BEGIN WEEK LOG COMPILATION . . . COMPLETE
BEGIN WEEK LOG EDITING . . . . . COMPLETE
BEGIN WEEK LOG VIEWING . . . . . WORKING

LOG VIEW BEGINS

---------------


***** Private: Tarkis, Whisper & Ripley
>>>>>[Ripley, meet me at the bar this evening.  Tarkis and
Whisper, go to "Lou's Bar and Grill" in southern Tacoma,
around eight.  Tell the doorman that you're there to see the
boss.  He'll understand.]<<<<<
        -- Lou <17:05:36/13-11-55>

***** Private To:  Quickline
>>>>>[Charles Wisdel is the political leader of all the acknowledged
Eagle Shamen in North America.  Getting him back would be a good
thing.]<<<<<
        --  Normal Yoshida <19:01:04 / 11-13-55>
            Executive Vice-President
            Yoshida Technologies

>>>>>[No problemo, Mr. Frypp.  I can get you a wide variety of fruit from
Congo (my good Carib bud with the connections to the wide islands).  The
only problem is getting it to you.  I heard you lived in CFS and the
Japanese customs charge up the wazoo.  I can get them to ya cheaper if
you come to Seattle.  Just send me where to send them and I'll have Congo
pack the shipment in ice and send it up your ways.]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (18:07:22/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE: Tarkis
>>>>>[I have recently returned from the Carib League to get back to wrok
in Seattle.  I'll be around for a while.  Your plan sounds interesting.
I could participate in one of two ways:  One- enter Astrally to knock
down controlled beings and combat spells.  I'm a mid-grade initiate [4]
and I have a wide range of materials to help me out.  Two- enter
physically in order to incapacitate any unwated oppoistion and any
controlled opposition.  Please let me know as soon as possible about any
decisions concerning this run.]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (18:51:07/11-13-55)

>>>>>[AJ hasn't reappeared as of yet.  We were beginnin to worry about you.
What took you so fraggin long?]<<<<<
        --  Slash <20:58:27/11-13-55>

>>>>>[New York got really unpleasant for a while.  I guess the locals get
restless when one of thier 12 story buildings gets blown up, but that's life,
I guess.  Hear anything about Drake, by any chance?  And what's going on with
Dad's employer?]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night <21:00:32/11-13-55>

>>>>>[Drake hasn't reappeared, and I don't think I want to know why you're
askin.  But Moriarity is dead.  Suicide.  He got buried yesterday at his
parent's estate outside London.  Nicole Velli is the new CEO of Maxim.  And
the employer you were talking about?  It's been destroyed.  What didn't get
raided by corps got consolidated under a new Maxim subsidiary, Maxim Security,
Inc.]<<<<<
        --  Slash <21:03:32/11-13-55>

>>>>>[What the frag?  You mean....?  FRAGGIN SLITCH!  She sacrificed The
fraggin Orginization to the bloodsuckers of the fraggin planet?  Fraggin.....
+++++Link Terminated at Source+++++
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night <21:05:38/11-13-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Diana
>>>>>[Quiet!  Miss Velli did what she had to to keep this corporation alive!
And if you don't approve, that's too fragging bad.  The Org is dead!  And if
you don't watch your step, little girl, Maxim and the people you used to work
for will squash you like a fraggin cockroach!]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <21:08:27/11-13-55>

>>>>>[Hey, Macabre, are you out there?  Aria flew in late a few nights ago
and passed out in the cockpit of the Mistral.  Hanzo brought her inside and
he handed me an optical chip of the internal cameras on the Mistral.  I
can't make heads or tails of what this crap is, and I'm not sure I even
want to know....

+++++Begin Transmission: Condor One Internal Cameras

The camera is located just above the copilots seat.  The Mistral is empty
for the moment and out the door you can see water.  It is nearing dusk.
Suddenly a tall female in civilian armor clothing jumps in through the
cockpit door.  Her hair is short, brown and she looks like she works out
regularly.  In her hand was an M22A2 which she dumped on the copilot's
seat as she started up the engines.  She plugs a datacord into her temple
and shouts something in Japanese.  Immediately, another figure, this one
clad in black armor and wearing a red scarf around his neck, tumbles into
the cockpit.  You can now see an trail of blood running down the female's
arm.  The other figure, identified by a flash of Hanzo at the bottom of
the sceen, helps two humans into the aircraft.  Hanzo reaches for a third
but a brown, chitin covered arm reaches in to attempt to claw him.  A
hideous brown insect head pops in and attempts to bite Hanzo, but the sam
ducks back.  A flash of silver is seen and the insect's head goes rolling
into the cabin.  The female, whom you now assume is Aria, leans back to
Hanzo.

Aria: Thank God for weapon foci, eh?  Get the kid in.  I'm ready to taxi.

Hanzo: You're hurt--

Aria: Get the f***ing kid in the f***ing cabin!

Hanzo reaches outside and pulls an Ork infant into the cabin.  The
aircraft begins to move.  Two more sets of brown arms reach inside, one
which claws Hanzo's arm.  The other set reaches to grab the child.  With
blinding speed, Aria reaches for her gun and points i off camera.  The
child drops back into the cabin with the corresponding sound of gunfire.

Aria: Eat APDS, Roach.

The aircraft is steadily gaining speed.  It takes off.  A loud tump is
head from the side with the door.  Hanzo plunges his sword through the
metal of the plane and pulls it out, covered in brown ooze.  He slams the
cabin door stuck.

Aria: Great thinking, Hanzo.  Now just how the hell are we-- uh oh.

Aria's face turns from frustration to determination.  Hazno secures the
child in a seat and climbs into the co-pilot's chair.  Aria points to
something ahead.
In the corner of the viewscreen, a square i s superimposed on the cabin
picture.  In the square, four flying targets are illuminated, each
approaching the aircraft.  Two read streaks from the heat signatures of
AAMs close in, both exploding in the midst of the insects.  Three fall
but the last flies over the aircraft.  The square disappears.

Aria: Hanzo, he's on the wing, attack the engine.  Can you--?

Hanzo: I will do if I can, Aria.

Aria: Hurry up.  I don't want to fly this thing sans one engine and with
a gaping hole in my shoulder.

Hanzo unstraps himself.  His expression is hidden by his black cowl and
helmet.  He pulls out a crossbow from behind the seat and cocks it.  The
door opens, and Hanzo fires a round out the door.  He relaods, and fires
another shot.  He closes the door and slides the crossbow back into it's
place.  He settles back into the copilot's chair.  The cabin shudders and
Aria's expression turns to one of disgust.

Aria: The engine's taken some motor damage.  <winces> We'll have to go it
on one engine.  Get me a stimpatch.  Quick.

Hanzo fishes out the first aid kit and applies it to Aria's shoulder.
She mutter something in Japaneese and settles into full-rigger mode.
Hanzo works on the wound on her shoulder.

+++++End Download

>From what I understand from Hazno's broken English, I think the three
passengers were prospective clients of UO.  Then all hell broke out.  I
guess this ruins our Chicago connection.]<<<<<
        -- the Wrench (19:21:33/11-12-55)

*****PRIVATE: The Wrench
>>>>>[I've been getting reports in from friends that bad things are about
in Chicago.  Insect bad things.  Give my best to Aria.]<<<<<
        -- Macabre (20:34:57/11-12-55)

*****PRIVATE: Macabre
>>>>>[Aria's had the chills for the past night-- nothing any of us here
have seen from normal combat injuries.  Do you know about any insect
dieseases speread by these guys?]<<<<<
        -- the Wrench (14:08:40/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE: the Wrench
>>>>>[She might have had a toxin introduced into her system.  I'll stop
by with a Bear shaman I know who's got some detox spells.  Keep her warm
and I'll show up ASAP.]<<<<<
        -- Macabre (16:45:20/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Xopipo
>>>>>[ Sir, our extraction was successful.  Currently waiting for further
assignment data in Washington, D.C., UCAS. ]<<<<<
        --  Macros the Black (19:08:37/11-13-55)

