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The Elf shakes his head at his over-worrying -- "First impressions getting you thousands of nuyen or not, Connor, it's still just a job." -- he glances around his car one last time before leaving. He'd forced himself to 'be good' on this one, and not take any weapons inside. No need for them, in a joint like Matchstick's, right? His Crusader is stowed away in the glove compartment, his Guardian is stashed under the seat and out of sight, and his little Scout hold-out pistol is out of view in the driver's-side door pocket. Complete with the rest of his 'working gear' secured in the car's trunk, and he was ready to start the job right now, if it came down to it.

He checks his watch one last time, "Twenty 'till. Nice and early," and gets out of the car. Black leather shoes and long legs carry him across the rain-wet street, the bottommost portions of his recent attire. He's in his favorite suit, from Vashon Island. It's darker tones appealed to his usual desire for clothes he could sneak in, but it was fashionable enough no one seemed to notice. All in black or shades of grey, the suit also had a custom kevlar weave sewn into it, but subtlely enough so as not to ruin the suit's overall appearance. The fashionable suit combined with the Elf's own athletic build and good looks combine nicely, even if it's not 1930's era style.

Hands slid casually into pant's pockets and cyberoptics compensating for the moody darkness, Connor waits around out front for the rest of the crew to show up. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (13:58:56/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ Quinn walked down the street behind Connor, his thick-soled leather shoes eating up the ground between them. He's dressed in simple, dark clothing. Dark gray shirt and pants and a three-quarters length leather coat complete the ensemble with his red hair slicked back. "How are we doing?" ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (14:26:46/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ Connor gives the mage a little nod of greeting, then shrugs, "Okay so far. We're the first couple here, looks like."

"I was hoping we'd be a lil' more dressed up than that, but it's no biggie. The color scheme's simple enough that it looks allright, and he's a Mage. People expect Mages to slack off some times, right?" ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (14:36:14/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ Quinn dug into his coat, again removing his smokes. He lit one up with the ignitor on the pack and exhaled another stream of smoke. "Early bird catches the worm and all that." ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (14:49:51/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ The other Elf nods, and shoots another look down at his watch. "They've got a couple minutes anyhow, before we can bitch at 'em for being late. And fifteen minutes after that, before the Johnson can." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (14:54:51/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ "Johnsons don't complain, they just get someone else." He drops the half-smoked cigarette to the wet pavement and grinds it out. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (14:56:24/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ Matchstick's is a nice enough place that a valet would take your car and park it in a local parking garage that Carl partially owned. But Alpha is very picky about his cars, especially when they are carrying unregistered firearms. So instead he circles for awhile until a parking space opens up half a block down. And then as he is closing in for the kill, a familiar red Cavalier swoops in and snipes it. "The fucking bastard!", Alpha yells to no one but himself, feeling the need to at least vent out that bit of road rage. The black Ford Sentinel he is driving could easily push that Cavalier up onto the sidewalk and open up that space for him. But it would scratch his paint and draw too much attention, so Alpha bottled it up.

He instead ends up settling for a tight space a full block down from Matchstick's. Leaving his various instruments of wholesale destruction inside his sports-utility vehicle, Alpha descends from it clad in a slate gray custom suit tailored in Hong Kong. Alpha is a brick wall, and he's long since learned that being a fashionable brick wall requires custom work. Strolling up to the door in his sharp-cut hair, deep black eyes, and perfect gray suit, Alpha nods at the pair. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Zhei (16:00:44/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ A metallic blue Ford Americar pulls up and stops just up the block from Matchsticks. As the passenger door opens, Kes steps out onto the reflective, rain-slicked street. After nodding to the driver inside, the car pulls away.

Pulling the long metallic blue sheer coat tighter around her as she steps towards the club, the hem of her "little black dress" rides up with every step, reminding her just how out of her league socially she really is. Pausing mid step to tuck a stray piece of hair behind an ear, that had fallen from the loose french twist, she lets her blue eyes scan the outside of the club, looking for the other members of the team. Quickly spotting Alpha, a regular beacon in the storm of people crowding the entrance to Matchsticks, she quickens her steps and moves over towards the assembled team. "Evening gentlemen." At first glance the little decker hardly looks like the same girl, amazing what a little cash and nice clothes can do to a shadowrunner... ]<<<<<
- Kestral (18:02:55/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ Connor flashes his bright grin, and lets out a wolf-whistle at the approaching decker. If Alpha's feelings are hurt by the slight nod he received as a greeting, the big Russian had issues. Connor was actually rather pleased; the team didn't look half bad, spit-shined and dressed up. They just might get this job, yet.

