Trinity Universe: Holo Lives

[Asbjørn]

Listening to what Taka & Tiger have to say the Englishman nods, then replies,

"Okay. Just in case it needs to be said, Rochester here will be second in command of the mission, as usual. I'm going to assign you two," he indicates Taka & Tiger, "to the Home Guard - so I'd like you both to research correct Home Guard security procedures, & to make sure that you get your covers straight. We English can spot a foriegner a mile off, so work out something convincing - & for God's sake avoid any stereotypes... I'm also tasking you two with researching all the mundane threats to the summit that the rest of the security force will be looking out for - after all, we'll need to at least have an idea of what's expected & what's really 'unusual'."

"Gotcha.", Tiger nods.

[...]"Your files both indicate that such an assignment shouldn't be a problem, but if it will be, then speak up now."

"Not a problem, but I have one question. If any part of this goes south and one of us gets caught - by any of the factions involved - do we terminate all contact? Does the unlucky bastard take his chances in home guard jail or some private torture chamber on his own, or do we - or Aeon - help? I just want us to be on the same page of the rulebook here..."

After the meeting...

...Tiger spends the next days going over Home Guard procedures, recent UK events, sports, geography, celebrities and all those little details that locals know on a practically subconscious level, as well as practicing his accent and preparing a cover together with Taka and Aeon's ID-wizards.

[ezekiel]

Roof Launch Area of the AEon Headquarters, Chicago

The Howling Sparrow stands fuelled and ready with priority launch status. The invisible work of Neptune Division smoothing the way with pre-approved flight plan status and priority insertion into the relevant flight paths.

As the 'French' team pass through the waiting area, a completely white haired and bespectacled man probably in his late thirties approaches. His clothing is simple and rugged-looking but otherwise unremarkable. He is also carrying a mid-sized backback and a square black tool case. "Talvin, gud to see you. I am ready and haf my gear," he shakes the tool bag slightly.

"Vell, are you going to introduce me to your friends or do I haf to guess who is who?"

Talvin shakes hands with the man and smiles

"This is Dr. Herman Gronemeyer, an ISRAn Rex and forensics specialist. Dr. Gronemeyer, meet Mr. Harker and Frederick. (dunno his last name...) Mr. Harker is a linguist with de School and has kindly offered us transport. Mr. Frederick is welcome backup and will help us deal with the whatever dangers France holds for us..."

Its apparent that even though the doctor knows they're on a hunt for someone, he doesn't know the all the details about the mission. The way Talvin phrased the introductions it seems like he just recruited help for some difficult hunt.

[knave]

The Meeting - before Oswald leaves

"Not a problem, but I have one question. If any part of this goes south and one of us gets caught - by any of the factions involved - do we terminate all contact? Does the unlucky bastard take his chances in home guard jail or some private torture chamber on his own, or do we - or Aeon - help? I just want us to be on the same page of the rulebook here..."

Oswald nods thoughtfully and taps his fingers on the mylex lectern.

"I'll leave that to operational command. Neptune is likely to be able to have any such unfortunate released from prison after a few weeks assuming the person involved didn't resist arrest and wasn't involved in an apparent act of treason or terrorism. My advice would be to assist if immediate assistance will result in not losing a man, but otherwise to continue with the mission preserving your covers. Naturally anyone captured will be required to at least try to resist interrogation until the mission is over. There isn't a time limit on the summit, but if it's not over in a week then it's doubtful if it will be successful. Having said that - do remember that interrogaters will make it a priority to destroy your sense of time so that they can extract information from you while the information is still valuable."

Those watching Oswald closely will notice that it takes him physical effort to release his white knuckled fingers from the grip he has taken on the podium.

[Asbjørn]

At just about 5 to 8 the next day, Tiger will see a sleek, silver Shendai pull adroitly into a parking spot near his flat, and a familiar Easterner come out to greet him and help him with any excess baggage he may have.

After packing, eating breakfast and finishing a slightly shorter workout session than normal, Tiger joins Taka in the ride - wearing the trendy suit and slick hairstyle of a young businessman and carrying little more than the basic necessities.

"Gary Landis has everything he needs in London - specifically with our people there, and Trent Blanchard..." ::rolleyes , Tiger rolls his eyes at the name of his insertion cover "...he won't exist after we land in London, so he doesn't really need anything either..."

On the way to their flight he goes over a few of the details of his cover, accent gradually improving as he gets used to it.

"See, I'm a newcommer to the UK. I'm 'alf portuguese, 'alf british. Mum and dad split up when I was a kid. I grew up in Lisbon with her, and lived in London these last years after a few... unfortunate incidents in the City of Sin made our lives difficult. No, I don't want to talk about it... Got my citizenship easy on account o' my dad getting hisself killed in the line of duty and all. Nothin' heroic. Just a stupid accident, but 'e was a good man and a friend of 'is helped me grease the wheels, you know?"

For a moment his voice and accent slips back to his normal american as he says

"Haven't really made up my mind yet if Gary should smoke or not. You think he should smoke?"

The change lasts just a few seconds before he returns to the slightly slower and rougher british voice.

"Anyway, I'm real devoted, see? Joined the Home Guard a few years back and just starting to climb the ladder... Ambitious, but not too clever. Socially average. Not the cool guy and not the asskisser. Competent, but not extremely so."

A Tiger grin pierces the performance ::biggrin

"I'll hold back a little..." ::cool ::tongue

[phoenix]

Taka does not look away from the streets of Chicago as he drives, but he grins at various spots in Tiger's performance.

"Haven't really made up my mind yet if Gary should smoke or not. You think he should smoke?"

Taka smiles.

