Adventure!: In Search of Inspiration - In Search of Inspiration

[SkyLion]

"Does it.. does it move?"

"Ah. Excuse my manners. I forget that you are unfamiliar with many of the marvels of the western world." Li moves towards the rear forward steam engine to show the young hunter. "It is called a "locomotive." It moves through the harnessing of steampower which turns these wheels here and propels it forward along the tracks..."

When do we push off for Los Angeles?

"Immediatly. Gentleman, welcome aboard."

Li will conduct a thorough tour of the public areas of the train, allowing Asura to make himself comfortable in their quarters. He will show each of them to their private suites, invite them to enjoy a sumptuous soak in the bathhouse and then join him in the observation deck for strategy and brandy. Upon boarding the train he will have given the order to get underway...

[Shade Sentinel]

"Immediatly. Gentleman, welcome aboard."

Li will conduct a thorough tour of the public areas of the train, allowing Asura to make himself comfortable in their quarters. He will show each of them to their private suites, invite them to enjoy a sumptuous soak in the bathhouse and then join him in the observation deck for strategy and brandy. Upon boarding the train he will have given the order to get underway...

After depositing his personal items in his room, Dr. Bryce takes a quick tour of the train and marvels at its construction. (( If there are any rooms containing artifacts and or historical items, he will spend time examining them. ))

Other than that he will locate Li-Shen on the Observation deck and relax. Cigarette and brandy!

[phoenix]

Skeptical Joshua steps carefully onto the deck of the train, looking around at the many wonders it has to offer for the better part of an hour.

Afterwards, he retreats to his quarters, dispenses with the brown shirt he wore in Mercer's mansion in favor of his bare, blue-tattooed chest, and washes himself. Afterwards, he joins Li-Shen and Dr. Bryce on the observation deck, with a square smile at each.

"How do we plan to locate the cultists and demons once we arrive in Sacramento?"

[Shade Sentinel]

"How do we plan to locate the cultists and demons once we arrive in Sacramento?"

"I believe this moving fortress is taking us a bit further south to Los Angeles my friend. The trip to Sacramento will follow it up shortly as will our dealings in San Francisco. California will see its fill of us before the end. Ahh, Beaches and sunshine awaits!"

[phoenix]

[OOC: Sorry, OOC mistake, carry on.]

[SkyLion]

Li-Shen is waiting for the others in the observation deck, the image of perfection as always. Asura is curled a corner of the room, while Li stands looking out across the passing countryside. The room is covered in rich mahogany and the entire upper half is made of square, and circular windows, held in place with gleaming brass fittings. The armored cowl that protects it has been retracted to the lower deck and the glow of dusk permeates the setting. Circular portals have raised slightly from the transparent cieling, allowing for ventilation and fresh air, though the aromatic smells of Li-Shens fine tobacco linger sweetly. When the others arrive, Li goes over to the well-stocked bar and uncorks a bottle of his finest.

"Smooth or on the rocks?"

"How do we plan to locate the cultists and demons once we arrive in Los Angeles?"

"I suggest we first follow up on the police reports, and discreetly. No doubt the dragon has spies even within the constabulary. I may be able to help somewhat in this area as I tend to leave less "tracks" to follow."

"Joshua, unfortunately you are at a bit of a disadvantage in the navigation of our modern world. Many customs will seem strange to you, and so I suggest you stick with us until you have become more familiar with the mores of the land. Los Angeles has a bright veneer, but a bleak underbelly. For all the glitterati and pompous pretense, the city is rife with drugs and corruption. It is no surprise that the Dragon has chosen this as his port of entrance."

"And you Doctor. What are your areas of expertise?"

[Shade Sentinel]

"And you Doctor. What are your areas of expertise?"

Dr. Bryce leans casually back in his chair sipping his brandy.

"As a historian and archaeologist I've had the privelage of years of field work which test both the mind and ones physical resolve. Being that I'm here to tell you, I've pleasantly survived such endeavors unspoiled. I'm certainly not in class as ones such as yourself and Mr. Joshua, but I'm capable."

[SkyLion]

"Very good Doctor. We might also consider a brief stop in Las Vegas along our way. I could perform a show as a cover while we contact the local mob. It sounds like a turf war is brewing between various factions and we may find unexpected allies in the Family which has just lost four of its soldiers."