The Street Sam looks Kestral over, a quick glance from braided hair down to high-heeled shoes, then back up again. "I was half expecting you to just sport a nice case for your deck, or something, and consider that dressed up. You clean up nice, Kes." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (18:37:27/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ A taxi pulls up close to the curb and the passenger slides out after paying the driver with a credstick. A long leg ending in a remarkably delicate looking foot encased in an iridescent blue pump is visible for a long moment as Blue rises to her full height next to the dingy yellow cab. The gleaming fabric of the ankle length cheongsam shifts from deep azure to the jewelike color of purest sapphire under the sporadic and indifferent outdoor lighting. In a departure from traditional chinese custom, this cheongsam possesses long sleeves that taper to points on the back of Blue's hands. Her tempestuous mane of blonde hair is momentarily tamed into a fall of curls that tumbles from high on her head like a waterfall of gold. The line of the dress is fantastically simple and outlines the hips and breasts of a well maintained, physically perfect feminine form. A thigh high slit facilitates walking and flashes the rewarding glimpse of a lot of leg as she strides to where the others have gathered.

Blue had gone the extra mile and directed the plastic looking woman at the cosmetics counter to give her "the works" and she isn't disappointed with the graceful line of blush that emphasizes her eyes in ways she'd never imagined. Nor is she upset with the other make up the woman had brushed onto her skin with an aplomb that came with lots of practice. Her deep blue eyes flash with full knowledge of the female power she radiates in this get up and the secret surety of the thigh holstered Morissey Elan strapped to her left leg. She has all the bases covered, and knows it.

"Gentlemen. Kes." She lifts her chin in a somewhat regal greeting to the team and languidly tugs on a curl that had been left free to soften the line of her jaw. "Don't we all look posh." ]<<<<<
- Blue (21:04:29/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ She rolls her eyes at Hathaway, yet again. Men, they could be so crass and predictable. She had to admit however, when Blue showed up, she looked stunning. Thankful that the "spotlight" was now off her she nods to Blue, "Hiya chica. Yeah we all seem to clean up real fine." ]<<<<<
- Kestral (21:10:08/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ Connor lets out yet another low-pitched wolf whistle as the last member of their team strolls up. He shoots the other Street Sam a wink, and silently contemplates how many weapons she's hiding, and where.

"And I think that's the last of us," he says as he checks his silver-banded watch one last time. "A few more minutes of standing in line, and we'll still get in there a little early."

He grins, looking the team over, "Passin' the dress code, an' all." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (21:17:19/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ "We'll pass, but I'll never be able to swing dance in this outfit." Blue smoothes one hand down her side to illustrate her point. The dress fits like a second skin, a loving second skin. ]<<<<<
- Blue (21:21:39/08-16-61)

>>>>>[ With the team all there and ready to go, they get in the long line. It's a good thing that they'd come early, because they don't make it up to the head of the line until approximately five 'til. Both the troll bouncer and his human compadre look the group over with neutral expressions.

"Do you have a membership or ID?" the human says politely, adjusting the cuffs of his very expensive-looking charcoal grey neo-zoot suit. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (00:31:26/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ Alpha straightens up, his deep black eyes catching the lamplight of the entrance like stars shining off the reflection of a lake at night. The gray suit ripples as his body moves, an image that reminds one of the earth moving during a temblor. He approaches the human and grins, the smile actually breaking the granite-tough impassivity of his face. "Actually, no, we are here on business. We've been told to inform Carl that the password is 'swordfish.'" ]<<<<<
- Adrian Zhei (10:04:01/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ "Yes, of course. Nick, you have the door. Alert me if anything happens," the human says. This must definitely be Carl. The troll bouncer, now named Nick, nods and taps at the earpiece that connected to a headset which had a mike extending near his mouth. Carl looks back to the team, his eyes lighting on each member, and smiles faintly. "If you folks would kindly follow me..."

Carl leads the team inside Matchstick's, and they are instantly enveloped in smoke and dim lighting, just enough to be able to see to move. More lighting is up nearer to the stage, where couples are dancing. It reminds one of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, but with a little touch of class. Jazz piano tinkles in the background, accompanied by a haunting female voice. For now, though, this is all the group gets to see as they're quickly led to the back of the club to a private room. Carl opens what looks to be a very sturdy, reinforced door, and gestures inside. "In here, ladies and gentlemen." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (15:50:42/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ Quinn looks at his new team and then shrugs, walking into the room first. Doubt there's going to be any traps at a joint like this. Besides, we've got enough muscle to give even the most dedicated people a run for their money. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (16:23:55/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ Kes manages to paste that stereotypically fake, plastic smile on her face that one sees in all the 'high class' melodramas on the trid. Her eyes constantly dart about the room, taking in the smallest of details as they're led into the private room. Her lips however, remain plastered in that smile, and she keeps utterly silent, letting the rest of the team do the talking. ]<<<<<
- Kestral (22:29:51/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ Connor is about to open his mouth and speak when Alpha answers Carl's question for them. "No biggie," he thinks, "I've never really declared myself official spokesElf or anything..." The Street Sam ducks into the line behind Kestral, glancing around the joint as they pass through it. "Besides, I yoinked Russkie's parkin' spot earlier. He owed me one."