"Good question. As long as Trent Blanchard doesn't."

As Tiger looks over at him, he notices that Taka looks older than usual. He's not wrinkled per se, but he shows traces of crow's feet around his eyes, touches of gray in his usually jet-black hair, and a somewhat tired look in his eyes. The change is subtle enough to make Tiger wonder if the Nihonjin has always looked like this, but drastic enough to change his facial features significantly. When he speaks again, his voice sounds different from its usual velvet calm - it sounds a bit rougher, the Nihonjin accent is more obvious, and the English accent is different - it sounds more lower-class than his norm.

"Good to meet you, Gary. I'm Osamu Tezuka and Reiji Matsumoto, in that order. We grew up in a mostly Nihonjin community in the outskirts of London. Not the most pleasant surroundings by any means, but hey, I'm a kind of tough guy, and I don't talk about my past too much either. Nippon? No, I've never been to Nippon, I just grew up around mostly Nihonjin folks. You know the type - show off the fact that they know the language and no one else does, get all the latest cyberware releases just to promote the image, buy Banji and Shendai, that kind of thing. I've been out of the country doing aide/bodyguard duty for some businessman named Blanchard. Thinking about joining up with the Home Guard after that, I hear they've got a pretty big project coming up, but you know how it is.."

The smiling Taka winks as he pulls out of a 4-way stop.

"Nothing's for sure these days."

[ProfPotts]

"Not a problem, but I have one question. If any part of this goes south and one of us gets caught - by any of the factions involved - do we terminate all contact? Does the unlucky bastard take his chances in home guard jail or some private torture chamber on his own, or do we - or Aeon - help? I just want us to be on the same page of the rulebook here..."

"I'll leave that to operational command. Neptune is likely to be able to have any such unfortunate released from prison after a few weeks assuming the person involved didn't resist arrest and wasn't involved in an apparent act of treason or terrorism. My advice would be to assist if immediate assistance will result in not losing a man, but otherwise to continue with the mission preserving your covers. Naturally anyone captured will be required to at least try to resist interrogation until the mission is over. There isn't a time limit on the summit, but if it's not over in a week then it's doubtful if it will be successful. Having said that - do remember that interrogaters will make it a priority to destroy your sense of time so that they can extract information from you while the information is still valuable."

To that Hastings adds the simple comment,

"The mission comes first. If it wasn't that important, then we wouldn't be needed to do it."

"I can be help with that. I've done quite a few tours through France with the 6th. Bug Hunts and S&R. If it's there, I can help find it. Thing with France is, just about everyone you meet is some kind of crazy, it takes a while to get to know which crazies are dangerous crazies and which crazies are just crazy. And we don't have that time. You definitely need me."

The Englishman frowns slighty,

"Fine - although it's a shame you don't speak French with all that experience... ::sly Just remember that this is a covert mission we're talking about - don't go blowing sh!t up just 'cos it seems like a good idea at the time." ::rolleyes

[Archer21]

"This is Dr. Herman Gronemeyer, an ISRAn Rex and forensics specialist. Dr. Gronemeyer, meet Mr. Harker and Frederick. (dunno his last name...) Mr. Harker is a linguist with de School and has kindly offered us transport. Mr. Frederick is welcome backup and will help us deal with the whatever dangers France holds for us..."

Harker waits until the introductions are complete, then nods politely. Moving quickly to his ship, he asks the others to wait outside for just a moment while he does a brief pre-flight inspection. He apologizes for the slight delay, but explains his ship is only recently returned from extended time in deep space; he needs to check all the equipment related to atmospheric flight.

Provided no one has any real problem with waiting, the ISRAn linguist climbs aboard, then shuts the access door and locks all hatches and entrances. Irritation shows on his face as he contacts headquarters, asking to speak to Hastings directly. As soon as Hastings face appears on the view screen, Harker raises an eyebrow at him. "I don't suppose you know who Dr. Herman Gronmeyer is, and why he's suddenly part of this mission?"

[knave]

At the meeting

The Englishman frowns slighty,

"Fine - although it's a shame you don't speak French with all that experience... ::sly Just remember that this is a covert mission we're talking about - don't go blowing sh!t up just 'cos it seems like a good idea at the time." ::rolleyes

"Yessir. No sir. Someone else always spoke some Fro... French, sir. I can get by with a few words:" "Latrine, Croissant, Je Taime!" "Sorry, sir."

The flight deck waiting area

Herman shakes the offerred hands warmly, "Very pleased to meet you," smiling.

Harker waits until the introductions are complete, then nods politely. Moving quickly to his ship, he asks the others to wait outside for just a moment while he does a brief pre-flight inspection. He apologizes for the slight delay, but explains his ship is only recently returned from extended time in deep space; he needs to check all the equipment related to atmospheric flight.

"Gott, ja. Ve don't vant to crash before we start. Once we are done - zhen ve can crash twice, ja?"

[ProfPotts]

"I don't suppose you know who Dr. Herman Gronmeyer is, and why he's suddenly part of this mission?"

Hastings' avatar is a simple full-body figure resembling the man himself clad in a slightly out-of-date tweed suit, sitting in a leather armchair (the sort you'd expect to see in a classic English gentleman's club). The figure closes the book it appears to be reading, & peers over the top of its steel-rimmed glasses,

"I'm aware of who the good Doctor is. No-one's mentioned anything about him in conjuction with this mission however. He's a Vitakinetic forensic investigator. He speaks French, but apart from that I fail to see why you'd need him along - especially considering his lack of security clearance for this sort of operation. None of you are planning on needing the services of a doctor are you? I'm aware that the area you're traveling to may well rate such services very highly, but the last thing we want is for you to draw attention to yourselves, or to get sidetracked into helping the locals - no matter how much they might need it. However, I am, as always, open to suggestions. I take it Talvin has sprung this on you? You'd better put him on."