>>>>>[ Mr. Frypp, we take it that your company is successfully arrainging
itself to handle our requests? ]<<<<<
        --  OS^2 (19:17:45/11-13-55)

>>>>>[ STREETWOLF, we have not spoken with you, yet; we would still like
to do so.  At your ... earliest convenience. ]<<<<<
        --  OS^2 (19:17:45/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Mike and the Mechanic
>>>>>[ Which reminds me -- this OS^2 character was asking after you
guys.  Sounds serious. ]<<<<<
        --  Slick (19:25:37/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Slick
>>>>>[ WHAT?!?  You didn't say anything to them, did you? ]<<<<<
        --  Mike and the Mechanic (19:27:44/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Mike and the Mechanic
>>>>>[ Not yet, no.  Why, do you want me to? ]<<<<<
        --  Slick (19:33:02/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Slick
>>>>>[ Not until we can get some hard data on them.  Got any? ]<<<<<
        --  Mike and the Mechanic (19:35:58/11-13-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Mike and the Mechanic
>>>>>[ Sheeyeah, right.  The only info I can get is from my street sources
-- and they aren't coming up with jack shit.  I'll try, though. ]<<<<<
        --  Slick (19:40:00/11-13-55)

*****Private: Lou
>>>>>[ Ahhh you own a bar, how cool.  Do you serve any alchohol?  I will
be there tomorrow with all the plans, what time should I show up?]<<<<<
     -- Tarkis < Time does not exit >

*****Private: Spellslinger
>>>>>[ Well I am sorry to say but I think we have enough.  Before I only
had two people but while you were gone i got another, and thats all I
need. Mabye we can run another time? ]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis < Time does not exist >

***** Private: Lou, Tarkis, Ripley
>>>>>[Done.]<<<<<
        --Whisper <18:03:12/13-11-55>

*****Private:  Quickling
>>>>>[I'm on my way this very minute.  I'm interested in seeing how you plan
to get into Chicago.  We'll have to be sneaky...

I have a friend that wants to come too, but I'm not sure if she will.  She's
a spell thrower as well.  Here's our descriptions:

+++++Include Descript File

Hope your guards aren't too picky about appearances, I'm don't exactly look
like a suburban regular, if you know what i mean.  Too clean and sterile for
me.  Anyways, I'll bring some of these great bagels I just dumpstered.
Looking forward to it.]<<<<<
        -- Skaven <04:17:41/11-14-55>

*****Private:  maTrixster
>>>>>[Hey kid, I'm going to be gone longer than I thought.  I'm going to help
some runners get some folks out of Chicago.  Take care of the place for me,
ok?]<<<<<
        -- Skaven <04:19:55/11-14-55>

*****Private:  Skaven
>>>>>[YOU'RE GOING WHERE????  ARE YOU NUTS??!!  Have you seen the shadownews
on what's going down there?  You'll be bug food.  Or some antsy soldier will
geek you.  Look, I know you like to help people out, but...but I'm sure
there's no way I can talk you out of this, so you better fraggin' watch yer
tail!  Geez...]<<<<<
        -- maTrixster <06:32:29/11-14-55>

*****Private: Quickling
>>>>>[I've just hooked up with Charon, and please excuse him
for not answering at this time, he is currently to busy laughinh
to compose himself.  I think he read the part about mages. *sigh*
The juvenile males.  Neither of us are mages in the strickest sense
of the question.  We are able to manipulate the mana flow by the
grace and goodness of our totem, for you see, we are mantid shamans.
Before you freak and disconnect, let me remind you, you have met me.
Think back the the party Harlequin once threw, I believe you were there
virtually.  I too was there, as I live there.  I have yet to summon
a spirit, for to do so would extinguish the flame of that person.  Charon
on the other hand would have some now, except for an incident that destroyed
two of them.  If your still willing to let us in, we are at >location<.
+++++ Include pix of S&C
We await your response.  Remember, there are no better hunters of the
prey you'll find in Chicago than the mantis.]<<<<<
        - Styx <09:31:56/11-14-55>

*****Private: Freddy Frypp

>>>>>[Freddy, you got a deal.

I need a week to set up a base there. My seventeen year old daughter needs
to get her equipment and then we should be ready. I also need to get a
rigger for perimeter drones. My bank also wants a confirmation of your
transcation of pay for the guns. Gotta move, I'll check in later.]<<<<<
       -- Tunnel-Rat (11-14-55 / 09:34:34)

***** PRIVATE: Quickling
>>>>>[  I'm on my way .. I should be able to reach that location by about
11:30.  As for the physical description, I am about 6'2" tall, have long
jet black hair, and bright green eyes.  I'll be wearing black from head to
toe, and I'll be carrying a black backpack.  I'll also be wearing a single
earring in my left ear in the shape of a tiger.  All in all, I think I'm
pretty distinctive.]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 15:46:14/11-14-55 >

*****PRIVATE: Lou
>>>>>[I'll be there with bells on!]<<<<<
        -- Ripley <18:36:30/11-13-55>

>>>>>[This is for anyone thinking of going to Chicago.  _Don't_!
The UCAS has troops all around the city with orders to shoot
_anything_ trying to get out!  There are also unconfirmed rumors
of them bringing down Banshes and Marine strike units from
farther north.  Unless you have immediate, personal, and pressing
 reasons to go in, stay away!  For those of you with friends and
family in Chicago, you have my sympathies, but your chances of
getting them out are about the same as the proverbial snowball.
If, however, you are determined to go in ... Good Luck!  Your going
to need it.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <10:25:10/14-11-55>

>>>>>[Good day, my fine Matrix-bound associates.  I have a most humble request
for general information, if any of you have such, regarding certain demonic
sculpted IC.  These devices began showing thier visages in my fine metropolis
nearly a month ago, but in rather limited quantity.  They have since then
appeared with greater and greater regularity, approaching the point that they
have begun to generate numerous difficulties and conjestion on the Matrix
highways.  There have been rumors to the effect that these IC programs have
even killed several corporate Matrix-runners, but I have been unable to
verify these statements with respectable sources.  It is indeed possible that
these semi-autonomous programming constructs might be somewhat responsible for
the recent difficulties with the GridLink traffic power system, which remains
unavailable after three weeks of constant repair efforts.

I would certainly appreciate any information regarding the creations that
anyone is willing to offer me.  I thank you in advance.]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <12:51:37/11-14-55>

***** Not to: Chris Tarleton, Patricia
>>>>>[Hey, isn't Dark Angel getting fitted for a ball and chain
sometime soon?  I think they decided sometime in December, didn't
they?

Who wants to help form the interviewing commitee for the stripper we
hire for the bachelor party?!]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (19:00:00 / 11-13-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Chris Tarleton; Spark; Frypp Security, Inc.
(FREDDY FRYPP); Denver Data Haven
>>>>>[+++++ CONDITIONAL ECHO TERMS:

FR:           DENVER DATA HAVEN
TO:           ALL SHADOWLAND SERVERS
RE:           TRANSCRIPT-11/08/55-REPUBLIC/OF/DESIRE
CONDITON:     DEATH OF FREDERICK FRYPP FILED IN CALIFORNIA FREE
              STATE INTERNAL REVENUE RECORDS

Well, now that that's in, unless you were actually at the meeting on
November 8, 2055 (yeah, so I've taken my time to distribute it, up
yours) at the Republic of Desire's iconferencing site, the only
reason you'd be reading this is because I'm dead.  With any luck its
around the year 2300 and I've died a senile old man.  Otherwise,
somebody's just put an explosive round into my spine, or (more likely,
if ya ask me) I've slipped in the shower and killed myself.

My 'deck recorded the meeting, and I just figured it would be a good
idea to stash a few copies.  I do this with just about everything,
but I'm just having a worse feeling with this one....

Anyway, here's my transcript of the meet:

+++++ FILE: TRANSCRIPT.ROD

- Dark Angel, Spark and I had arrived (virtually, of course) early for
  the meeting.  A RoD decker brought us through security to our
  designated iconferncing node.  Generic default SPU, nothin' fancy.
  Bristled with security.  I had requested blaster IC, but whatever
  they gave us definitely was more than blaster.