Once they reach the private room, however, Connor does take a few steps towards the front of the group, even while scanning the room for their J. Official spokesElf or not, he tended to make a good Face for their team. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (22:34:26/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ Blue saunters into the room and sweeps a glance over the accomodations. She nods slightly as though the room had to pass some kind of muster before she'd concede that it was good enough for them to meet in. She tilts her head at Connor in an elegant question that is answered by his foot forward approach. ]<<<<<
- Blue (22:42:00/08-17-61)

>>>>>[ The door closes behind the runner team after they file into the room and begin looking about. Sitting in the furthest corner from the door is a tall elven woman wearing snug black synthleather pants and a sleeveless black zippered vest and combat boots; she's definitely no stranger to the street, because these leathers are worn enough to show that they've been in use. This isn't some rich bitch slumming and pretending to be a J. Her dark black hair is cut short and frames her face, her dark blue eyes looking over the runners in their get-ups. A blue celtic knotwork tattoo shaped like a dolphin rides high on her cheek.

And before she even opens her mouth, every move and mannerism oozes "pro".

"Thank you for coming," she says, her voice low and crisp. Now added to the picture is a hint of class, as if although she may have been born to this, she's also acquainted with the finer things in life. She gestures to the chairs in the room and waits for everyone to sit before she continues.

Johnson was ready to do business. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (00:59:11/08-18-61)

>>>>>[ Quinn nods and sits down where he can have the majority of the team and the J in his field of view. He crosses his arms and leans back. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (01:02:53/08-18-61)

>>>>>[ The fire behind this woman's eyes reminds Alpha of his home, of the revolutionaries he fought with in the forests of Manchuria. That same hard edge, the one born of violence and bad fortune and that same will to live that all the revolutionaries glowed with. She was definitely not a corporate executive, and Alpha approves of that greatly. It means they are more likely to survive this run. Or so he hopes. Alpha takes a seat next to Quinn, his bulk eclipsing the chair from view. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Zhei (10:15:41/08-18-61)

>>>>>[ "Evening," Connor says, and finishes a simple look around the room, cyberoptics scanning the shadows for any potential threats. He then heads over to the chairs, and settles smoothly into one.

"Better than most J's. Elf chick in leather, instead of some weaselly little bookie. No nervous looks around and wiping sweaty palms on her mid-management suit pants. A nice change of pace." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (11:42:46/08-18-61)

>>>>>[ Silently envious of the other woman's casual garb, "The Johnson slaps on streetworthy leathers, an' I gotta crawl into a freakin' dress?", Kestral makes her way over towards the chairs. Time to sit down, shut up, and pay attention. Try to pay attention, at least. ]<<<<<
- Kestral (13:28:12/08-19-61)

>>>>>[ The tattoo rings a bell in Blue's head. Karen has a tattoo like that. A tattoo given by her magical group, or something arcane and mysterious like that. Not that every woman with a tatoo is a mage... but every woman Blue's ever met with a facial tattoo in some kind of abstract design has been a mage to this very night. Up to and including that Mafiosa bitch, what's her name. This woman's seen action. The serious kind that involved many bullets and lots of magical hurt being thrown about.

Blue keeps a wary eye on this one as she reaches out to snag a chair and settle herself into it. She considers the J solemnly, then a grin quirks up one edge of her mouth as though some secret joke is playing through her head. ]<<<<<
- Blue (21:36:50/08-22-61)

>>>>>[ "Good evening," the elven Johnson replies politely to Connor, the greeting extended to the rest of the team as she watches the last of them sit.

"You may call me Johnson, naturally, and I have a very lucrative piece of biz that you might like. It entails a trip into Tir Tairngire, which I can help arrange. Your job will be to hit a Universal Omnitech facility there, steal some data, and sabotage a laboratory. The pay is a total of 100,000 nuyen. I leave it up to you how you wish to divide it amongst yourselves; I can give you up to a third up front." Her delivery is smooth yet clipped; efficient, you could call it, with no wasted blathering.

"Before I can go into more detail, I need your answer: yes or no?" Sure that she has their attention, the Johnson gazes calmly and expectantly at the team. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (01:53:11/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Connor's eyes betray little emotion as the Johnson speaks, but a bit of a grin quirks up the corners of his mouth. "That's the Juggler for ya. A job into the Tir. No sir, he wasn't lyin' about it being a big one..."

The Samurai looks to the others to gauge their reactions. Hell, he knew what his vote was (and the rest can likely tell from his grin). But he had four other people to take into consideration before he could give Miss Johnson the nod. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (13:15:20/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ "You can get us in, but can you get us out after. Now that's the real trick, isn't it?" Quinn shifts in his seat. He doesn't relish the idea of being "detained" by the Tir Border Guards. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (13:46:09/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Johnson nods, her chin lifting marginally and her mouth taking on the hint of a smile. "Yes, that is the trick, isn't it? But I can get you out again. Have no worries about that," she says, folding her arms across her chest. "And so. Your answer?" ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (14:32:25/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ The Elf's shoulders roll in a shrug, and he flashes the Johnson a surprisingly boyish-looking grin, "With all due respect, Miss J, a bit more information might help out some before we give you a solid 'yea' or 'nay.' I know you don't want to tell us all about it if we're gonna walk, but I also can't give you a solid 'yes' for the whole team, without a little more data."