[Umoja]

Hastings nods,

"Agreed - you & Harker check out the French angle. Madina - I'd like you on the ground in London to start the preliminary investigations & security checks of the summit location. Vaughn & Rochester - do either of you actually have any useful investigative skills? Your files both suggest that you're special ops', but with no experience with this kind of sensitive mission. Anything you'd like to add before I assign you?"

"I'll arrange your covers for the actual summit later - there's some details I need to check out first. Madina - keep a low profile for now. Sawhney & Harker - I'll give you a little more lee-way: if you happen to get a golden opportunity to get on the inside with those French cultists, then that could be useful. Otherwise, try to not be noticed - we wouldn't want to force anyone to wear a disguise for the summit, now, would we?"

During the Meeting.

Madina closes his eyes and simply nods. "I understand. Low Profile." Madina remains quiet for the rest of the meeting.

On the London Bound Flight

Madina sits quietly on the plane, eyes closed, and slowly breathing. The sensation of feeling the air around the plane whoosh by, and the feeling of being thousands of feet up can be disconcerting but at the same time, it is an extremely good time to think.

Madina had packed light, carrying mostly money to buy some English clothes. His own possessions were in a large millitary style duffel bag. Standard things that he could carry across borders, three sets of clothes, 'The 4 Rivers' By Baha'u'llah and 'Some Answered Questions' by Abdul Baha. Daniel always prefered 'real' books over the digital format. To top it all off Daniel had brought some recreational equipment, a tricorder (hope that's the term) and the necessary equipment to make sure it worked properly.

OOC: I'm back from my stressful AP test cramming session the past few weeks. Sorry about the delay.

[ezekiel]

"I'm aware of who the good Doctor is. No-one's mentioned anything about him in conjuction with this mission however. He's a Vitakinetic forensic investigator. He speaks French, but apart from that I fail to see why you'd need him along - especially considering his lack of security clearance for this sort of operation. None of you are planning on needing the services of a doctor are you? I'm aware that the area you're traveling to may well rate such services very highly, but the last thing we want is for you to draw attention to yourselves, or to get sidetracked into helping the locals - no matter how much they might need it. However, I am, as always, open to suggestions. I take it Talvin has sprung this on you? You'd better put him on."

Hastings comp signals another incomming call

"I believe you wanted to speak to me?"

[ProfPotts]

"I believe you wanted to speak to me?"

Hastings connects the signals to a three-way conferance call, his own avatar appearing next to that of the other participant, as he links Harker, Talvin, & himself,

"Yes - I take it then that you also know why I wanted to speak with you?.." ::sly

[ezekiel]

Talvin nods

"I do...Dr. Gronemeyer will be needed. Other than de fact that France is a dangerous place and medical emergencies may occur, he is an investigator. Like me, he specialises in finding people who do not wish to be found. Our mission is to find Tamarika K or information about her and the cults. Dr. Gronemeyer is european, he speaks both French and German. If you check the files you'll notice that the cult extends to the germanies and it's in no way guaranteed that we'll find what we're looking for in France. I've worked with Dr. Gronemeyer twice before and as far as he knows this is just anoder hunt for de School. If anyting he can help us keep a low profile. At best, he can help me find clues leading to Tamarika.."

[ProfPotts]

"I do...Dr. Gronemeyer will be needed. Other than de fact that France is a dangerous place and medical emergencies may occur, he is an investigator. Like me, he specialises in finding people who do not wish to be found. Our mission is to find Tamarika K or information about her and the cults. Dr. Gronemeyer is european, he speaks both French and German. If you check the files you'll notice that the cult extends to the germanies and it's in no way guaranteed that we'll find what we're looking for in France. I've worked with Dr. Gronemeyer twice before and as far as he knows this is just anoder hunt for de School. If anyting he can help us keep a low profile. At best, he can help me find clues leading to Tamarika.."

Hastings' avatar looks noncommital for the moment, as he asks,

"And the other issue?" ::sly

[ezekiel]

Talvin's face remains blank

"Which other issue would you like me to address?"

[knave]

With the rest of the group away and obviously 'busy with important conversations', Herman takes a close look at the exterior of the Howling Sparrow and makes some quiet observations to his minicomp. He then cautiously opens his black tool box on the ground and pulls out a strangely patterned wooden rattle. Quickly closing the box before anyone else can see inside, he mutters a few words to himself and approaches the Sparrow again thus armed.

rattle rattle smudge little sign of the cross on the bow.

rattle rattle smudge little sign of the cross on the wing.

rattle rattle smudge little sign of the cross on the stern.

He returns to the bag, which he again opens in an occult manner, and puts away the rattle. He then snaps the box closed with a loud 'click' and grins to himself as if he's done something incredibly clever.

[knave]

[Right gang. Prof has decided, for stylistic reasons, that he'd rather not play anymore. Fair enough, he wasn't enjoying himself. So I'll be NPCing his character from here on in I guess. ::crazy If anyone else feels the same way then please feel free to let me know and we can re-evaluate whether or not it's worth bothering with this game. Until then.]

comms Hastings :|: Talvin

"Which other issue would you like me to address?"

"Is your location secure." - the tone is clear - 'get professional please'.

{Once Talvin has assured Hastings that he can't be overheard by anyone 'not on the team' (by getting into the ship or similar) Hastings continues}

"I recall asking you to tell me if you had any visions relevant to the mission. You don't seem to be doing that. Why is that exactly?"

some time later: comms Hastings :|: Taka and Tiger

"Get ready to leave. Our train's waiting to take us to O'Hare. I trust your covers are ready? Good."

