. Successes = 1

[Lobby]: Centimane has entered at 11:04 am

[Joani]: still no luck - Unless you glitch with your next roll, you got your access

[Malachite]: *rolls* 8d6e5: 3,2,4,1,5,5,2,3. Successes = 2

[Centimane]: hey, guys

[Malachite]: Hello Cent.

[Carver-working]: Hey, Cent.

[Joani]: bam - you got your Admin Account on it - ok, this makes everything else easier

[Joani]: you can Download the entire content, even the password protected parts. I'll send you a PM with details, ok?

[Malachite]: Zan likes to be thorough. And nosy.

[Malachite]: Oki.

[Joani]: alright - just fyi - You were hacking the personal Commlink of a Music Celebrity - they are rarely concerned with security - they usually have people who take care of that. This one obviously hasn't heard much about "security" - A good example is how the whole concert is "secured" (barely)

[Malachite]: I'll get a post up....should I wait fo rthe PM, or is that going to be stuff he needs time to sort through?

[Malachite]: *for the

[Malachite]: I have managed to bruise the front of my shoulder and I have no idea how... :weird:

[Joani]: you can post - the stuff I provide you with are not part of your objective - it's additional info you can either sell (most likely, because Information means money) or use as you see fit. You have the name of the Person who sent the offer. Now you need to find out where that person lives.

[z-Xiao Saori]

Kemuri repeated her maneuver of sagging in and out of the shadows, her slim fingers snatching the commlink right out of Zan’s hand. “You’re bouncing your head against the beat,” she whispered in his ear, the heat and warmth of her breath passing over his skin before she was gone, leaving only a memory the scent of her lingering.

Back in the shadows with Chunin, the two ninjas effortlessly wound their way back over to the area above Nabo’s room. “Take two,” she murmured to her partner in crime. “And yeah, I’d like to hang out and stuff. Sounds fun.” Before he could reply, she dropped backwards, moving through the darkness above Nabo’s dressing room. She cut her fall short, hanging over the floor for a moment. With a twist of her body, she spun herself around so she could drop the commlink back on the desk where he’d left it. Then she signaled for Chunin to bring her up; as he pulled, she climbed and soon was back in the shadows.

“We’ll meet you back at the bikes.” That said, Kemuri and Chunin began to head back through the rafters to their exit point.

[Joani]

The Runners met at their destined rally point just in time to avoid a major riot which broke out in the middle of the concert hall. Several fans clashed with a local gang and things got quickly out of hand – security was hopelessly outnumbered and unable to contain the damage but Nabo kept rocking as if there was no tomorrow.

Even a few blocks away you could still here the music interrupted by the occasional gun shot and explosion. Looks like Nabo’s last concert in Seattle would be memorable... in several ways.

OOC Info

You’ve retrieved the info you were looking for – your next step should be locating this “Zipper” guy. Anyone with Knowledge skills concerning the Seattle Club-Scene or anything related to the Matrix may make a roll with their knowledge Skill – 1 hit for Matrix related knowledges, 2 hits required for Club-Scene related knowledge

[Marko Cain]

"A riot this time." Andrea shook her head and stifled a chuckle. "All for your new girlfriend? I don't recall you ever starting any riots for me." It was a business call so the rest of the team had audio, but no visual of who Chunin was speaking to. It was the respectful thing when working with new people; to allow them to hear the things you planed while threatening the security of your contacts. "I assume this isn't a personal call, you have business?"

"She's not my girlfriend, she doesn't go for the incredibly handsome, witty, ultra sexy human-types. She prefers her ears long. What's a guy to do, y'know?" Chunin's bike was right where it was supposed to be. Tommy was a good guy, and as always, came through with the goods, right on time. Chunin liked Tommy, he kept things professional and he always delivered, just like the shinobi preferred. He and Kemuri turned the corner from Broadway onto Boren Ave, and just kept going as casual as one could expect. That was the key to the business, keep it cool, play it straight, and always handle yourself professionally.

"An interracial girl, huh? Well, can't blame her, some woman just don't like their man too buku." Andy mused with a snicker.

"Could we not talk the attractive asian woman with the ridiculously fine booty that turned me down and also happens to be listening in on this very conversation?" Chunin managed to deliver his frustration with Andrea in an incredibly calm manner, despite wanting to strangle her through the Matrix.

"Oh, is she?" When Andrea's tone shifted, the whole team knew they were in for a treat. Business though it may be, it was always nice to see the snarky, self-confident, smart ass of the group meet his match with an uncontrollable factor like a contact he needed something from. "Well, sweetheart, you're better off. Chunin is no good for you, or anyone else. He's all work and no play, it makes poor Chuney such a dull stiff. Although he's a beast in the sa-"

"Zipper." Chunin interrupted as swiftly as he could. "We're looking for a guy who goes by the name Zipper. He's on the club scene, your scene and we need to find him. Can you do that for me?"