His tone is still light and friendly, in no way hostile or impatient sounding. "You really wanna hire us if we're gonna jump up and down, do a happy dance at the nuyen figure you've named, and then just sign up without knowing a few more details? I'm pretty sure you'd rather have a team who thinks a little before they act. Any more information you can give us -- like why we should honestly beleive you can get us in and out so easily -- will help in making the decision." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (15:02:02/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Johnson shrugs. It's a casual, 'so be it' move that barely creases her leather. "Why should you believe me? Actually, why should you believe anyone that says they can get you in or out of Tir Tairngire? Any fool can say that. Obviously you know that much, at least." She unfolds her arms and, although she makes no move to do so, has the air of someone who's poised to walk.

"But I will give you two reasons. One - your fixer, Juggler, obviously knows I can back up what I say, else he wouldn't have contacted you, now would he? Two - I have a limited time table to work with in order to pull this off, which is why I am, unfortunately, needing what sounds like a rushed answer from you. If you don't like this, and you think it's hinky, we both walk out of here. You find another job, I find another team. Simple, neh?" she says, also in a light tone. There is, however, an indescribable... edge... to what she says. It's not hostile or insulting, but it is on this side of hard and unyielding. So far as anyone can tell, she means every word she says and then some. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (15:22:45/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ "Rowr, hiss, hiss! Pffft, claw, claw!"

The Samurai doesn't let his vague amusement at her sudden crankiness show, though. Juggler was right about that, too. She was kind of a bitch. But she had a point. Juggler wouldn't have sent them if she couldn't do her part of the job, plain and simple.

On the other hand, a hundred thousand nuyen also backed up her words. Especially the fact she was willing to give them a third of it, up front. Corps didn't care about thirty-thousand bucks, but they also wouldn't throw it away for nothing, either. Profit was what mattered, and Connor couldn't think of any way she'd profit by giving them nuyen, then not getting them in there to do the job. Now...she could profit quite a bit by leaving them in the Tir afterwards, and not forking over the rest. But, oh well. That's the risk a Shadowrunner takes, on any job.

And doing something stupid like that would screw up her reputation, but good. Juggler would see to that, if she bailed on them mid-Run. Connor didn't trust her, but he didn't "trust" any Johnson. Nature of the biz.

Still with a hint of a grin on his face, the Elf looks back to the Johnson, not at the rest of his team. His normal-looking cyberoptics meet her gaze, and he simply gives her a little nod. No sense turnin' the job down, after they got all dressed up an' all... ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (15:33:29/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Tir Tairngire. Alpha would now be going from running with elves to running in a nation of them. Pretty soon he'd have to buy himself some of those rubber pointy ears over at Kong-Wal-Mart and just give in to whatever repressed poseur nature he must apparently possess. But regardless of his hidden inclinations, his very obvious need for cash was speaking the loudest. Completion of this run would net him twenty grand, which would be enough to live comfortably off of for a couple of months. And getting out of Seattle would help him dodge Yamatetsu a bit longer.

He catches Connor's eye and nods, showing that he's in. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Zhei (15:51:46/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Kes' eyes light up at the mention of a data steal. If it involved the 'trix, she was in. She raises a brow to Hathaway at the mention of getting in (and out) of Tir Tairngire. The J seemed on the up and up, so after only a few more brief moments of thought Kes nods her approval to Hathaway, remaining silent till there was something for her to say. ]<<<<<
- Kestral (22:25:10/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Great. The Tir. The Friggin' Tir. Blue traces a short-nailed finger around her kneecap as she takes the moment provided to ruminate. She balances the Tir versus twenty grand and comes up kind of light on the money side of the issue. But twenty grand guys a lot of puppy kibble and bullets.

She shifts her considering stare from the J and transfers it to Connor instead. Her head tilts almost flirtatiously with a small nod, "I've never seen the Tir. It ought to be... educational." ]<<<<<
- Blue (22:59:29/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ "Sweet. Four down, one to go." The Samurai turns his head to regard Quinn, their newest recruit. A nod or a shake from the mage, and it would be decided. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (23:01:18/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ He meets Connor's gaze and gives him the nod. Ought to be interesting, sneaking into the Tir... ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (23:02:20/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ Flashing that same boyish grin, the lean Street Sam looks back towards the Johnson.