Unless there are any violent objections, the three make their way to the scrupulously clean AEon Trinity subway stop with their luggage and change to the O'Hare express at the earliest opportunity. Soon the group is through the customs check (Hastings has a quiet word with one of the attendants and the group is ushered to the head of the 1st class citizen queue) and then aboard a slender passenger sub-orbital. Then comes the all too familiar crush of acceleration as the giant ClinTech liner rushes out of her bay and the journey begins... Of course, inflight entertainment is a bit of a drag as usual. The 'free' OpNet access is made annoying by FSA corporate pop-ups and targetted viral seeker adverts. The only decent one involves the new Orgotek Hare agent which jumps about, eats some carrots, (some of which are shaped suspiciously like the logoes of rival FSA based Mega Corps) does some flips, plays some amazingly killer games - flying the new Novatech 'Aberrant Buster' medium weight fighter against an opponent that looks an awful lot like the 'Patton' agent. And blowing it up!

Of course there are a few reruns of 'Jake Danger, Aberrant Hunter', but Strike Team Psion remains as hard to find as it has ever since the Huang-Marr incident.

Meanwhile

As Daniel's flight approaches London and the 'Approved things to see and places to go in London Arcology and in the United Kingdom' holo comes on.

"... A keen sense of History can be seen throughout the British Isles, but especially in London where historical buildings have been encased in mylex within the arcology - protecting them from time and wear for future generations. See the north Tower of the famous Tower of London prison - all that remains after the aberrant Dartmouth attacked in 2043. The British Royal families various estates are also available to visit, however the fees required for an in person tour may be prohibitive... The houses of parliament are particularly interesting and free to visit, especially the interior tour during which holograms of actual parliamentary sessions are replayed.... Several art museums along the Thames river... these are normally free...

Places to Avoid: The Soho district is a red light district of clubs and bars which tends to be considerably rougher than the Federated States equivalents. The area also plays host to a lively gambling and drugs scene which is frequently raided by members of the British Home Guard.

Camden is the the de-facto 'arty' area of the city, but Camden's Lower North Sector should be avoided due to a recent upsurge in BangPunk and AnimaGoth culture leading to a disturbing number of youths running wild looking for easy American Targets. If you feel you're being watched, activate a Home-Guard panic at any wall access panel. Be warned however, HomeGuard officers do not appreciate being talked back to and have the power to eject foreigners from the country.

Westminster Bridge, currently outside the arcology proper is the current project planned for Mylex encasement, however vagrants keep returning to the area disrupting the scheduled work despite HomeGuard intervention...

Diplomatic sectors and the area of the New Number 10 - seat of the British Prime Minister Basil Gatwick have been off limits to tourists since the great aberrant war..."

The liner grinds to a halt in a landing so smooth it was barely perceptable. The PA comes on "Thanks for flying our friendly skies with ClinTech, in co-operation with Rhinemettel and British Airways - here to carry you. Do call on us again!"

A five minute wait for baggage and the mere formality of flashing his British biometric id and prickings his finger at the scanners over with, Daniel finds himself, bags slug over his shoulder, on the edge of the faux-marble splendour of New Heathrow Terminal Nine and a rather more concretely looking industrial estate in the next sector. Travel options include Black Cab, Tube or a Sector Hopper Shuttle.

[phoenix]

Taka is his usual quiet, and dignified in a vaguely friendly way, self, though he passes on the trip entertainment.

[so Hastings is with T. & T.?]

[if anyone else feels the same way then please feel free to let me know and we can re-evaluate whether or not it's worth bothering with this game. Until then.]

[i know I'm still enjoying myself. If you're still game, I definitely am.]

[ezekiel]

"I recall asking you to tell me if you had any visions relevant to the mission. You don't seem to be doing that. Why is that exactly?"

"Have I ever given you any reason to doubt me? What visions relevant to de mission do you believe I've had?"

[knave]

Near the Howling Sparrow - Trinity Starport Chicago

"Have I ever given you any reason to doubt me? What visions relevant to de mission do you believe I've had?"

"Everytime you don't follow my orders. Take your doctor, but realise that this is the last time I pretend I authorised something in my report that you didn't tell me about beforehand."

And with that the Howling Sparrow is cleared for launch. While the path to France is magically cleared by Neptune division admin, exactly where you are going once you get there has not. Flying over France at lower altitudes is strongly discouraged, but unregulated due to radar and satellite blankspots and the fact that few besides the 6th Legion can be bothered to 'police a crater'.

Taka and Tiger Aboard the ClinTech Sub-Orbital Liner

[so Hastings is with T. & T.?]

{ Yes. You also notice that he is using his own (Hastings) ID }

The flight passes uneventfully.

Right before you disembark, Hastings indicates with a look that the two of you should wait for the saddos in coach while he exits with the big heels (aka the Kostbaar crew aka those with more than a few shiny Yuan).

You clear customs without a hitch despite an all too natural twinge of doubt before pricking your finger at the scanners.

Like most of the teeming throng of jumpsuited businesspeople about you (and the occasional more traditionally clad 'proper Englishman') your minicomps beep as soon as you get within range of the IR transmitters outside the customs checkpoint. Of course what you download along with your supposed itinaries is spam agent advetising. Spam that when decrypted (by a few simple, but effective, mental algorithms taught to you in your training) gives you the location of two Safe Houses - one in Camden Lower North sector and one in Kensington South. Neither is indicated, but you should probably 'opt-out' of recieving 'promotional gifts' from whichever you choose.