- About ten minutes before the scheduled meet, OS^2 walked, or maybe
  I should say, floated in.

FREDDY: What in the hell're you suppossed to be?  I expected some
badassed decker, and all I get is some kid running his dad's
tortoise.  Sheesh, I don't know squat about decks but - Spark, find
out where this joker is.

SPARK: SEEKER's away, boss.

- A tendril of energy burst out of Spark's ball lightening icon
  straight for the silver ball that was OS^2.  The icon didn't react
  at all.  The energy caressed it and then shot down the data tube.

FREDDY: Now, while the SEEKER's looking for you, let's get down to
business.  Yer paying so take your time.

OS^2: Yes, we are.  We were told you had requested Blaster IC to be on
standby in the node.  The SysOps have agreed to add more security, in
the form of Barriers and Access, with Blaster response.  We would not
care to have certain... others... prying into our affairs would we?

- Spark's SEEKER tendril shot back into the node and melded with
  Spark.

SPARK: Uhh, boss, I just got a big blank on the SEEKER.  Not the
usual blank you get from a fooled Trace, something I've never seen
before.  Usually the record'll show that the Trace just ended, for no
reason.  This trace became confused.  There were TOO MANY traces to
follow.  It reset itself.

- I knew I should worry, because even Dark Angel looked kind of
  phased. My amazing wit hadn't let me down, either.

FREDDY: Huunnhhh?

OS^2: That is the response previous tests had suggested.  We were
rather proud when our research into our patron's notes suggested this
idea; the concept was there, but our patron could not commit to
following through.  We utilize the default icongraphy because there
are more than one of us present.

FREDDY: What?  You can't do that.

SPARK: They're just running hitcher jacks.  No big thing.

DARK ANGEL: I don't think so....  I've heard rumors, but I didn't
think anybody had succeeded with it.  There's actually several systems
constructed in this icon.  They're all contributing to part of it.

OS^2: Very good Mr. Tarleton.  Perhaps we underestimated your
capabilities.  You may be a good replacement for Solitaire or
William6174.

FREDDY: This is pure bulldrek, you said you'd send one!  If there's
more than one of you in there what's to stop you from blasting us
back to San Fran?  Hell, if yer all running different parts, you
could have an active memory in the gigapulses!  You could have full
blown Black IC in there and not the crappy low-rated stuff Spark's
carrying off-line... whoops.

OS^2: Business, Mr. Frypp.  We've come to do business.  Our patience
is wearing very thin with you.  Especially now that we know you've
the capability to unleash lethal programs.  Even if they are
ridiculously low rated, the intention is there.

- By now, I was pretty well convinced that there were quite a few
  people in there.

FREDDY: Just biz....

OS^2: As you say.  Now, may we dispense with, as you so colorfully
say, the drek?

FREDDY: What do you need from us?

OS^2: We need you for three reasons:

1) We need you to obtain security and military grade equipment for
us and to transport it to various destinations around the globe.
This equipment will include: weapons, ammunition, accessories,
electronics, matrixware, entire vehicle and parts.  Your methods, are
as you demanded are your business as long as you can produce.

2) We will need you to dispose of lower grade equipment for us.  This
will include less exotic weaponry, electronics and matrixware.
Again, your terms apply.

3) We will need assets capable of global shipping.  Both of equipment
exchanging between our two groups and of our exclusive equipment.
This equipment may be needed in some of the more, shall we say,
needy, parts of the world.  High risk bonuses will be negotiated at
the time of shipping.

Compensation should be more than adequate.

Are you able to meet our needs?

FREDDY: Nothing beats cutting to the chase, ah, excuse me.  I can be.

OS^2: Good, we will be in touch.

- Then he just unravels.  Poof.  I was kind of lost.  Story of my
  life...]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (18:32:11 / 11-13-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Chris Tarleton
>>>>>[Yeah, I know you're not wild on this deal, but the money's just
too outrageous.  And the equipment they were suggesting.  Christ,
just think how much I can funnel into Oakland....

Anyway, I'll be over in a few to talk to Karen.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (18:35:00 / 11-13-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[To any or all teams going to Chi-Town if you need a Shaman of the wolf 
totem and a ex-Wildcat comando- I will help contact Strikes-Like-Lighting
@<<<ENCRIPT>>> ]<<<<<
        Strikes-Like-Lighting (12:42:30/11-14-55)

>>>>>[What do you want me to do, Freddy?]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

***** Private to: OS^2
>>>>>[We need to speak.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[You okay Kor?  I had to leave for a little while, and check out
that Technos place for some people, but I can be back if you need me.
Remember, I lost my whole family to the race riots years ago, and I lost
my fiance a year and a half ago.  I might be able to help you, if you
want it.  Just don't fall into the bottle man...I lost a year of my life
to alcohol, and it took me another year to get back on my feet.  Just
know that despite the fact I may be a bastard and an a**hole, I still
want to help.  Maybe I can keep you from making the same mistakes I
made...]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<13:18:23/11-14-55>

>>>>>[Hey Irish, in case you hadn't heard, that snowball
has a good chance.  It froze earlier this year when a friend
of mine won a bet with the devil.  Something about grades. *grin*
But do you know how long it takes to get the pilot light relite? :)]<<<<<
        -Styx <15:19:19/11-14-55>

***** PRIVATE: the Whistler
>>>>>[Im perfectly fine.  Thank you for asking.

I needed some time to clear my head a bit but now I am fine.  Sorry to
hear about your family.

I have some work to attend to.  I shall talk with you some other time.
Maybe we can get together for a run some time.  ]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:41:50 / 11-14-55>

***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[I am ready to report for work.

I can be at your facilities within hours of recieving the proper paperwork
and contracts.  Due to my other...occupations...I may need to leave on
short notice.  I assume that this will not be a problem with you.  If it
is then we will have to destroy that bridge when we get to it.

+++++ Include: Resume, John Flansburgh - Registered mage, Ph. D in
                                          Paranormal Mamals.
                                          Registered Breeder of Hellhounds

               Resume, Mitch Tangston  - Registered Animal Trainer

I will be arriving with my assistant, Mitch, and will begin work immediately.

I am sorry for the delay.  I had a harder time recovering than I suspected.
That seems to be a drawback to my line of work.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:49:20 / 11-14-55>

>>>>>[ Since people asked . . . well one did.  I figure I might as well admit
it.  Since people are calling me by Scarface whether or not I appreciate it, I
might as well sign my name as it.  Sure as hell beats using my real name.
People don't fear Bruce quite the same way.  Remind me to thank Nightmare for
this convience.  Like maybe with a chainsaw. ]<<<<<
        -- Scarface <12:33:32/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ You're welcome Scarface.  By the way, I think HAMMER would really
appreciate your donation of the chainsaw to . . . well I think you'll
understand.

Diana, I know where AJ is.  And I do believe that someone else, whom people are
equally anxious to find, does too.  But I'm afraid I simply can't reveal that
quite yet. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <12:35:59/11-14-55>

***** Private: Shadowfox
>>>>>[ I found a way to reconfirm the interrogation of HAMMER.  What he said
was close enough to being truth as he sees it.  (With some reading between the
lines).  Prepare your people for his arrival and subsequent trade for Doomsday.
I will need the services of Guston for a few more days.  After that, I will
need one more favor from you.  But I will name it at that time.  Until that
time, Herr Shadowfox.  May the trade be successful.

Oh!  I found a place where Doomsday can rest relatively unbothered by
civilization.  I think DragonEyes will approve.  It's >>encrypted<<.  I can
have the place supplied with medical stuff if you wish, or you can have your
people do that.  Just let me know. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <12:48:35/11-14-55>

***** Private: DragonEyes, Nightmare
>>>>>[  Yes I think this will work.  DragonEyes, I need your services at
>>encrypted<<.  Nightmare is offering up HAMMER as trade for Doomsday.  As soon
as I can make the trade, I will provide transportation for you, Doomsday, and
probably Scarface to the location.  At this stage, I don't know how long this
will take to pull off.  But I have the ground work laid out.

+++++ include plan.groundwork

DE feel free to show this to Scarface when he arrives.  You might not want to
mention Nightmare's role in this.