Everyone could 'see' Andrea's smile even though the visuals were out. "I suppose, but it'll take some time. I'll call you if I get a blip on the comm. Well, it was a pleasure meeting all of you, in a manner of speaking. He's a paranoid smart-ass, but do try and keep him safe for me... I still have uses for him. Ciao." And with that she terminated the link and all that was left on the line were the the members of the team.

Traffic wasn't too bad this evening, but in a city with a population of thirty million, you learned to take a few short cuts, especially in a the sprawling metroplex of Seattle. "We're heading to Bacco Cafe on Pine Street off of First Ave. Post Alley is usually quiet this time of night, so we can plan our next move there, together. Andy should have something for us soon, and I could really go for a cup of tea. Anyone for food? I'm buying."

Contact 'Corporate Secretary' Charisma 5, Seattle Club Scene 4. 9 dice pool.

Revenant *rolls* 9d6t5: 6,5,3,5,2,4,6,2,5. Successes = 5. The target number was changed to 5.

The remainder successes can be used towards lowering the wait time.

[Joani]

It didn’t take long for Andrea to come up with an answer – actually they had barely sat down and made their orders when Chunin saw Andrea’s icon dancing around his peripheral field of vision.

“Zipper – I knew that name when you told me, just had to verify it was really her, Dwarf female, roughly your age. I suppose she’s the most pathetic Hacker I’ve ever heard of. Hangs around at some retro-style Hackers Club called the ‘Cathode Glow’. Here’s the address, Handsome.”, she cut the connection with a sultry wink leaving behind the attached file with directions about the Club.

[OOC: Alright – you’re orders are being served, this didn’t take more than 20 minutes so you actually saved some time and can make new plans how to get Zipper. She is presumably the contact of the potential Seller you’re looking for or at least should know who has been offering.]

[z-Xiao Saori]

Saori was young enough to be extremely flattered by the conversation that had occurred about her ridiculously fine booty, but professional enough to not make a big deal out of—well, not a real big deal. She was teasing Chunin mercilessly in small ways: leaning over and giving him another view of that booty, or (once the mask had come off) casually tracing her lips with her finger. But she stopped that when they went back to business.

“So we know where to find her. What’s the plan? Have Chunin and I hold her down while Zan’nen plunders her Matrix?” She glanced at the elf, still wearing most of his stupid ork-rocker outfit and added, “Not like that, Zanny—I know how you get around your dwarven lady-friends.” Zan’nen shot her a look that should have incinerated her on the spot, but Kemuri ignored it to add, “That’s the most direct, least-expensive and lowest violence way to get what we want.”

[Marko Cain]

Chunin appreciated how Kemuri seemed to take his jibes and sexual harassment with a grain of salt. She was fun to work with and Chunin respected that about her. Zan'Nen, whose booty was neither ridiculous nor fine, seemed the opposite of the spectrum. He was the focused one with all the plans and careful answers. Chunin liked that about the elf and respected his input as well how helped keep the impulsive ninja girl in check sometimes. John however, remained a wild card. He'd not heard hide nore hair from the guy yet, and that didn't sit well with a team player like Chunin.

"Well, Andy's not one to let me walk into a warzone unprepared, so, for sake of argument, let's treat Zipper as an underachiever." He shuffled the contents if his salad about with his fork. It was an expensive dinner, being real veggies n' all, but he considered it a sound investment in his team's trust. Real food for a change always brightened spirits and there way an old saying when it comes to winning people to your side: 'Everyone loves a free lunch.'

"But let's not get careless." He added, shovelling some lettuce, drowned in ranch dressing and copious amounts of bacon bits, into mouth. "I think you and 'Zanny' can handle Zipper. Approach, do what you need to and act as Zan'Nen's visible security. John and I will act as the invisible security. We'll blend in as a separate party, two guys looking to get drunk and lucky and back you up if things go wrong. If Zipper is small time, she and any muscle she might have won't have the background we do. She'll be focused on the security she can see, when it's the security she can't see that'll bite her in stout little ass. Also, if she's smarter than we're giving her credit for, we still can maintain an element of surprise, which is a necessity in dispatching opposition swiftly and efficiently."

If strange hearing him talk seriously sometimes. The young Shinobi (as he fancied himself) seemed to speak like a tactical genius with decades of experience on his side, like a guy who was teaching a class, not setting up a plan. He smirked at Kemuri. "We've got time for dinner, but it looks like we're going to have to skip the movie Sweet-cheeks."