"Found yourself a team, Miss J." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (23:12:51/08-23-61)

>>>>>[ "Excellent." With that proclamation, the elven woman smiles, and the very air seems to lighten, relaxing as if from a held breath. "As I said, I can get you into Tir Tairngire, and to that end you'll be provided with visas. I'll need to get some information from you later so that these can be made. For now, I'll outline the job," she says, bringing her chair a little closer in order to facilitate the business about to begin.

"You'll be flying into Portland under the guise of legitimate business, so unfortunately most of your gear will have to stay home. However, I can provide you with the gear you'll need to get the job done: armor, weapons, tech, a cyberdeck, things like that. We can discuss the specifics of that later, as well." She pulls out a pocket secretary, obviously readied to make notes.

"Your actual business in Portland involves stealing the project logs and related materials pertaining to the mapping of metahuman genes, specifically the data concerning the origins of magical ability. Universal Omnitech's system is difficult to crack, but you should find it relatively easy to access the datastore directly from the lab and download the files with what I give you." She spares a glance for Kes, having seen the girl's eyes light up at the mention of the Matrix earlier.

"Now, the best way I know of to gain entrance to their offices is to pose as gardeners from the company they use. The gardeners show up every Saturday to take care of the gardens that encircle each floor." Johnson cracks another brief smile, this one more of amusement. The reason why becomes obvious with her next words. "The floor you'll be pruning is the fifth. Hardly anyone will be there on a weekend, but you might encounter a few employees logging in some overtime. Things could get difficult if you do; I suggest caution. I can give you a map, gardening uniforms and gear, and your other essentials. They'll be delivered at your hotel rooms once you get to Portland. The run absolutely has to go off next Saturday morning. Once it's over, meet me in Pioneer Courthouse Square in the middle of downtown Portland. I can give you the rest of your pay then." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (00:53:36/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ Connor gives another little nod, "Sounds like a solid plan, pretty much. Couple of questions, concerns, and negotiations, though."

He leans forward a bit in his chair, and 'ticks' his comments off on his fingers, "Just to let you know as early in the game as possible, a couple of us are packin' some serious chrome. I'm sure you already knew that, but it's worth being specifically stated. Not doubtin' your ability to get us across the border, Miss J, just lettin' you know. We're gonna be tough to get through the 'ware detectors and all that, if the Tir is half as paranoid as everyone says."

He taps his second finger, "What sort of gear is available to us, once we get inside? As far as armor, weapons, that sort of thing? Do we sit down tonight and whip up a wish list for you, or are we just gettin' a crate full of 'Miscellaneous Decent Shadowrunner Stuff' the day before we hit the office? And, if we're making you a list, what sort of budget are we limited to?"

He holds out his third finger, and nods to his left, where the big Russian and the small Asian Elf sit, "Regardless of how we're dealing with other gear, Alpha's the man to talk to about our transportation, just like Kestral's borrowed deck is between you two. We might be able to handle combat with a bunch of generic HK's or Ingrams, but those two require more specialized gear. We can't get the job done without precisely the equipment they say they'll need. And it's on your tab."

The Elf wiggles his last finger, his pinkie, "And in addition to a map of the offices themselves we'll need them of the area in general. Hard to plan escape routes, pick-up and delivery routes, and boltholes, if we don't even know our way around. I know that one's a minor issue as far as cost goes, but it's important all the same." ¹

Connor Hathaway I've got a decent negotiations skill, etc, etc, if it needs to come into play at this point. I'm assuming she meant that she was paying for everything we needed on the inside, but she never actually said it. Connor wants to make sure. =)

]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (12:50:39/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ She nods. "Valid concerns, all. So far as your gear is concerned, give me a list of what you want. I would prefer if you kept it to the kinds of things you would normally bring with you, but a little bit extra is not going to be a large problem."

She sets out her pocket secretary, pressing a few keys to begin a list. "Each of you will have a gun, at the very least. Give me a preferred type, and I can get that for you. Each of you will also get at least three clips of regular ammunition for that gun." She looks up at Connor, Blue, and Alpha. "For folks such as you, however, I give you a choice of either an additional gun, with the appropriate ammunition type, or some sort of other weapon, if you prefer. Specialized ammunition such as gel or explosive can be made available also, but let's try to keep the expenses down." Her face takes on a half-smile at that.

"As for the cyberdeck," she continues, looking at Kes, "let me know what you're more comfortable working with, design and specs-wise, as well as your preferred mode of operation. Something around the ballpark of the Renraku Kraftwerk, perhaps?" Her half smile, for just a moment, becomes a full one. "I've had a few decker friends," she says, as if explaining her familiarity with cyberdecks at all. She then turns her attention to Quinn.

"I can't get you any power foci or the like, but I can provide you with one or two expendable foci of moderate power, at least." The Johnson glances once more to Alpha. "As I understand that you handle the team's vehicles and such, if there's any particular pieces of tech you need, let me know. While you're in Portland, you'll have access to a van that's supposed to be used by the gardening company."