Nightmare, while I'm amazed you value Doomsday's freedom over what HAMMER's
crimes have been, I have to confess that on this score you have finally
surprised me.  I guess, I'll follow your verdict on HAMMER's crimes and take
the trade even though in my opinion, he deserves worse.  To even out expenses
though, I would appreciate it if you would follow through on your offer. ]<<<<<
        -- Shadowfox <12:57:47/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ Scarface, it is good to see you again.  Unfortunately, it seems that I
have a job that I _am_ actually qualified to do.  As such, I guess I'll have to
be travelling soon.  If you want, I can show you the job.  I'm sure you'll
mostly approve of the end results. ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <13:00:03/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ Understood.  I wonder what the means are of this job, that you aren't
mentioning, but I will accompany you anyway.  Is Blitzkrieg coming with us?
]<<<<<
        -- Scarface <13:01:17/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ No.  He needs to heal more, and there may be some combat.  I'll leave
him with some good friends of mine. ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <13:02:05/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ Gee, thanks DE.  Just what I like to hear.  I'm just baggage to
everyone.  Don't mind me.  I think I'll just go hang in the crawl space where I
belong. ]<<<<<
        -- Blitzkrieg <13:04:19/11-14-55>

>>>>>[  Wow!  I have never seen DragonEyes move that fast!  Sheesh . . .
remind me not to tick off those medico types.  *smile* ]<<<<<
        -- Scarface <13:06:25/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ As I recall, you weren't that great of a patient at a certain time
either.  So I wouldn't comment if I were you. ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <13:07:55/11-14-55>

***** Private: Shadowfox
>>>>>[ My very special guest, Rebar, and I have looked over the plans.
Together we have come up with these modifications.

+++++ modifications.doc

The rest of the modifications will come through private courier, or here as
time constrants allow.  The shipment of the first prize will be tonight.
Here are the plans for that.

+++++ ship.txt

Rebar gave his seal of approvement for them.  And I will get the place
immediately.  Let's see if we can get one operation off correctly. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <14:18:05/11-14/55>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[ Blitzkrieg is healing.  At least physically.  I think mentally, he would
be better off if there wasn't so many bad things happening.  I think once he
has some time away from it all, he will be fine.  At least he maybe, if
Powerhouse's sword is ever found.

You're welcome for the healing.  Tell Waltzes with Bear that I thank her for
her compliment.  I'm quite flattered.  I'm also not quite sure, as to how best
answer your question.  In a sense, I suppose yes.

As to Crashkit's real name, it is >>encrypted<<.  I'm afraid, I never did learn
Powerhouse's real name.  I'm sorry.  Maybe Cerise knows.  If you find out, I
would be grateful to learn of it.

One last thing, I am here if you need to talk to someone about your recent
loss.  I would more than welcome you coming to talk to me.  I always make time
for those who have the need.  Take care. ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <14:57:34/11-14-55>

>>>>>[Bruce, I'll see you when you get in.  You know where I am, and if you
don't call, I will come looking for you.

Nightmare, if you are even partly responsible for Dad getting hurt, I will be
VERY unhappy....]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night <18:08:29/11-14-55>

*****Private: Irish
>>>>>[Just one thing to say, Mr. Irish.

We're in there in five hours.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <16:55:55/11-14-55>

>>>>>[Quickling, I've recently been informed of a
'friend' in Chi-town.  Is it possible to reroute
a couple of days so I can find her.  I would consider
this a great debt to owe you, as will another who is
looking out for her safety.]<<<<<
        - Styx <20:07:14/11-14-55>

*****Private: Styx
>>>>>[If you have to go, then go.  Unfortunately, we're planning on going
in TONIGHT, and you'll have a hard time finding us once we're in.

In the mean time, if you need to find someone in there, no problems.  We're
finding my friends, we can find some of just about anyone's.  Only limits
are going to be space getting out, which is going to rely on the number of
riggers.

Fair enough?]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <21:12:53/11-14-55>

>>>>>[Quickling, can you give me three hours MAX.  If I can't find her
by then, I'll cut and come back to help get you all out.  We need a
few fall back points.]<<<<<
        -Styx <20:32:06/11-14-55>

*****Private: XoX, Hral, Larh, RedWing, Rodan
>>>>>[I'm coming in.  You know where to meet us.  In the mean time, look
for Solonus.  I'll try to get you people out.  See you hopefully in a
couple of hours.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <19:21:29/11-14-55>

*****Private: Hack, Styx, Charon, Griffyn, Skaven, Karak, Itchy,
Scratchy, Babylon, Trotsky
>>>>>[Alright, guys, you've all met each other, you've torn up the
apartment, and you're ready to go in.  For those of you that are just
team leaders, apoligize for me to those members I left off the list
here.

Anyway, for the slow-minded...we're going in in an hour and a half, and
we'll meet back here.  By midnight tonight, we'll be in.  By the 16th,
we'll be out.  Hope you got sleep.

Bring the guns, the APDS, the armor (nothing heavy, of course...), the
equipment you think you'll need, the foci you can hide, the attitudes,
you name it.  Drones...be careful if you're going to bring them, and
make 'em small, but we can bring a few.  If you can control them on the
way in, at least.  Cyberdecks...tricky.  If you're going in with 'em,
good, we'll need a few.  Someone's got to take care of the Matrix
besides me.

Oh, and if I haven't OKed your friends yet, give it up.  It's too late.
I can still authorize side trips to get out your friends, but that's
about it.

We have cars to get us from here to the site we're going in from.  It's
the sewers, folks...be careful.  I've been trying to arrange for the way
out, and it'll be tough, but we'll manage.

I know that some of us aren't going to survive in there.  Hell, most of
the good runners there are dead, most of the routes in and out of the
city are blocked.  But we're going in anyway, folks, and we're going to
find Solonus, Johnson, and hopefully some more people.  And get out
alive.  That'll be the tricky part.

We've also got some friends in there...plenty of 'em.  The RedWing gang,
the team headed up by Rodan, and the RedRoms are all going to get picked
up (and pulled out) with us.  They're dealing with transport.

See you at 9:00.  Good luck, people.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <19:30:00/11-14-55>

>>>>>[Well, as long as it's after we've gotten in, go ahead.  I'll probably
even help you out, here, if we need to find someone that can help us...

Good luck.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <20:33:47/11-14-55>

*****Private: Lou
>>>>>[ Nice place you got here Lou. Once everyone shows up I will start
explaining the Plan.]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis < Time does not exist >

*****NOT TO: UCAS employees
>>>>>[Just thought you'd want to know.  We've made it in.  One casualty
so far.

To those that thought it was impossible...NEVER underestimate the power of
a few mages that want to hide some people going in.  Or hidden
entrances, for that matter...

To those that care, it's a sorry sight in here.  If I can get it, I'll
send out some vids.  (Oh, and no, noone else can get stuff out.  I'm
the only one with a decent connection to the outside world now...)

To Mr. Yoshida, we found Wisdel.  He's dead.  Taken out in the Chicago
Art Institute by a bunch of fragging bugs.  His body's only a pile of
ashes now, but trust me, it was him.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <20:51:41/11-14-55>

>>>>>[ Ack not the Art Museum!!! Is the place still standing?? Is the art
untouched or now, i must know tell me now!!!]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis < Time does not exist >

>>>>>[Damn.  'Tis not a good sign.  I fear the coming of the worst.]<<<<<
        --  Norman Yoshida <21:02:51 / 11-14-55>
            Executive Vice President
            Yoshida Technologies

*****PRIVATE:  Christopher Tarleton
>>>>>[ You're right.  There's a data haven in the Pueblo section of Denver,
has some of the top ideas coming out of the PCC at work.  If you can meet
us in the CPU at 23:30:15/11-18-55, then perhaps your questions will be
answered. ]<<<<<
        --  OS^2 (21:33:25/11-14-55)

>>>>>[Nah, send 'em to the LA office.  We can smuggle 'em up from
there.  But lable the boxes machine tools or something.  Nah, that
isn't gonna work either, inspections'll get them.  Go ahead, send
them to Seattle.  Send them to Basilisk.  He'll be glad to see them
show up in that little apartment of his.  He's at >>>Address<<<.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:41:14 / 11-15-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Tunnel-Rat
>>>>>[Just forward me a shopping list and I'll see what I can
find.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:55:12 / 11-15-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: OS^2
>>>>>[Uh, yeah, we'll be fully prepared in about two weeks.  I'm just
finalizing the contacts now.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:57:12/ 11-15-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Chris Tarleton
>>>>>[Uh, DA, I'm still not sure how this is going to work this is
still really seat of the pants.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:00:00 / 11-15-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[Allright, here's a quick dump of the paperwork for a pass to
get into SF (Just make copies for your assistant).  We've already got
the sponsor section filled in, we just need you for the recipient
part.