You also notice a bit of a commotion as you leave your terminal building as several film crews rush by. You clearly hear the words 'Qin delegation' hissed breathlessly from one overweight hardtech cameraman to his impeccably attired reporter.

[Archer21]

And with that the Howling Sparrow is cleared for launch. While the path to France is magically cleared by Neptune division admin, exactly where you are going once you get there has not. Flying over France at lower altitudes is strongly discouraged, but unregulated due to radar and satellite blankspots and the fact that few besides the 6th Legion can be bothered to 'police a crater'.

None too happy about their new passenger, Harker nevertheless lets the good doctor aboard. Utterly silent during the launch, he waits a good 20 minutes before finally speaking. "So...where to?"

[Asbjørn]

Spam that when decrypted (by a few simple, but effective, mental algorithms taught to you in your training) gives you the location of two Safe Houses - one in Camden Lower North sector and one in Kensington South.  Neither is indicated, but you should probably 'opt-out' of recieving 'promotional gifts' from whichever you choose.

Tiger indicates the safehouse nearest the summit location, glancing at Taka to see if he agrees.

You also notice a bit of a commotion as you leave your terminal building as several film crews rush by.  You clearly hear the words 'Qin delegation' hissed breathlessly from one overweight hardtech cameraman to his impeccably attired reporter.

Stretching to look over the heads of the crowd Tiger looks around for the aliens as they move towards the terminal exit, faking interest more than really feeling it...

Leaving the terminal Tiger heads for the tube - with Taka or on his own - determined to familiarize himself with the public transportation system as soon as possible. At a leisurely pace he makes his way towards the safehouse and equipment pickup, on the way making mental notes of tube stations, street layouts, surveillance, security and so on.

[phoenix]

Tiger indicates the safehouse nearest the summit location, glancing at Taka to see if he agrees.

Taka nods, and continues, with Tiger, to the safehouse chosen.

You also notice a bit of a commotion as you leave your terminal building as several film crews rush by.  You clearly hear the words 'Qin delegation' hissed breathlessly from one overweight hardtech cameraman to his impeccably attired reporter.

Taka casts a glance around, but doesn't rubber-neck. He effortlessly picks up his large duffel bag and continues on.

[ezekiel]

None too happy about their new passenger, Harker nevertheless lets the good doctor aboard. Utterly silent during the launch, he waits a good 20 minutes before finally speaking. "So...where to?"

Talvin waits a second before answering

"We could go to Domremy, Tamarika's alleged birthplace, but dat is likely to be a red herring. I suggest we go to Lyon and try to find Elena Rossoux. If she did see her, we can use that to find her..."

[knave]

Taka and Tiger - Loosed on London

The reporters and rubber-necking pseudo Qindo soon create such pedestrian jam that Taka and Tiger are pretty much forced to elbow and push their way through the fringe of the crowd. Each contact with a native Brit produces a "Oh, terribly sorry." or "Sorry, mate." although they don't seem to be sorry enough to actually make way. Soon enough a group of grey clad and pistol carrying Homeguard security guards appear and the crowd rapidly thins. The two actually catch a glimpse of the pastel blues and greens of a 7 foot Qin battlesuited warrior at the far end of the terminal just as they are leaving the main hall.

Deciding on the Kensington Safehouse due to its relative proximity (just a 5 minute tube ride) to the Olympia Conference Center in which the Summit is to be held, Taka and Tiger make their way along several travelators to Terminal 9's Tube Station. They find the platform bustling with people of every imaginable ethnicity, but all of them seem to be speaking with one or another of the myriad of British accents. For some reason there is a group of four men in clown suits (complete with red noses and outsided shoes, but carrying briefcases) at one end of the platform. Everyone else appears to be avoid eye contact with them even more than they're avoiding eye contact with one another.

A clear but authoritative voice comes over the PA. "Attention, attention. This is a Homeguard Security Announcement. For your own safety, please report anything suspicious at your nearest wall security panel." A quick glance about reveals at least three security panels along the wall that people aren't standing in front of.

A mildly grubby red and white tube train arrives, the mylex security screens slide back and the train doors open. Some brave passengers quickly disembark with their luggage and then those waiting on the platform all seem to push in at once. Taka and Tiger, travelling relatively light, manage to get seats. Once on the train people seem even more reticent to look at each other. Some pull on hud-glasses, some bury themselves in actual books, and a few others pretend to sleep.

Half an hour and a few line changes later, the two get out at 'street level' (always a relative term in an arcology) and emerge onto a wide, tree lined street under a pleastant holographic sky. Expensive looking houses and large ornate blocks of flats line the street on either side - mainly painted in whites but with some browns, pale reds and blues.

The safehouse turns out to be the basement and ground floor of one of these blocks of flats. The front door and security screen swing open easily once the entrance code has been entered into the antiquated security panel. Inside the place is pretty spaceous (especially for the UK) and decorated in an extremely minimalist glass and steel style that went out of fashion in the FSA at least nine years ago. All told safe house has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two entrance onto different roads and one subterranean tunnel bolt hole leading into some Underground maintenance tunnels. Once Taka and Tiger have looked around a bit, there is a pinging sound from the living room's communication panel - which quickly resolves itself into the image of Hector Ramirez - the hansom latin Trinity liason officer whose star is all too definitely on the rise.

"Good, good. You're here. I'll come around tomorrow at noon and we can have that chat we're due - if that's alright with you. Until then - well, I'm sure you'll think of something to do. By the way, I've left a present for you in the downstairs closet."

Sure enough, Taka and Tiger find a hidden cache of the equipment they'd asked for, right there.