[BlueNinja]

The train chugs along from Chicago to Las Vegas, passing through a number of smaller cities and towns along the way. After three days of rather peaceful travel, the train pulls into Las Vegas around three in the afternoon, the sun blazing down in what must be temperatures of 110*F. The animals are listless in their cages, panting heavily, as they have been since you descended from the Rockies to head this direction.

Still, the noise from the casinos can be heard from only a few blocks away, a raucous party in progress. Las Vegas is only starting her future as a Mafia town, but the casinos and brothels are easily evident to a jaded eye.

[Shade Sentinel]

The train chugs along from Chicago to Las Vegas, passing through a number of smaller cities and towns along the way. After three days of rather peaceful travel, the train pulls into Las Vegas around three in the afternoon, the sun blazing down in what must be temperatures of 110*F. The animals are listless in their cages, panting heavily, as they have been since you descended from the Rockies to head this direction.

Still, the noise from the casinos can be heard from only a few blocks away, a raucous party in progress. Las Vegas is only starting her future as a Mafia town, but the casinos and brothels are easily evident to a jaded eye.

Dr. Bryce steps off the train and surveys the local townspeople as he wipes his brow, now grown dirty with dust clinging to sweat. He was dressed like he was ready for a dig, and though he fit in physically, his appearance was confusing. He looked similar to a cowboy, with a leather hat, boots and a pistol holstered at his hip. At the same time, he caried the largest Knife the people had seen and a whip as well. He looked prepared for all terrain. To top it off, he still wore his spectacles.

"Ahh, breathe in that air boys. This desert is dry but the skys are lovely. Remember, its dry heat, the adverse effects are much lower that the Chicago weather."

"Good afternoon my lady." He say while tipping his hat to a passing woman.

[SkyLion]

The train chugs along from Chicago to Las Vegas, passing through a number of smaller cities and towns along the way. After three days of rather peaceful travel, the train pulls into Las Vegas around three in the afternoon, the sun blazing down in what must be temperatures of 110*F. The animals are listless in their cages, panting heavily, as they have been since you descended from the Rockies to head this direction.

Still, the noise from the casinos can be heard from only a few blocks away, a raucous party in progress. Las Vegas is only starting her future as a Mafia town, but the casinos and brothels are easily evident to a jaded eye.

((The "special accomodations" for the tigers includes climate control similar to the arboretum. The tigers come from a tropical environment so are used to the heat somewhat...usually stay in the shade. The tiger car uses pressure differential creation to suck in air and is cooled if need be through water vaporation tubes. The humidity is maintianed via separate cisterns and they have a pool section ion their car also to keep cool. All low tech though ingenious solutions possible with the technology of the day. By no means are the magnificent animals kept in cages.))

Li-Shen smiles a hawk's smile.

"You look right at home doctor! Joshua, if you like, I could have a skilled tailor outfit you in the finest and most comfortable fashions. Gentlemen, I have arranged for a special show tommorow evening. Tonight, let us enjoy the sumptuaries this boom town has to offer and make contact with the local Family"

[Shade Sentinel]

Dr. Bryce removes his hat and wipes his forearm across his brow. Systematically replacing his hat when the task was done.

"You're arranged a show? Already? Well I'm most eager to see you in action sir. It has occured to me that an old associate of mine headed out west and settled not far from here if I'm not mistaken. Perhaps he could assist us with the other matters at hand. You're all welcome to come along if you wish!"

(( I'm hoping to locate a contact of mine somewhere near town. He's a geologist named Harold Mauer. He was hired to help with the large mining operations. Hey may be able to help us in locating the "shady" characters in town ))

(( If anyone chooses to come with great. If not we can arrange a time and meeting place, and I'll be off to search for my friend ))

[phoenix]

Joshua, if you like, I could have a skilled tailor outfit you in the finest and most comfortable fashions.

Joshua nods slowly, absorbing the sentence.

"All right," he says. "Thank you for the offer. I am aware that dress carries important messages, and since yours is alien to me I am happy to put myself in the hands of people like Sarah Gettel and yourself."

[OOC: Sorry, I didn't realize I hadn't posted in so long. Joshua will accompany Li-Shen to the "family" meeting, and let Dr. Bryce tend to his contact alone.]

[BlueNinja]

(( I'm hoping to locate a contact of mine somewhere near town. He's a geologist named Harold Mauer. He was hired to help with the large mining operations. Hey may be able to help us in locating the "shady" characters in town ))

After about half an hour of asking around, someone points you towards a boarding house on the southern edge of the city. Apparently, there's an archeology group out here from New York who will be investigating one of the cliff dwellings in Arizona, and your good friend Harold has signed on to help them with identifying some of the rock types.