+++++ FILE: SANFRAN.APP

Just forward that to the SFPD when you get done and they'll send you
back the proper documentation.  Unless they've got a bee up their
collective ass and want to play games with me....

Anyway, Spark wants you to fill out all of the crap he wants for the
corporate database.  Don't bother.  Just 'can it.  Only two people
have ever finished it.

+++++ FILE: FRYPPSEC.EMP

Now the legal mumbo-jumbo.  This would be a whole lot easier if you
didn't want to be a legit employee, ya know that?

+++++ FILE: FRYPPSEC.CON

Just send that back here.  Are you going to need someplace to crash?

+++++ FILE: SANFRAN.RES

Drop by my office when you get in town.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:10:10 / 11-15-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[I love California trid.  They'll put any wacko on.  I swiped
this from "How Ya Doin' SF?" this morning.

++++ BEGIN TRID

KATHY:  And this morning on "How Ya Doin' SF?" we have several
religious scholars discussing the situation of Chicago.  Mr. Kaspar,
what do you believe is truely happening in Chicago?

KASPAR:  Just Kaspar, please Kathy.  I believe that the Messiah has
returned.  He has returned to cleanse Mankind of the megacorporate
scourge.

KATHY:  And the Messiah has assumed the form of Insects?

KASPAR:  Yes, symbolizing the great plagues that sweapt into Egypt.

REVEREND FOWLER:  This infestation is indeed religious in origin, but
it is actually the beginning of the end.  Hell has released its
Demons.  Armaggeddon is at hand!

KASPAR:  The Messiah has returned.  Join me and my flock as we
journey to Chicago to become a part of the Return.

REVEREND FOWLER:  Return?!  You'll be journeying into the open maw of
Hell!  You'll become bug food!

+++++ END TRID

You get the idea.  By the end of the show, Reverend Fowler revealed
that he was a mage and tossed a lightening bolt into Kaspar's lap.  I
guess we know who's side God is suppossed to be on....

Gotta love California.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:22:12 / 11-15-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Arms-HQ
>>>>>[Sir, we are having system troubles.  Our deckers report that they are
running into frames wandering through the system, totally unseen and untouched
by even our Expert IC.  We have lost one decker and two techs to the frames or
constructs already.  They tried to kill one, and almost suceeded before a
second demon construct attacked the decker.  They apparently have Black IC and
other types of IC coding, at Expert levels that we don't even have,
encorporated into them, because the decker died.  And somehow, the construct
has a new form of Blaster coding as well.  Immediately after the decker was
flatlined, a massive surge hit the deck he was using and pulsed the optical
systems.  The standard, low power optical emmiters surged into the megawatt
power range for long enough to totally fry the deck, the decker, and two tech
in the room running data checks.  They were all beyond medical and magical
healing and died almost instantly.

They are a major problem, and from what our contractees have told us, we are
not the only corporations to have this problem.  We will keep you informed as
things happen.]<<<<<
        --  MSI-Boston <11:39:22/11-15-55>

>>>>>[  +++++Include Trideo Download+++++

This is Charlie Fingers, reporting to you from the Boston Metroplex airport.

Just recently, we recieved that as soon as all the local traffic has been
cleared from holding patterns over Boston, the airport will be closing due to
computer problems.  Apparently, the INS instrumental landing guidance system
failed catastrophically about 43 minutes ago, forcing the tower to re-route all
incoming air traffic to secondary airports except those already in holding
patterns and semi-ballistics already en-route.  As you know, semi-ballistics
are incapable of changing trajectory enough to reach a back-up landing site due
to fuel availablility.  All attempts at restarting the INS system have failed
and the FCC and the local authorities are working with all speed to get a
second system moved into place in order to restart the airport.

+++++Charlie Fingers seems to glance off into nowhere, the hallmark of an
implanted radio, then his attention returns to the camera.

I just recieved notice that just over 2 minutes ago, there was a near
collision over Lexington between two sub-orbitals, each carrying over 150
passengers.  And this has just been radioed to me:  The local approach radar
here at the airport has also failed, forcing the planes in the air to come in
as the tower makes space....what!?!  Jack, focus behind me, out the window!

+++++The focus of the camera changes drastically as the camerman changes his
focus from Charlie to the runway behind him while in the background, you hear
Charlie continuing to talk.

I've just been told that the last of the semi-ballistics that was already
en-route when the INS system crashed is coming in for a landing, but that
since the radar has gone out, they can't give the pilot any data whatsoever and
that she is trying to bring the plane in on full manual, with no assistance
from the tower.  All other traffic is being re-routed away from the runway
that you see in your screens....Yes!  There it is, coming in.  But wait a
second!  NO!  There's an HSCT in the way of the Semi-ballistic!  Can the...

+++++On the screen you see a violent flash several seconds before you hear an
explosion so loud that the windows shake, and some of them crack.  Outside,
a firey ball is turning into a black, sooty cloud and large chunks of debris
appear to be falling on the approach just before the runway.

Oh my god....oh my god.......oh my GOD!  Folks, it appears that the semi-
ballistic and the HCST have collided in mid-air and exploded.  We will keep you
informed as more news becomes available.  However, it is unlikely that there
will be any survivors of the possible 400 to 500 passengers and crewmembers of
the two vehicles.

This is a terrible day here in Boston, where the failure of two computerized
guidance and control systems has so far resulted in the deaths of 400 to 500
people, the near collision of two more aircraft, and untold other problems that
will only become apparent as the day goes on.

This is Charlie Fingers, keeping you up to the second on the news from Boston,
signing off until more news becomes available.

+++++End Trideo Download+++++ ]<<<<<
        --  Trideo Pirate <12:07:36/11-15-55>

***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[ Its about time you got back to me.  Im already in SanFran.  Got
here last night.  Nice fraggin' security you people have around here.  You
need to station more combat mages and astral security around the perimeter.

Mundanes just dont stand a chance against a persistant mage.

I dont know a damned thing about San Fran and those assholes shot up my
equipment pretty good last night.  Dont they know about the "No
killing peaceful citizens" rules?  My nav dat and maps got trashed.  Dont
expect you to pay for that.

I guess I should fill out the paperwork just incase someone asks.  I
assume you can make it so I arrive here sometime tomorrow or do you
need me to take care of that?

+++++ Include: SANFRAN.A@^@
[File corrupt  -- Resend]  n
+++++ Include: FRYPPSEC.EMP.RET
+++++ Include: FRYPPSEC.CO@^@#^#
[File corrupt  --  Resend] n

Oh, bummer, that one got fragged.  Guess I cant work legit now, huh?

Jack this --  Send someone to Joey's Diner (Hell if I know where this is)
to pick me up.   If there isnt a problem, I can stay on site with the
animals.  I prefer them to most humans anyway.  My associate will
come in tomorrow sometime or whenever he gets around to filling out
the paper work.  He was afraid to come in with me last night.  The boy
has no stomach for a good fight.

What are the consequences of my being here without proper Id and passes?

If anyone comes looking for me, kill them and then call me...