She addresses the entire team once more. "I'm footing the bill for your gear; consider them 'loaners', for the obvious reasons. I can also give you a map of the area, no problem. I'm sure that, if you need any more information, your decker will be quite up to the task of finding it." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (15:42:37/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ "How about instead of the foci some elemental summoning materials? Cheaper and easier to get than foci, even expendable foci. Say, three fives?" Quinn knew he'd never get 15 grand in elemental materials. But he figured getting at least ten grand in materials would cover the bases for this run pretty well. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (16:09:27/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ Johnson shakes her head. "Three fives is a little much. Three fours, or two sixes, your choice." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (17:58:37/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ "Make it two sixes then. I'll need a place where I can burn a lot of incense and raise a bonfire. If there's time to do it before we cross the border, so much the better." ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (18:06:34/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ "Considering you've a week and will be flying out there via Cinanestial? I should hope so," she says, with an outright grin. One gets the feeling that she actually enjoys this. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (18:08:47/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ "Considering you didn't say, that'll do just fine." He smiled evenly. "Nice tattoo, by the way." ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (18:16:35/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ She chuckles shortly. "Thank you. I'm good, but I'm not a miracle-worker." She makes an entry into the pocket secretary. "Preferred gun?" ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (18:18:49/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ "Something in ten milimeter. Either Colt or Browning, whichever you can get the easiest." ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (18:28:27/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ One gun? Jeez, I'll feel naked as hell. Blue shifts in her chair, crossing her legs the opposite direction. "Depends on if we're talking about handguns or other weaponry. I'd love a SMG. HK Two-Twenty seven. If that's a no go, then pass me a P Two or a Smith 1073. Additional weaponry..." She thinks fondly of her katana and sighs again, "If swift and silent is going to be an issue on this one, better get me a katana. I'm hell with one of those portable food processors in my hands." ]<<<<<
- Blue (23:01:23/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ Connor bites down the chance for a joke or two at Blue's expense, seeing as how he's at a Meet. "I'll need a SuperMach, the thing proved to me it's mad-phat skizzles during that Ghoul tunnel bullshit. Probably just a Predator or something for backup... fuck 'extra weapons,' I'll ask for extra ammo. My Ingram burns through clips like Mexican water through a tourist..."

The Elf settles into his seat, just listening to the rest as they list their requests. "But what ammo? Flechettes are fun, but gel rounds might be a wise choice. Keep it non-lethal an' shit, until someone presses the issue. Or EX...or APDS...or...fuck it. Can't decide." He just remains silent for the moment, working up the exact list in his head before bothering Miss J with it. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (23:19:35/08-24-61)

>>>>>[ Johnson nods and presses a few more keys, entering Quinn's requests and Blue's request for a katana. "Any modifications you'll want to your weapon?" she asks, referring to Blue's gun. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (00:11:24/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ "Just make it smart. If you guys want some boom, better request it. I'm good with launchers of most types, but I'm using my slots for quiet." ]<<<<<
- Blue (00:12:28/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ She adds Blue's weapon and the smartlink modification request, then returns her attention to Kestral, Connor, and Alpha. "Who's next?" ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (22:24:17/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ Connor shrugs, "Think I'm set."

He once again counts off the list with his fingertips, "Main weapon'll be an Ingram Supermach 100 submachine gun, and a couple regular sixty-round clips for it. Smartlink-Two compliant, with a fixed stock and an underbarrel weight, if you can get those mods. A clip of gel rounds, and maybe one of flechette rounds, would be handy too. SuperMachs are pretty new and might be tough to get in a week, though. If you can't get ahold of one, just gimme one of whatever SMG Blue gets, plus Smartlink-Two and some recoil compensatin' toys."

"For backup I'll need something simple an' large-caliber. Anything from the Predator line would do, as long as it's Smartlink-two'ed. A silencer would be helpful. I'm not picky, on backups," and he straightens his second finger.

He gives his hand a little wave/wiggle, so his spur ports catch the light, "I won't be needing a katana or anything like that... if possible, I'd actually like to use up that 'spot' on my gear list with a lil' something for everyone -- radio headsets. I've got one built in," he adds with a tappity-tap to his temple, "but they'd be nice for everyone else, too. Those velcro-on throat microphone jobs, or something like that. I won't be wearing the thing, so I'll leave the specifics up to everyone else."