"Gentlemen, I have arranged for a special show tommorow evening. Tonight, let us enjoy the sumptuaries this boom town has to offer and make contact with the local Family"

(Oh, this is going to end badly. Very badly. Since Li just botched a Savvy roll.) Li and Joshua visit a tailor, and get Joshua a subdued looking suit, which the tailor promises will be done by that evening. Then they set out to try and find some of the loval Mafia's businesses and attempt to make contact. Unfortunately, Li realizes just a little too late that the first place they step into is a speak-easy, and then the police break down the door behind them. The bartenders and bouncers go for their guns, the police go for theirs, and all hell is about to break loose.

(Initiative:

Li is going at 14, Joshua at 15. Tell me what you're doing.)

[SkyLion]

((Guess Li didnt notice the sting about to go down...I hate it when I botch rolls I didnt ask for! ::tongue ))

,,

(Since Joshua has a 1-up on intiative this might not work but Li will attempt)

,,

Li Attempts to move in front of Joshua, spending an inspiration point to throw up his force field in front of both of them. He raises his hand, invokes all the fearsome presence he can muster, and shouts in his most commanding and intimidating voice "HOLD YOUR FIRE!"

[Shade Sentinel]

After about half an hour of asking around, someone points you towards a boarding house on the southern edge of the city. Apparently, there's an archeology group out here from New York who will be investigating one of the cliff dwellings in Arizona, and your good friend Harold has signed on to help them with identifying some of the rock types.

Dr. Bryce locates the heavy set geologist almost immediately and quickly joins his old colleague for a quick reunion and shared pleasantries.

" Harold, I know this will sound strange...but I don't suppose you still have any pull with any of the families out here? A lifetime ago as they say, but I'm in a bind and could use a nudge. I'll spring for dinner, and a case of scotch? "

The last line should hopefully seal the deal. Harold is a HUGE scotch fan.

(( If he can't provide any information or assistance, I'll still treat him to dinner. Catch up with him and be on my way to locate my partners. Keeping a keen eye open for any under the table business, booze running, clubs without signs, etc... )

[phoenix]

Not our fight.

Joshua simply walks out of the way of the crossfire and stands near a window (but not in front of it). He tries to make himself inconspicuous, but stands ready to hit the deck if anyone starts trying to shoot him.

[SkyLion]

Seeing Joshua back away, Li gives an internal sigh of relief. He will attempt to duck back as well, though he will still keep the force field between them, lest any stray shots come in their direction...

[BlueNinja]

Dr. Bryce locates the heavy set geologist almost immediately and quickly joins his old colleague for a quick reunion and shared pleasantries.

" Harold, I know this will sound strange...but I don't suppose you still have any pull with any of the families out here? A lifetime ago as they say, but I'm in a bind and could use a nudge. I'll spring for dinner, and a case of scotch? "

The last line should hopefully seal the deal. Harold is a HUGE scotch fan.

(( If he can't provide any information or assistance, I'll still treat him to dinner. Catch up with him and be on my way to locate my partners. Keeping a keen eye open for any under the table business, booze running, clubs without signs, etc... )

"Me? Why Jackson, you know damn well I never do anything underhanded! ... er, wait, did you say scotch? Well, I don't know anyone personally you understand, but I know a guy who knows a guy," He goes on for a few moments, but you know which of the casinos to try to make contact at. Dinner goes fairly well; there's an Italian restaurant off casino row that makes gourmet pizza. Which seems a little odd, until you realize that whoever cooks them could probably make thousands in a city like New York or Chicago.

----

The police storm in, the bartender comes up with a shotgun, and in moments the air is full of flying lead. Only a very few of them hit on Li's telekinetic field, but it's enough to send one of the gangsters diving through a boarded-up window and into the waiting arms of the police backup. When the gangsters are all dead or surrendered, the customers rounded up into the waiting police vehicles, and the injured cops dragged out, three of them with revolvers still drawn move over to surrounded Li and Joshua. "Throw down your weapons! You're under arrest for trafficking in alcohol!"

One of them glances at the other (wearing lieutenant's markings), "Um, sir?"

"Shut up, Dale! There's nobody in here but the guilty!"

[phoenix]

"Throw down your weapons! You're under arrest for trafficking in alcohol!"