+++++ Encryption: ON
I dont think that training the hounds is going to occupy enough fo my
time to keep me happy.  If there is anything else you need done, please
let me know...we can keep a running tab.  You buy the beer, Ill take out
the trash.
+++++ Encryption: Off ]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:08:08 / 11-15-55>

>>>>>[CAUTION:

A few weeks ago I uploaded some spells of my own creation.  I advertised
that these spells should do well against Insects.  I was wrong.  They
do not work at all.  Do NOT use them.  ]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:26:34 / 11-15-55>

***** PRIVATE: Scourge
[Greetings and well met.  I have a request to make of you.
I have a need to post a few mail messages anonymously and was hoping
that for a couple of thousand neuyen a pop I could get you to do that
for me.  What do you think?  Is is possible to do this so no one knows
where it came from?]
        -- Kor <18:30:03 / 11-15-55>

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[Damnit Kor!  You aren't alright.  Don't you remember I told you
about my family down at the beach, a few hours after your father was
murdered?  Frag it all to hell.  It _seems_ like I'm getting more worked
up about this than you are.  In any case Kor, if you need my help, for a
run or for other help, you know how to get a hold with me.]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<11:50:09/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Styx, I don't want to know, I just don't want to know]<<<<<
        -- Irish <11:51:35/15-11-55>

>>>>>[Okay people, I almost have this Knight-Errant military file from
Chicago decrypted.  Aside from the extremely high encryption level
(highest I've ever seen.  My computer, admittedly not a mainframe but...,
has taken over 2 days on this file.  And it's not that big a file.  Of
course, I had to restart everything on Sunday after spending all of
Friday and Saturday being interrogated by Knight-Errant...I only hope I'm
still sane after that.  But in any case, my computer says that it is
about 95.34 0one with the file, meaning I can have here in about...2
hours max.  So until then...]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<11:55:01/11-15-55>

***** Private: Quickling
>>>>>[I hope you brought some big guns, alot of body armor
and one hell of a wizard then.  But since your determined to
go in, I suggest you look up one of my old chummers.  A
marine Lt. named Vasquez (a female ork).  She may be able to
help you get in, getting out is a whole other ball of wax.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <11:59:20/15-11-55>

>>>>>[God, I hope this works. I can't hack a military channel for long.
I don't have time to read through the general board; just tell me that
SOMEONE is coming to help us-
++++ LINK TERMINATED
]<<<<<
        -- E#@$<1:#1:46@#1-15*&5>

***** Private: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[What d'ya need me for?]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

***** Private: Shadowfox
>>>>>[ Thank you for the simple delivery.  Security was tight, but the others
that you sent to aid me were quite well trained.  My compliments to your
planning.  The letter was left on his desk as stated in job requirements.  I'm
sure he is thoroughly paranoid now.  I'll pick up payment as pre-arranged.  It
was a privilege to work with you. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightingale <11:58:40/11-15-55>

>>>>>[ I have sent a personal copy of this via private bonded courier to
Special Forces Commander-in-Chief Samuel Carver.  It is included for your sole
benefit.  He has until tomorrow at midnight to respond.

+++++ Include threat.txt

Dear Samuel Carver,

     No doubt good sir, you are already wondering at this message's arrival.
To arrive here on your desk, without your security knowing, has you probably
very much alarmed.  That is just a small hinting, at my benefactor's
capabilities.

     The reason for this offer is this:  It has come to my attention that a
certain individual has captured another certain individual.  This certain
person operates under the nom du guerre of "HAMMER."  If you check Commander
Drake's files, you will undoubtedly note that he is the current Head of
Operations for B.I.S.  My benefactor has recently acquired HAMMER, and wishes
to offer a trade.  We will return to you HAMMER 24 hours after the release of
the international terrorist known as code name: Doomsday.  I stress that it
will be 24 hours after Doomsday is released, because we will have the need to
verify that it is truly him.

     Undoubtedly, you could refuse.  Let me do my utmost to convince you in
a brief manner, that it is in your best interest not to refuse.  I shall put it
this way.  HAMMER represents an acquired knowledge of the affairs of the B.I.S.
that my benefactor would find highly useful.  Plus, as you probably have
already found out, he is a highly efficient field operator.  As such he has had
access to things which the German government would never want the civilians
or even other megacorporations to learn about.  Whereas, Doomsday is a simple
international terrorist wanted for various crimes such as murder and carrying
illegal cyberware and weapons.  Also, I will give you the benefit of the doubt
and assume you have just refreshed your memory of this "Doomsday," and in that
file, you will notice that he has been arrested twice - once by Ares, and now
once by Interpol.  Probably wouldn't be all _that_ hard for someone in your
position to regain.

     At this point, you are probably wondering why my benefactor wants
Doomsday.  Well, I'll let you wonder.  I hope to see Doomsday's release soon.
Inside the other document packet, you will find information concerning
accepting and rejecting my offer and how to follow through on either one.  I
hope to see that you will respond by my deadline.  If not, my benefactor will
take it as rejection.  You are warned.  All attempts to extend the deadline
will be ignored.  Have a nice day.

                          Sincerely,
                              Shadowfox


+++++ letter ends.

Well, I'll let you know if anything good comes out of this. ]<<<<<
        -- Shadowfox <12:19:44/11-15-55>

>>>>>[ I'll try and call you when I get in, but . . . something has come up,
that is going to send me out of town real quick.  It involves helping a friend
in need out.  Wish I could say more.

I take it you didn't see Ratspeak's posting on November 6th at high noon.
Nightmare didn't exactly improve your father's chances of leaving Germany alive
any. ]<<<<<
        -- Scarface <11:35:30/11-15-55>

***** Private: Diana
>>>>>[ Yes.  He'll be very lucky to leave here in what little is left in his
time in unlife.  And something tells me that unless things change really soon,
he'll experience death for the final time.  I strongly recommend _NOT_
interfering any in matters concerning his stay here unless you want him
to die.  Time will tell whether or not he will survive.  If you enter the
equation in any way, I'm afraid, it will simply take away from his chances of
survival.  Time is Action Jackson's friend and enemy in this case, but
interference will make Time Action Jackson's enemy.  That is your only warning.
Listen to it well. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <12:00:00/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Read and feast your eyes.

+++++AudioVisual Upload Sequence Start:

A flickering picture fades into view, obviously done on poor-quality recording
equipment: or in bad light.  It appears to be inside of a high-security area,
judging by the extensive control features.

A scruffy man, dressed in tattered security garb and with a five-o'clock shadow,
steps into the picture and begins to speak.  "Knight Errant lost control of
all computer systems in the West Denver Maximum Security Enclave, resulting in
a breach of safety.  The system crashed due to some sort of infiltration
represented by a large demon*#($*@()JDKWQNsjkdsan@#*!)(@Nd90 r90ewhdf 30219hr

The picture fades to black.

+++++AudioVisual Upload Sequence End.

Knight Errant claims that everything is under control.  Boys and girls, we have
a problem here.]<<<<<
         --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[  +++++Include Trideo Download+++++

This is Charlie Fingers, coming to you from the rapidly degenerating
metroplex of Boston where several more problems have added themselves to the
horror of a mid-air collision earlier today that left 432 people dead and
debris strewn across 5 square kilometers.

Earlier today, at around 3:15 EST, the subway and elevated rail system that
connects all of downtown Boston with the outlying areas of the metroplex failed
simultaneously, causing one rail collision and three derailments.  Total
damage is unknown, as is the cause of the system-wide failure.  Hospitals and
authorities on the scenes report over 75 dead and perhaps some 300 wounded.
Concrete numbers are not yet available as emergency personnel have yet to
fully clear the debris and rail cars from the areas of the accidents.  However,
yet another problem has manifested itself and is adding to the confusion and
terror that Boston has been plunged under today.

Last month the GridLink system failed, causing accidents and delays.  Today, at
precisely 3:58 EST, the entire remainder of the traffic control system failed.
Accidents occured almost instantly, and 2/3rds of Boston has been plunged into
total gridlock, stopping emergency units from reaching accidents, fire engines
from reaching numerous small fires that threaten to expand, and police from
being even able to reach points where recovery could be directed from.  Only
the limited number of helicoptor, ACV, and Vectored-Thrust units are even able
to move within the city.  DocWagon reports all of thier clinics as being filled
over capacity, some by 120  Local public and private hospitals are even
finding themselves overrun by more injuries than can be cared for.