[phoenix]

"Good, good. You're here. I'll come around tomorrow at noon and we can have that chat we're due - if that's alright with you. Until then - well, I'm sure you'll think of something to do. By the way, I've left a present for you in the downstairs closet."

Taka nods.

"Good. Until tomorrow at noon, then."

Casting a glance out the glass pane serving as the living room's wall, Taka opens the door to the closet.

Sure enough, Taka and Tiger find a hidden cache of the equipment they'd asked for, right there.

Taka walks by the closet. Casting a glance to Tiger (with a decidedly un-Takalike slight jerk to the motion), he explains,

"I didn't req anything. Anything we might need that customs would have a problem with, they'll probably issue us for Guard duty anyway. Robert gave you the passcode to the stash, right?"

As Taka carries his bag up to his quarters, Tiger notes that Taka has slipped into his rougher, more British voice since the ride began, though he had been silent for most of it.

[Asbjørn]

Kensington:

The safehouse turns out to be the basement and ground floor of one of these blocks of flats.  The front door and security screen swing open easily once the entrance code has been entered into the antiquated security panel.  Inside the place is pretty spaceous (especially for the UK) and decorated in an extremely minimalist glass and steel style that went out of fashion in the FSA at least nine years ago.  All told safe house has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two entrance onto different roads and one subterranean tunnel bolt hole leading into some Underground maintenance tunnels.

Tiger takes his time getting to know the place, examining the security system and memorizing the layout and furnishing of the flat both mentally and digitally - having his minicomp record a 3d-map of the place and connecting it to surveillance cameras if there are any - as well as scouting the underground exit.

Once Taka and Tiger have looked around a bit, there is a pinging sound from the living room's communication panel - which quickly resolves itself into the image of Hector Ramirez - the hansom latin Trinity liason officer whose star is all too definitely on the rise.

"Good, good.  You're here. I'll come around tomorrow at noon and we can have that chat we're due - if that's alright with you.  Until then - well, I'm sure you'll think of something to do.  By the way, I've left a present for you in the downstairs closet."

Sure enough, Taka and Tiger find a hidden cache of the equipment they'd asked for, right there.

Unlike his partner, Tiger has requested a number of things. Medical equipment, various intelligence gathering equipment, weapons - both his personal preferences and Home Guard standard issue, clothes, personal effects, money and so on are removed from the cache. Most of it is brought up to his bedroom, before he starts turning one of the bedrooms - preferably one connected to a bathroom - into a makeshift field hospital. A medkit complete with bandages, trauma foam, a neoplasma kit, various simple surgical instruments and clean towels are stashed in closets and drawers around the bed, readily available but hidden from a casual search.

That done, he goes to take a shower and reemerges a short while later in a Home Guard's off duty clothes, his hair temporarily dyed blonde and a tribal tattoo going up his right arm and disappearing under his t-shirt.

Doublechecking that he's got his ID and permits in order, he looks in on his partner.

"Hey. I thought I'd go check out the lay of the land over at the other safehouse. Figured that since we're gonna be in a hurry if we need it it can't hurt to look around a bit in advance."

"And I was thinking of finding a pub somewhere far from here, get a pint and watch a game of football. Get in touch with the spirit of London, you know... You coming?"

With or without Taka he heads out again, first taking the tube to Camden and checking out the area around the safehouse and the fastest ways in and out, then somewhere downtown for a few beers. If the law permits - or requires - a Home Guard to carry weapons he'll bring a shoulderholstered pistol, if not, he'll just be carrying his trusty concealed knife...

[phoenix]

"And I was thinking of finding a pub somewhere far from here, get a pint and watch a game of football. Get in touch with the spirit of London, you know... You coming?"

Taka nods.

"I think so."

He quickly dons his jacket and, apparently unconcerned with the absence of a sidearm, follows Tiger out the door.

[Archer21]

Their pilot shrugs, and enters the course. "Lyon it is. Feel free to take a nap, I'll let you know when we get there."

[knave]

Low Over France

Scant hours after leaving Aeon headquarters in Chicago the Howling Sparrow begins her descent over shattered France. Topographic holos appear to help Harker better navigate the landing in the absence of traffic control. Thick and bizarrely twisted vegetation marks the large Rayonnaire in the Rhone valley to the North of the city. To the East lie the perpetually snow covered Rhone Alps. Pleasant looking (from this altitude at least) fields stretch off to the South. The West is a brown and undulating hill country. The city itself is a broken shadow of the past. The displays indicate that the detritus of fallen buildings has been reused in barricades which partially surround the settled areas and nearby farmsteads.

"warning! warning! warning! Target Lock! Target Lock! Incoming kinetic projectiles!" the normally placid ship's agent screeches.

"attacker located!" The relief hologram spins to a vertical aspect - three large and heavily armoured ground vehicles moving in convey into the Rayonnaire - the central vehicle is firing its dorsal cannons!

Suddenly the cockpit becomes the inside of a ringing bell resonating and bucking under a continuous enfilade of cannonfire.

[knave]

If the law permits - or requires - a Home Guard to carry weapons he'll bring a shoulderholstered pistol, if not, he'll just be carrying his trusty concealed knife...

{Homeguard members must carry sidearms openly if in uniform, and may carry them concealed (only) if not. No-one else in the UK, aside from the military proper, may carry firearms}

London Arcology: Camden Town

With or without Taka he heads out again, first taking the tube to Camden and checking out the area around the safehouse and the fastest ways in and out, then somewhere downtown for a few beers.