Joshua shrugs. He hasn't drawn his weapons to begin with.

"Shut up, Dale! There's nobody in here but the guilty!"

Joshua rests his palms on the handles of his knives and looks over at Li-Shen, prepared to follow the Oriental's lead.

[Shade Sentinel]

Dr. Bryce finnishes his meal, thanks his friend for the information and makes his way back towards the train to locate his Associates.

( Li-shen is out of place enough, that combined he and Joshua should stand out for me to spot on the way back, if possible.)

[SkyLion]

When the gangsters are all dead or surrendered, the customers rounded up into the waiting police vehicles, and the injured cops dragged out, three of them with revolvers still drawn move over to surrounded Li and Joshua. "Throw down your weapons! You're under arrest for trafficking in alcohol!"

One of them glances at the other (wearing lieutenant's markings), "Um, sir?"

"Shut up, Dale! There's nobody in here but the guilty!"

Li-Shen, easily the best dressed and looking every bit the tycoon, smiles an alligator smile. He pulls a cigar from his jacket (calmly with the invisible psychic force still active) and regards it with an expression of curiosity as he lets go and it continues to hang in mid-air (grabbing it with the psychic hand and dropping the force field).

Glancing up with only a movement of his eyes in a sidelong and sinister fashion he replies,

"You should listen to your underling luftenant. Or may I offer you this cigar in congratulations of your early retirement...which should begin shortly after your superiors learn that you pointed a loaded firearm at my bodyguard and I..."

(subtle-type intimidation roll please)

[BlueNinja]

Li-Shen, easily the best dressed and looking every bit the tycoon, smiles an alligator smile. He pulls a cigar from his jacket (calmly with the invisible psychic force still active) and regards it with an expression of curiosity as he lets go and it continues to hang in mid-air (grabbing it with the psychic hand and dropping the force field).

Glancing up with only a movement of his eyes in a sidelong and sinister fashion he replies,

"You should listen to your underling luftenant. Or may I offer you this cigar in congratulations of your early retirement...which should begin shortly after your superiors learn that you pointed a loaded firearm at my bodyguard and I..."

(subtle-type intimidation roll please)

The other cops, not quite in unison, all ease back, their weapons all still out but none of them pointed quite straight at you. The lieutenant, brave enough (or clueless enough) continues without apparently noticing his sudden lack of backup. "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to bring you down to the station and book you with," his voice trails off as he finally notices that nothing is holding the cigar up in the air. "With, ah, resisting arrest." He holsters his gun with a remarkably non-shaking hand. "Step outside and get in the wagon."

As Dr. Bryce is coming up the street back towards the train station, he notices two unmistakable figures being led - unrestrained - into the back of a police vehicle. ::biggrin

[SkyLion]

The other cops, not quite in unison, all ease back, their weapons all still out but none of them pointed quite straight at you. The lieutenant, brave enough (or clueless enough) continues without apparently noticing his sudden lack of backup. "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to bring you down to the station and book you with," his voice trails off as he finally notices that nothing is holding the cigar up in the air. "With, ah, resisting arrest." He holsters his gun with a remarkably non-shaking hand. "Step outside and get in the wagon."

,,

Li-Shen smiles at the officer's obvious grit. "Ah, but Luftenant...Should I accompany to your auto-mobile...then I am hardly resisting now am I? And unarmed as well! Come then! I shall accompany you to your station...without resistance...and we shall see both what you will book me with...and what your Superiors will have to say about your indescretion..."

,,,,

As Dr. Bryce is coming up the street back towards the train station, he notices two unmistakable figures being led - unrestrained - into the back of a police vehicle. ::biggrin

,,

Li-Shen calmly puffing away at his now-lit cigar...

[phoenix]

Joshua continues to stand by Li-Shen, silent as an owl, and apparently willing to go along with whatever he decides.

[Shade Sentinel]

As Dr. Bryce is coming up the street back towards the train station, he notices two unmistakable figures being led - unrestrained - into the back of a police vehicle. biggrin.gif

Concerned and confused by this turn of events, he makes his way with haste towards the scene.

"Good afternoon Lt., my name is Jackson Bryce and these are my associates. What exactally is the charge here?"

(( I liked my other post. lol ::glare )

[SkyLion]

Concerned and confused by this turn of events, he makes his way with haste towards the scene.

"Good afternoon Lt., my name is Jackson Bryce and these are my associates. What exactally is the charge here?"