The Mayor is appealing to all residents of Boston to stay indoors and not to
travel until the situation can be cleared up.

The city has no comment on the status of repairing the traffic and subway
systems, but inside sources say that all of the computers controlling the
systems have failed and are resisting any and all attempts to get them up and
running again.

If this is true, then this situation will not fix itself easily, nor soon.

This is Charlie Fingers, wishing he was somewhere else, signing off from
Boston.]<<<<<
        -- Trideo Pirate <16:16:50/11-15-55>

>>>>>[ Sorry this is so late folks, but Basilisk and I have been researching
the substance we found on this run.  I've also been out of town trying to get
some information on the tree.  Things should be coming together.  Here is the
video feed from Gork's Drone.  I want to put a big thank you out to my big
troll rigger friend.  He doesn't have access to this, but he deserves credit.

+++++ Begin Video Feed: <11/4/55>
Jasmine climbs out of the lime-green van followed closely  by a large Troll
who towers over her petite frame, "Chere, I aint gettin' paid fuh this, so's
I's waitin' heah."  She leans up and kisses him softly on the cheek, "Thanks
for letting us use your van, Gork.  This won't take long."  Gork opens the
side door to the van and the rest of the team climbs out, "Y'all take care o
my lil lady friend heah, r I's be knockin' yer dohs don wit a Panthe' Cannon.
Unduhstood?"  The entire team smiles, their not here to protect Jasmine, but
obviously her friendship with the Troll is nothing to be laughed at.  "Gork
will be operating the camera from remote.  He's already got the drone set up."

Everyone is equipped with a 2 way headset and their all carrying their weapons
of choice.  All but Jasmine who's got a flashlight that's almost half her
size.  It's one of those giant, industrial, construction site, halogen
brights.  On the side is written, "SUN-IN-A-BOX (a little piece of heaven)".
This light means business.

+++++ Hey folks, I've got the map up in front of me.  The
+++++ bunker is the large concrete building across the grass
+++++ from where you are now.

"Shields, tell us something we don't know." Tiny says into his microphone.

+++++ There are four openings, but only one will get you to
+++++ the central bunker area that was being used as living
+++++ space.  It's...uh...the second to the left.  There
+++++ should be a pipe immediately overhead.  3 inch.

The team heads across the grass.  The camera follows them.
+++++ Even though Gork isn't getting paid, he is filming this.

Jasmine stops just outside the door, "Dancing Dragon, I want you to head up
top.  To keep watch, if all works out, we'll be coming out that way."  She
blows slightly to activate her mike, "Shields, guide Dancing Dragon up to the
top by the old gun, I've got a map and pretty much know my way down here."

+++++ Alright, babe, take care.  Keep your mike on so I can
+++++ hear what's happening.  In fact, have everyone flip
+++++ the on switch.  I want to hear everything.

She nodes her head, "Shields wants us to make sure that our mikes are on.
There's a switch on the left side."  She flips the switch.  Everyone follows
her lead.  Dancing Dragon heads off to a stairway on the left.  His gun is
out.

Basilisk, Aardvark, Tiny, and Backlash start walking as staggered as can be
through the 5 foot wide tunnel.  The view begins to dim and eventually all is
black.

+++++ Jasmine, turn on your light.  I can't see Gork's vid
+++++ feed.

Suddenly, A magnesium bright glare appears to melt the darkness as the camera
compensates.  "Frau Jasmine, that light is sufficient" Basilisk shades his
eyes.  Aardvark rubs his. Tiny just turns his head, and starts walking.

+++++ You should be coming to a T junction.  Aardvark, on your
+++++ immediate left is a metal box.  There should be a switch
+++++ for a generator there.

Aardvark opens the box.  A bundle of frayed and burnt wires fall out.  "Whoa,
somebody really did a job on that switch."

++++ Doesn't matter, Jasmine's got a light.

Basilisk crouches, "Anyone else smell that?"  Tiny crouches down and takes a
whiff, "It's stronger down here.  Smells like a chemical.  Almost acidic."  "I
just smell damp concrete...and Gork." states Jasmine.

"Ha, Ha, youah real laugh chere, Gork took a showah befoh pikin' you up thiz
monin.  'Sides you's just smellin' th' drone. " says a strong cajun voice from
behind the camera.

"I recommend that we put on the gas masks we have in our packs."  Aardvark,
drops his pack off his shoulder and opens it to reveal a mask on top.  Jasmine
opens her pack as well, "Agreed, as a safety precaution."  The team members
put on the masks.

+++++ Does this affect your microphones at all?

"A little, but I think they'll still work."  says a muffled Aardvark.

The team continues through the tunnels.

+++++ Take the first left, and then the first right.  It
+++++ should open into the main chamber.

A chamber opens in front of everyone.  There are mattresses, and a few old
electrical appliances including a stove and an old refrigerator.  The smell of
rotting meat from the freezer overpowers any chemical smells that may have
been there.  Basilisk walks to one of the mattresses, "Frau, Jasmine, shine a
light on here please!"  Jasmine approaches the mattress.

Tiny crouches down by Basilisk, "Is this what we're looking for?"  he runs his
finger over a red powder that coats the topside of the mattress.  His fingers
leave a cleared spot in the dust.  He looks at the powder on his fingers and
brushes them off on his pants.  Basilisk reaches into his pocket and puts on a
pair of latex gloves.  He then takes a test-tube and scrapes some of the red
substance into the tube.  "Enough this should be.  I will test in lab."
Backlash, who is rummaging through a pile of what appears to be garbage kneels
and lifts a   small ork doll from the pile,  "There were no survivors?"
Aardvark, leans down and puts his hand on the big guy's shoulder, "Not that we
know of, Backlash."  Backlash puts the doll in his back pocket.  He stands,
"There was a name on this," he pats the doll, "Katherine.  So help me, if the
person responsible for this killed a little girl, I want him to die the same
horrible death!"  Jasmine, steps over to the emotional  member of her team,
"Maybe, she's alive and you can give that to her.  This isn't over yet."

+++++ Guys, there's another room to the east.  But, The door
+++++ is just a dotted line on the map.  Look for a panel
+++++ or something.

"Shields, how can you have a panel in a concrete wall?" Jasmine asks, then
laughs, "Wait, it's not a secret panel, it's a vent.  I see it."  She walks
over and opens a grate on the wall.  "There's a short vent here to another
room, I'll go check it out."  She crawls through.

Everyone waits for a minute while Jasmine wanders in the other room.  It's
dark because she took the lamp with her.  After a few long moments, she
returns with a few battered books.

Basilisk looks at the brown leather book that she's holding, "That's Faust, a
classic German Literature."  Jasmine smiles, "I thought it was German, but I
didn't know for sure."  The other two are just photo albums.  Backlash grabs
one of the albums and scours it for a picture.  He finds a picture marked,
"Kat's thrid Birthday",  It's a picture of a cute little ork girl in a blue
dress blowing out the candles on a cake shaped like an igloo.  On the table
next to her is a doll.  It's the doll that Backlash now carries.  He takes out
the picture and puts it in his shirt pocket.

+++++ Was there anything else in there, Jas?

"No, I took everything of value.  There was another mattress and a few candles
that had burnt down to virtually nothing.  There was lots of the red dust
everywhere as well.  It almost looks to me like this place was looted before
we got here." Jasmine says into her microphone.

Tiny scratches his head, "I agree, Jasmine, this seems awfully messy for a
normal ork community house.  I've seen a few.  Orks are more organized than
this.  It also surprises me that we didn't find more domestic things like
dishes, silverware, or clothes.  This place is pretty bare."

+++++ Dancing Dragon says that the coast is completely clear.
+++++ Gork verifies this from his end.  I think you guys can
+++++ get out of there.

"Agreed," says Jasmine, "Lets go.  Basilisk, you can take that sample and
study it.  Aardvark, Tiny, Backlash, I want you to see if you can get some
confirmation on these pictures.  Anything at all.  Talk to contacts, friends.
I want to know if these people are dead or alive.  I want bodies people.  Now,
let's get out of here."  They backtrack through the passage.