Approaching Camden Town station is somewhat strange. The first thing Taka and Tiger notice is that the demographic of the tube passegers. Smartly clad Biz people are slowly replaced by some dirtier, some gothier, many more tattooed and certainly more pierced passengers. The attitude of these new travellers is markedly different as well. Rather than avoid eye-contact they stare openly. The occasional comment is passed between strangers, "Nice eyebrow chain." and the like. No special notice is paid to Taka or Tiger, though both realise that Tiger's 'very plainclothes' look has been noted.

Emerging from the grimy mouth of the earth the two enter open air. The central Camden region itself is surrounded by arcology, but not included. Under a dreary but open sky the panhandlers and buskers, tinkers and small traders by the thousand ply their trade up and down a narrow street. All about people wear real leather and spurn Kostbaar's jumpsuit revolution.

A tall, plain girl with pink hair and studded eyebrows angrily presses a 'Save the French' flyer into Taka's hand.

Several pubs present themselves on the walk to the Lower North sector address. The Speckled Foul, The Black Rose, The Queen's Beard, The Fallen Flagon...

And up ahead German tourist (plain from the belly, exposed legs and sandals with socks) gets into a vocal disagreement with a towering seven foot tall small trader over the price of a T-Shirt. The customer, an older man, gathers his family about him and waves an accusatory finger in the face of the nose-ring pierced giant who shakes his head back. All seems surreally normal until four blue-football-shirted skinheads approach. The biggest and fattest of the four waves a hand at the giant, "Oi, Jimmy, this kraut bovvering you? 'Fink we'll bovver 'is wife, eh?" The skinhead's hand shoots out and cruelly grabs the sundress clad wife by the breast. The blond 10 year old son leaps at him and the even younger daughter wails. The German's face registers shock, his wife's pain, and even 'Jimmy' looks taken aback.

[phoenix]

Homeguard members must carry sidearms openly if in uniform, and may carry them concealed (only) if not.

[Oh.. Would you consider it dramatic editing, in that case, for me to say Taka has a gun on him?] ::confused

A tall, plain girl with pink hair and studded eyebrows angrily presses a 'Save the French' flyer into Taka's hand.

Taka takes the flyer, scans it, and pockets it, walking on.

And up ahead German tourist (plain from the belly, exposed legs and sandals with socks) gets into a vocal disagreement with a towering seven foot tall small trader over the price of a T-Shirt. The customer, an older man, gathers his family about him and waves an accusatory finger in the face of the nose-ring pierced giant who shakes his head back. All seems surreally normal until four blue-football-shirted skinheads approach. The biggest and fattest of the four waves a hand at the giant, "Oi, Jimmy, this kraut bovvering you? 'Fink we'll bovver 'is wife, eh?" The skinhead's hand shoots out and cruelly grabs the sundress clad wife by the breast. The blond 10 year old son leaps at him and the even younger daughter wails. The German's face registers shock, his wife's pain, and even 'Jimmy' looks taken aback.

Seeing the blue-shirted toughs begin to accost the tourist, Taka approaches silently. As he passes Tiger, he pats the spot on his own person where Tiger has hidden the gun on his. He walks, without pausing, right into the midst of the group.

Slowly, deliberately, he removes his wallet, and from the sparse cash he had decided to carry with him, counts out an amount to match the merchant's price.

He pauses for a moment. If the tough does not at least release the woman's breast, and there is no other reaction to this, he will reach out with his right hand to take the arm squeezing the tourist's breast and squeeze it until it lets go. With his left, he will remove his Home Guard I.D. from his jacket and display it.

"Reiji Matsumo and Gary Landis, Home Guardsmen."

If Tiger has his gun ready by this point, he will add,

"On the ground, face down, hands on top of your head."

[Archer21]

"SON OF A....!"

Banking hard right, Harker immediately starts evasive maneuvers, punching the throttle and aiming for open sky.

Unnerved by the suddenness of the attack, he snaps back at his passengers. "Why the hell weren't one of you scanning for threats like this? Get on the comm and tell them to stop shooting!"

[ezekiel]

Unnerved by the suddenness of the attack, he snaps back at his passengers. "Why the hell weren't one of you scanning for threats like this? Get on the comm and tell them to stop shooting!"

*Because if I'd told you, we may have died here...*

"I can't speak French...Dr?"

Talvin looks at the Doctor, nodding towards the communications panel...and smiles knowingly

*He was needed*

[Asbjørn]

Seeing the blue-shirted toughs begin to accost the tourist, Taka approaches silently. As he passes Tiger, he pats the spot on his own person where Tiger has hidden the gun on his. He walks, without pausing, right into the midst of the group.

Tiger briefly nods in reply, opens his jacket and follows Taka through the crowd, stopping outside the circle of skinheads to keep an eye on their reactions.

Slowly, deliberately, he removes his wallet, and from the sparse cash he had decided to carry with him, counts out an amount to match the merchant's price.

Gary looks a little surprised at his partner and almost comments his way of handling things, but stops short of actually saying anything. His right hand is on the gun under his jacket, ready to draw if necessary.

Should any of the thugs turn more violent, he'll draw his gun on him and - if necessary - shoot, but not to kill.

"On the ground, face down, hands on top of your head."

If - by some freak chance or accident - things go smoothly this far ::rolleyes , Gary plays along, pulling his gun on the four thugs and adding

"Do as he says, boys. Kiss the street. Now."

[knave]

France

Banking hard right, Harker immediately starts evasive maneuvers, punching the throttle and aiming for open sky.

The Howling Sparrow jinks left and right, rolls and breaks under Harker's expert control. The cannon fire goes wild.

"Gott!" Herman yells as G forces suddenly triple.

The ship's agent keeps flicking up information on the viewscreens and holos and speaking it as well. "anti-lock counter measures active. attacker targetted and locked. likely target group identified and locked. additional area threats minimal. attacker target system identified - system slice initiated. 90% fire corridor prediction" The view screen ahead of Harker starts indicating where the firing is most likely to go next.