,,

Li-Shen snorts with derision. "Nothing more than a sizable demotion for our over-eager young officer here and a waste of our valuable time, unfortunately... Come!...Let us go to the station house and speak with his Commandant..."

[Shade Sentinel]

The Dr. looks at Li-Shen then back to the policemen.

" I should hope that it isn't judge Spicer. He and I go back a few and he'd be pretty pissed if me or my friends were wrongfully accused in his juristiction."

[phoenix]

Joshua watches the exchange with the poker face of a jungle cat. ::indifferent

I'm in way over my head. I have no idea if Li-Shen and Doctor Jackson Bryce are bluffing or, really, how well trained these troops are.

I wonder what's the worst that could happen if I just tore into them right now. I hope the other two aren't running on the assumption that..

Joshua takes Li-Shen by the shoulder and pulls him back, out of hearing range of the cops, then says in a low whisper, "Li-Shen, these soldiers do not look disciplined at all. You are aware that we could easily fight them and win, right?"

[SkyLion]

Joshua takes Li-Shen by the shoulder and pulls him back, out of hearing range of the cops, then says in a low whisper, "Li-Shen, these soldiers do not look disciplined at all. You are aware that we could easily fight them and win, right?"

Li-Shen seems to be actually enjoying himself.

He replies loud enough for the other officers to hear.

"Easy Joshua. These men aren't soldiers and they don't mean to harm us...they enforce the law and in this case are too ignorant too realize they have made a mistake. Except for perhaps that one." He indicates the officer who showed the wherewithall to question his superior. "As we have commited no crime, we are in no danger...unlike the career of some others." Li-shen continues to eye the lientenant with a predatory amusement

[BlueNinja]

Several of the regular officers are off in one little clump, arguing very quietly out of hearing of the Lieutenant. Finally two of them get into the other paddy wagon (the one loaded with the patrons of the speak-easy); the driver is the one Li gestures to. As they're driving away, another vehicle drives up, and an officer with Captain's bars gets out. "Lieutenant? What's the hold-up around here?"

"Well, sir, we caught these two inside the establishment, but the slant-eye is being troublesome." The lieutenant glowers, and the captain turns, studies the three of you, and then turns back to him.

"I'll handle this, you have the men close up the building and collect the evidence." The captain comes over, and gestures Li, Jackson, and Joshua over across the street. "Look, gentlemen, let's make this fast. You," he points at Jackson, "look like the type to be frequenting such an illegal place of business, but my El Tee says you weren't inside. You," he points at Li, "are wearing a suit that probably cost more than my monthly salary, and you," he points at Joshua, "don't look like your ancestors moved up out of the Dark Ages. So, what were you doing in that place, and how long were you there?" The question is obviously addressed to Li, but it's clear the captain is someone who knows his job well - he's standing so that he can see all of you, and so that he could get to his gun before any of you could pull one out of concealment.

[SkyLion]

Li-Shen moves closer, in a non-threatening manner, so as to speak with more discretion. His body language makes this clear: He moves from the waist, his arms and hands relaxed at his side and he keeps eye contact with the Captain.

In a low voice he replies,

"Actually Capitan... we are here on an investgation of our own...perhaps we could speak somewhere more private?"

[BlueNinja]

In a low voice he replies,

"Actually Capitan... we are here on an investgation of our own...perhaps we could speak somewhere more private?"

He studies you carefully for a moment, then grunts, hooking his thumbs through his belt. "You're not cops, or you would have just pulled a badge. You guys private dicks or sommat like that?" He glances at Joshua, the blue tattoos a little out of place with the suit. "I'm guessing you do the questioning with the ... uncooperative ones."

[Shade Sentinel]

He studies you carefully for a moment, then grunts, hooking his thumbs through his belt. "You're not cops, or you would have just pulled a badge. You guys private dicks or sommat like that?" He glances at Joshua, the blue tattoos a little out of place with the suit. "I'm guessing you do the questioning with the ... uncooperative ones."

Still pouring over the comments made by the Captain.

"...you're saying I'm look like one who visits illegal establishments..." As he finnishes a faint smile comes across his face. As in rememberence.

" The local magistrate in Egypt said the same thing, that was just before I provided him with a find of remarkable historical signifigance. Also, what makes you think I can't interrogate prisoners? I have a large knife too!"

The last remark made in jest as the Dr. arms cross at the chest.