The Samurai straightens and counts off his fourth finger, "And the last one's just a question, really... what can we expect for armor? Will we be able to get simple, legal stuff, like jackets and vests across the border? And I've got a custom set of form-fit I'd like to pack, too. I'm not sure how strict customs is on that sort of thing, but I know we're all going to want a lil' ballistic protection." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (22:34:39/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ For a minute, the elven woman is busy tapping out her notes on Connor's requests, but as she begins to finish she says, without looking up, "Tir customs won't blink too hard if your 'armor' is part of your clothing, but you will be questioned about anything heavier or more obvious. It's legal, but they're still very touchy about border security since Dunkelzahn's death. So long as you're not looking for military grade armor, I can get you nearly any type you need." She speaks somewhat absently but confidently, and she is soon finished typing once more. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (22:42:52/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ Alpha listens to the requests closely. He was a simple man, years fighting as a rebel against Japanese marines taught him to make do with what he could get. "I'd like a combat shotgun, specific model is not important as long as it works. Slugs not shot ammo. And a large calibre handgun as a sidearm. Also, if this gardening van is expected to be used for any sort of fast getaway, I recommend that it be souped-up in any way possible. Escaping pursuers in a beat-up van is pretty much impossible." ]<<<<<
- Adrian Zhei (23:06:07/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ "The 'fast getaway' is entirely on you, but I'll take that on advisement," she says with a straight face as she enters Alpha's list. That pretty much left Kestral. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (23:24:23/08-25-61)

>>>>>[ Kes thinks for a moment, her mind spinning on what she wants and needs. "Kraftwerk'll do, as long as it has some extra response increase, and hot ASIST would be nice. This gonna be something you're gonna pick up there, or ship from Seattle to Portland? Because if given the choice I'd like to get my hands on it first, load up my own tricks and get it back into your hands, if it's not too much trouble."

She waits for the J's reaction, only for a moment. "Unless you're willing to shell out some decent cash to replicate the programs I've got, and I'll take some of the down time before the run to tweak 'em." She shrugs slightly, "As far as the weapon, I'll be more than happy with a Savalette Guardian, 3 clips of regular rounds and... better make that 4. " ]<<<<<
- Kestral (00:34:47/08-27-61)

>>>>>[ She nods and notes the weapon and ammo request. "Actually, this is entirely from within Portland. For some reason, the government looks askance at cyberdecks, among other things," Johnson says dryly. "I'm not sure if I can get someone to drop some response increase into it, but I may be able to at least get you the hot ASIST. As for programs, see if you can't give me an idea as to how your custom programs work, and I'll try to get the closest I can to them for you. I'm sure you know how tough it can be to obtain SOTA tech." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (01:42:53/08-27-61)

>>>>>[ Kes nods at that and pauses for a moment, actually contemplating the thought of trying to smuggle some of her own programs into the Tir, and then decides that's like asking for God to strike her dead on the spot with a bolt of lightning.

"Ok, here's what I need.... and if you want it done right, this is what it's gonna take. I want to be prepared for the situation." She gets ready to rattle off her list of needs and then stops herself. "Here, let me make this easier for us both." Reaching into a small handbag she retreives a Pocket Secretary of her own and quickly lets her fingers fly over the keys making a list of the programs. Finishing quickly she looks up at the J and arches a brow. "Wanna just let me transfer the file to you?" ]<<<<<
- Kestral (21:56:55/08-28-61)

>>>>>[ Guh, decker gear. Blue drops her forehead into her palm for a moment. Deckers are so... complicated. She misses the simply cool image that Dread had radiated in his Boomwagon that attracted every chick within a three block radius with fondness. Deckers are complicated, and that's for sure, but they're indispensable. ]<<<<<
- Blue (23:23:26/08-28-61)

>>>>>[ The Johnson chuckles. "That will do just fine." She pulls out a tiny cable from her pocket secretary. "If you'll just hook that up and transfer the file, we'll be set." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (01:11:59/08-29-61)

>>>>>[ Kes grabs the end of the cable and quickly transfers the file. "There you go." ]<<<<<
- Kestral (20:09:22/08-29-61)

>>>>>[ She saves the file with the equipment list and tucks the little cord away. "Now that we have that out of the way," she says, pulling out a card and handing it to Kes, "I need each of you to send me passport-quality photos of yourself, along with all the identifying information that you can. This includes medical records, retinal prints, a list of your enhancements, that kind of thing. Send it all to this address; it's so I can get your Visitor's Authorization Visas made." Johnson indicates the card she just gave to Kes; it has what looks like a Matrix address on it. "I will send you your VAVs, plane tickets, and hotel reservations as soon as they're done, before you have to leave."

"How soon do you want this information?" he asks, taking his mind off the Tir Peace Force, for just a minute. He had a few people he wanted to talk to, before turning all this information over to her. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (12:33:32/09-08-61)

>>>>>[ "Soonest. Within 24 hours on the outside." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (02:31:55/09-09-61)

>>>>>[ He nods again, mentally noting to himself that he'd have to talk to Juggler sooner, rather than later.