*Because if I'd told you, we may have died here...*

"I can't speak French...Dr?"

Talvin looks at the Doctor, nodding towards the communications panel...and smiles knowingly

*He was needed*

But Talvin's confidence takes a bit of a knock as Herman activates the console and yells "Merde! Stop shooting! Stop shooting!" in his loudest French... and the reply comes in German. Fortunately the shooting also stops almost immediately.

"damage report: point to point antenna inoperable. seconadary landing sensors damaged. aft port landing gear bay door damaged, remains operable. assessment: minimal functionality loss." appears on Harker's screen.

"Sorry sorry! Please don't return fire. Please don't return fire!" the german voice screeches from the console. A 'safari' jumpsuited agent appears - switching to English as the vehicle communication systems interchange their cursory parameters "I am very sorry. This is Trauma Tour Four. One of our customers got a little over-excited with the weapons. I am very sorry."

"Scheiße," the doctor groans... and Talvin is suddenly absolutely sure that he will be proven right... the question is when.

[knave]

{

[Oh.. Would you consider it dramatic editing, in that case, for me to say Taka has a gun on him?]

go ahead! ::biggrin }

Camden Market

Taka takes the flyer, scans it, and pockets it, walking on.

Save The French!

The French have faced adversity at every turn! The World Wars, The Aberrant War, The Esperenza, New Paris. And lets not forget that our Government has given them no aid for twenty years! The French are our neighbours, we should do right by them! Support the Gatwick Plan. Show the doubters that the Prime Minister has got things right for once! call this number to pledge your support: savethefrench@oneeurope

Seeing the blue-shirted toughs begin to accost the tourist, Taka approaches silently. As he passes Tiger, he pats the spot on his own person where Tiger has hidden the gun on his. He walks, without pausing, right into the midst of the group.

Tiger briefly nods in reply, opens his jacket and follows Taka through the crowd, stopping outside the circle of skinheads to keep an eye on their reactions.

Slowly, deliberately, Taka removes his wallet, and from the sparse cash he had decided to carry with him, counts out an amount to match the merchant's price.

'Jimmy', the big merchant's eye widen with incomprehension and not a little fear as the Nihonjin man starts counting out crisp plastic notes in front of him. He takes a step back and holds up his hands as if you say 'I don't want trouble' - a move that seems incongruous with his size, leathers and pierced features.

Gary looks a little surprised at his partner and almost comments his way of handling things, but stops short of actually saying anything. His right hand is on the gun under his jacket, ready to draw if necessary.

The lead tough glares across at Taka, "You want trouble, slopey?" he spits while grimacing and twisting the now screaming woman to the ground. The second of the blues makes a grab for the man's son, while a third takes a kick at the german father himself as he curses and tries to get to his wife.

Taka's arm shoots outs and grab's the lead blue's arm just above the wrist and starts to squeeze. Pain flickers across the thug's face as Taka's brutish strengh begins to show and his own grip loosens involuntarily.

The forth blue darts forward - only to find Tiger's pistol in his his face. He backs off then - arms raised.

"Reiji Matsumo and Gary Landis, Home Guardsmen."

"On the ground, face down, hands on top of your head."

"Oh, Jesus!" the man in Tiger's sights wails.

Gary plays along, pulling his gun on the four thugs and adding

"Do as he says, boys. Kiss the street. Now."

The toughs release the tourists and get down onto the street like they know the drill, but not before the leader sneers, "Was a time 'en the 'omeGuard cared about Brits and not the ****ing Krauts. Deport the ****s. You know their type, mate. They just want wot's ours."

[phoenix]

"Was a time 'en the 'omeGuard cared about Brits and not the ****ing Krauts. Deport the ****s. You know their type, mate. They just want wot's ours."

Taka recalls his not inconsiderable research, then replies simply,

"Yes, there was."

Keeping an eye on the thugs, he issues a call to the local Home Guard dispatcher (or the equivalent), using an ordinary minicomp's phone function instead of a radio implant for the benefit of those present. Then he leans against the merchant's stand in order to await their arrival.

[Asbjørn]

Keeping an eye on the thugs, he issues a call to the local Home Guard dispatcher (or the equivalent), using an ordinary minicomp's phone function instead of a radio implant for the benefit of those present.

"Wait.", Tiger interrupts him before the call goes through.

"What the 'ell are you doing, mate? We going to wait around 'ere till a patrol finds this middle of nowhere neighbourhood and waste the evening writing reports about nothing?!? We're off duty, mate, and I want a beer. I'm not going to 'ang around 'ere for ages because of some stupid tourist who didn't read the guidebook properly."

He then turns to the german family and says

"You people get lost, verstehen sie? Get back to your 'otel, or go see the bloody tower or something. I don't know how long we'll bother keeping these fellas here."

[Archer21]

"Sorry sorry! Please don't return fire. Please don't return fire!" the german voice screeches from the console. A 'safari' jumpsuited agent appears - switching to English as the vehicle communication systems interchange their cursory parameters "I am very sorry. This is Trauma Tour Four. One of our customers got a little over-excited with the weapons. I am very sorry."

Grinding his teeth, the clairsentient pilot at the helm growls back at the Doctor. "Instruct him to stop all their vehicles immediately and power down weapons, or I'll turn their caravan into a smoking crater. After that, politely request directions to the nearest landing area to Lyons."

Suiting actions to words, Harker gently inverts his hybrid, arcing around to bring his guns in range, and confirms a firing solution. Hovering there, the Howling Sparrow waits.