[SkyLion]

He studies you carefully for a moment, then grunts, hooking his thumbs through his belt. "You're not cops, or you would have just pulled a badge. You guys private dicks or sommat like that?" He glances at Joshua, the blue tattoos a little out of place with the suit. "I'm guessing you do the questioning with the ... uncooperative ones."

Li-Shen laughs jovially. "Us? Officer's of the law!? Hardly. My name is Li-Shen Long, Magician and performer extraordinaire. This is Joshua, my personal bodyguard, and this is Dr. Bryce, an archeologist of some renown and a personal friend. We would be pleased to answer all of your questions somewhere...less exposed..." Li gestures to the dusty streets and the general commotion of the Sting and subsequent onlookers.

[phoenix]

"I'm guessing you do the questioning with the ... uncooperative ones."

Joshua shrugged. Actually, he's never had the stomach for torture - but whatever the trooper wants to believe.

[BlueNinja]

Li-Shen laughs jovially. "Us? Officer's of the law!? Hardly. My name is Li-Shen Long, Magician and performer extraordinaire. This is Joshua, my personal bodyguard, and this is Dr. Bryce, an archeologist of some renown and a personal friend. We would be pleased to answer all of your questions somewhere...less exposed..." Li gestures to the dusty streets and the general commotion of the Sting and subsequent onlookers.

(Sorry for the delays folks, yesterday sucked ass.)

The captain leads you guys about a block away, to a small, 'greasy spoon' type of diner, and promptly appropriates the table in the back corner, taking a seat with a good view of the doors. "Alright, we're less exposed. Now please tell me what the hell a stage magician and an archeologist are doing in a known criminal enterprise?"

[SkyLion]

Li-Shen speaks in an appropriatly low voice.

"Very well. I must complement you on your swift and thorough disspensation of justice Capitan. It has shown me that you are on the uncorrupted side of law-enforcement and that I may be direct with you. I will however thank you in advance for your discretion in this matter."

,,

"We are here on behalf of one Mr. Maxwell Mercer of Chicago who has put together a philanthropic and exploratory Gentlmen's club. Our inaugural gala was interupted when a group of local gangsters decided to riddle Mr. Mercer's Mansion with bullets. Pursuit led us their bootlegging operation and we had all present arrested. However we also discovered evidence linking the Chicago mafia to Chinese Triads making inroads into the west, Triads which I and my bodyguard here have had some experience dealing with in the Orient. When Mercer heard I was heading west to perform, he asked me to look into the matter."

,,

"As for our presence here, it turns out that there has already been conflict between the new Los Angeles Syndicate and your local mafia. As it was on the way, we decided to stop here and look for clues and had only just walked in the door when you dropped the hammer."

,,

"Of course while I am here I intend to perform. I do only single engagments for a very select audience, however...if you were to assist us in our investigation, I could arrange for you and your family to be on the guest list. In addition, you would also have the gratitude of our Society and Mr. Mercer personally. He would very much like to know who is behind the terrorist attacks on his person and property"

[Shade Sentinel]

Dr. Bryce removes and readjust his hat while stating

"What do you think Captain? Its too far fetched to be a farse. Besides, it certainly answers your question as to what would bring three divers individuals as ourselves together here."

He fixes the captain with a deadpan stare.

"We need your help Captain, how'd you like to make a name for yourself?"

[BlueNinja]

The captain sits and listens to the whole thing, then sits in silence a moment longer before grunting at Jackson's question. "Fame's for dead people. You say you're trying to get information about the Chinese Traids, huh?" He pulls out a pen, and starts writing carefully on a napkin. After a few false starts due to the fountain pen tearing the napkin, he finally hands over a halfway illegible scrawl that looks like it's supposed to be an address. "This guy, Kwan, he lives on the edge of the Chinatown district, and occasionally gives tips to the honest cops. The neighborhood's rough though - the chinks down there can take care of themselves, and while you might not have much to worry about from the street toughs, the Triads don't care for anyone messing in their business." He leans in a little closer. "That's not my beat, yanno, but I understand they found three Chinamen strung up last week from a lamppost. Coulda been the Triads, sending a message to their own, or the Families, trying to send a message to the Triads." He gets up, straightens out his uniform, and points at Li, and says in a more public voice, "I'll let you off this time with a warnin', seeing as how you'd just gotten there with some bad timing. But don't let me catch you sticking your nose in things that don't concern you." With a gruff nod of the head, he leaves the restaurant.