"Fair enough," he says. Turning his head slightly to adress the rest of the team, "Anyone got a problem -- a serious, "No I don't want this job anymore" problem -- with that?" ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (15:06:33/09-09-61)

>>>>>[ Kes sits there for a moment, nervously playing with the hem of her skirt, forcing herself from blurting out "Hell yeah I've got a problem with it." Instead she just shakes her head and forces herself to remember there's good cash involved with this run....but would it all be worth it if she got caught. That was the hard part, accepting the fact that in the end it could cost her everything. ]<<<<<
- Kestral (23:34:26/09-09-61)

>>>>>[ "I'm in," Blue turns to meet Connor's eyes with a long, sure glance that tests his assurance about the job while at the same time almost daring him to make the identity issue bigger than she just had. ]<<<<<
- Blue (23:37:12/09-09-61)

>>>>>[ Quinn looked over the group he'd just been attached to. They seemed like they knew what they were doing, and it was this or nothing. He nodded. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (00:59:00/09-10-61)

>>>>>[ The Johnson saves the information she'd been given and folds up her pocsec, stowing it. From out of her other pocket, she brings out a pack of cigarettes with chemical auto-igniters, shakes one out, and puts the rest back, her gaze lighting on Alpha. He was the only one left who hadn't voiced anything, whether approval or complaint. She let the cigarette light up, her eyebrow quirking up at the large russian/asian samurai as she brought the cigarette to her lips to take a drag. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (01:58:16/09-10-61)

>>>>>[ "Yeah, I'm in." Alpha leans back, the chair protesting loudly. He crosses his thick arms over his chest, looking straight back at the Johnson with the deep wells of black that are his eyes. ]<<<<<
- Adrian Zhei (11:18:09/09-10-61)

>>>>>[ Connor glances from side to side, checking on everyone as they reply with a 'yea' or 'nay.' He gives Kestral a reassuring little nod, replies to Blue's stare with a wink and a smirk, then nods Adrian's way, as well. His smile grows a bit as Alpha finally agrees to the job, the last of them.

"You have an LTG or something we can use, to contact you by? To get you that information?" ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (23:34:06/09-10-61)

>>>>>[ She inhales on the cigarette and nods to the card she'd handed Kestral. "If you've got a pocsec on you, I can give you another copy." ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (02:19:36/09-11-61)

>>>>>[ He nods and pulls his own slender pocsec out, a black-and-chrome design, all sleek and stylin'. "I've got one, but I can just get a copy from Kes later. Wasn't sure if you wanted a specific contact point for each of us to use, or anything like that. Just makin' sure." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (13:43:53/09-11-61)

>>>>>[ She nods. "Not a problem. Just make sure your files have your name in them somewhere. Less chance of getting them mixed," she says dryly. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (01:14:21/09-12-61)

>>>>>[ The chances of mixing Blue up with anyone on the team besides Connor for even a brief moment are heavily weighed against that event ever happening, but she just nods dumbly. No reason for the J to think she's got a brain hiding in her pointy eared head. ]<<<<<
- Blue (23:09:40/09-12-61)

>>>>>[ Connor simply shrugs, then. That would give him some time to make a few phone calls, for sure, before needing to get this info to Miss J.

"You need anything else right now?" he asks her, then "Or anyone else got any more questions for her?" is added, towards the team. ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (19:31:30/09-16-61)

>>>>>[ "Just need to arrange a drop for those materials." Quinn shrugged. "Other than that? I'm all set." ]<<<<<
- Adrian Quinn (19:33:38/09-16-61)

>>>>>[ "Send me an address when you send me the information." She waits to see if the others have questions as well. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (12:05:16/09-18-61)

>>>>>[ Kes nods to the J, "Mine'll be there." Turning her attention to Connor she arches a brow in that "Can we get the hell out of here yet" type of arc and waits for the remaning business to conclude before she stands up and makes an ass out of herself for leaving before things were really finished. She tugged at the hem of her dress, slightly irritated that all of her tugging hadn't suddenly made it longer. She still felt out of place, uncomfortable, and it was beginning to show. ]<<<<<
- Kestral (22:00:05/09-18-61)

>>>>>[ Connor shrugs, "As far as I'm concerned, we're done."

He stands smoothly, and looks at everyone else one last time, "Last call, gang. Ask the question to Miss J now, or forever hold your peace." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (22:03:32/09-18-61)

>>>>>[ "Either way, you're welcome to stay. Drinks are on the house," she says, poised to take her leave. ]<<<<<
- Double Take GM (23:56:00/09-18-61)

>>>>>[ "I knew I'd like you," Blue rises to her full height from her seat and stretches luxuriously. ]<<<<<
- Blue (23:25:40/09-19-61)

>>>>>[ Connor flashes a genuine-seeming smile Miss Johnson's way, at the free drink proposal. He had a few calls to make, but it was nothing his pocsec and he couldn't handle -- then he could have most of the evening free to hang out here. Might as well take advantage of the suit he's wearing, right?

He gives her a nod, "You'll be hearing from us soon, with that information. Think I could get that up-front payment you mentioned, before you leave?" His tone is friendly and casual, but, well...nuyen is nuyen.

Without waiting on a response from her just yet, he glances to the rest of the assembled group, "Hey, gang. Since it's okay with Miss J, I'd like it if we could huddle up for a few minutes before we all head out an' split up." ]<<<<<
- Connor Hathaway (23:33:32/09-19-61)