Dancing Dragon meets the team outside, "Hey, I found something interesting up
top.  Aardvark, takes a piece of paper from DD and hold it so everyone can
look, "It's a drawing of a tree with an arrow pointing to it.  Where did you
get this?"  Dancing Dragon points to the gun on top of the bunker, "That gun
has been filled with concrete so it's just for show.  But this was taped up
right next to the sight.  I looked thorugh the sight, but it's too foggy to
see anything."

+++++ I've got a map of the sound right here.  A direct line
+++++ from that gun out across the Sound would be ....
+++++ hmmm...it could be a number of places.
+++++ Maybe the tree means something.

"Maybe it means that someone survived this." says Backlash as he puts his hand
on the doll in his pocket.  Jasmine, takes the paper from Aardvark, "Good
work, Dancing Dragon, I'll take this and run it through a few contacts of
mine.  Maybe I can find out about the tree.  Backlash, I think you're right,
someone survived.  And, I'll bet that if we find this tree, we'll find the
survivors."  The team heads back to the van and Gork opens the doors.

+++++ End Video Feed]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine <14:00:00/11-15-55>

*****Private: Irish
>>>>>[Little late for that.  We're in.  It wasn't easy, and we lost one
of the part, but we're in.  And yes, we have big guns, a lot of armor, and
a while drekload of mages and shamens.

And transportation out is already set up.  Sortof.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <12:45:11/11-15-55>

*****Private: Norman Yoshida
>>>>>[Sorry.  Definitely gone.  I wish I could help more.  Wisdel's just now
a pile of dust, though...]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <12:51:45/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Tarkis, I just thought you'd want to know.

The Chicago Art Institute is, indeed, mostly destroyed.  I didn't see much
still alive there.  I have a very small copy of the security readout I grabbed
a few minutes ago...

+++++ Upload: Chicago Art Institute security computer log, 11/10/55
]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <12:42:57/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Jesus fraggin' Christ.  I think this damn file might be cursed or
something.  I was in the middle of downloading it, when the fraggin'
local server hub crashed down on my damn head.  This fraggin' thing is
just pissin' me off.  But I think it is important that people read this.
This file contains the radio transmissions of the Knight-Errant raid on
the North American Chapterhouse.  Blast this fraggin' lag!  I though they
got rid of lag back before the crash.  In any case, here's the file.

+++++BEGIN UPLOAD, AUDIO ONLY

OMEGA BLUE:  Astral team reports they are 10-97

C&C:  10-4.

C&C:  All units at start point.

ALPHA BLUE: Affirmative

BETA BLUE:  Affirmative

DELTA BLUE:  Affirmative

SUPPORT:  Affirmative.  Rockets are aimed and ready.  10-23.

C&C:  Stage green go.  Good luck.

ALPHA BLUE:  And may God be with you.  Channel is 10-33, Alpha is 10-49
objective.

C&C:  Rockets away.

SUPPORT: Rockets are away.

+++++you can hear the muffled roar of the exploding rockets through
someone's open mic.  Then you hear the distinctive sounds of what must be
super-machine guns firing on full auto, and the occassional dull whump of
a grenade.  There are screams, muffled by something, but still screams.
Most of them are clearly inhuman, but some, too many, are obviously those
of the soldiers.+++++

ALPHA GRAY:   Sir, chem-sniffers are picking up elevated levels of PVMH
and C-6.

ALPHA BLUE:  Copy.  I'll 10-5---

+++++suddenly you hear an explosion, and it threatens to blow out the
speakers in your playback unit.  Hidden in the roar you can make out
screams, human screams.+++++

C&C:  Second Team alert advance.  Third Team alert advance.  Explosive
trap warning in effect.  Repeat, Second Team alert advance.  Third Team
alert advance.  Explosive warning in effect.

BETA BLUE:  Copy charlie.  Beta is 10-49.

DELTA BLUE:  Copy.  Delta is 10-49.

+++++you hear again the sound of super-machine guns, firing on full
automatic+++++

BETA BLUE:  Encountering increased resistance.  Requesting additional
support.

SUPPORT:  10-23 Beta.

BETA GREEN:  10-18 those rockets Support!

SUPPORT:  Rockets aimed and ready.

C&C:  Rockets away.

+++++another series of explosions fill the background.  This time,
though, they are louder, or perhaps closer+++++

DELTA BLACK:  Blue, charges one and two are set.

DELTA WHITE:  Blue, charges three and four are set.

DELTA BLUE:  Confirming charges are set.  Prepare for blast.

C&C:  Demolition charge one firing.

+++++again, the roar of explosions.  There is a single scream, or perhaps
thousands at once, like a piece of stell being...ripped+++++

BETA GREEN:  Sweet Jesus!

DELTA BLACK:  Holy Mary Mother of God!!

BETA BLUE:  Maintain channel security!! 10-33!!

C&C:  All units, we are under break out situation.  Repeat, break out
situation.  Initiate Plan Centerpoint.  Repeat, initiate Centerpoint.  All
commands signal acknowledgement.

BETA BLUE:  Affrimative.  Fall back!!

DELTA BLUE:  Affirmative, 10-87 Lighthouse.  Repeat, 10-87 Lighthouse stat!

+++++the signal has begun to break up.  You are no longer able to
distinguish between units, and all that can be heard are screams of pain
and weeping.  Voices can be heard through the static, requesting back-up
and trying to find out where people are.  The only other thing that can
be heard clearly before the signal dissolves into static is the word
"Damocles."+++++

+++++END TRANSMISSION

Fraggin' computer wasted about five hours trying to decrypt static.  But
that is about it.  T-Punt managed to send this to me before he got
killed, may he rest in peace.  I hope everyone out there hooks this up to
full audio, becasue if you just read the transcript, it really loses the
emotinal tones.  But that's it for me.  Now I have to go hide from
Kineght-Errant again...]<<<<<
        --Rhino Chaser<16:51:16/11-15-55>

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[ Jasmine, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be staying
at my squat for a while.  I'm not feeling to good right now.. seems like I've
come down with something.  Maybe the flu.  I don't know.  If you really need
me for anything, you know where I live, and you've got my LTG code.]<<<<<
        -- Tiny < 23:49:15/11-15-55 >

>>>>>[What the HELL is going on???!!!!   We just get back from
vacation, find that our penthouse and equipment is sold, get
everything back, log on, and find the DREK hitting the fan!!!!
Buzz's family lives in Chicago folks, so I hope someone is ready to
get them out!]<<<<<
        --Shadow(19:00:07 EST\11:15:55)

>>>>>[MY FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!   We've GOT to get them out of
there!!!!!!!!]<<<<<<
        --Buzz(The One The Only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

>>>>>[ CB, I have been trying Cat Dancings numbers that I have, atleast the
non-chicago ones.  I have also checked with a few friends in different cities
who know her normal hang-outs there.  So far I have been able to locate word of
her or her team.  I fear that they weren't able to leave Chicago in time.  Have
you had any luck?]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

>>>>>[ Not yet, and Ah'm worried.

If anyone out there has seen Cat dancing, or has word of her, please tell us.
We would like ta know that she is not in Chicago]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Dante is Dead>

>>>>>[Alright, I'm broadcasting this to the world, and that's because I
don't want this censored.  Period.

We're in Chicago, as you probably know.  And we've got a big fragging
team going into find Solonus and get the hell out of here.  We've been
resting in here, my apartment, for the last bunch o'hours, and we're
about ready to go where we BELIEVE Solonus is...

It's noon.  We've got three teams going out to look for people, plus a
home-defense team; first team consists of RedWing's gang, Itchy and
Scratchy, and Karak.  Second team is the Babylonians and Redroms.  Third
team consists of Styx and Charon, the Trotsky Twins, and Gris.  Here
with me are Skaven, XoX (from the Redroms...a decker, guys), Harf (troll
decker from the Babylonians, and a nice guy, actually), and Krull (elf
Street Sam.  He's our defense.)

Third team is going on a side-run.  Styx needs to find someone...if we
can find her, we'll get back to you.

Second team is to get to Johnson and get him out.  Otherwise known as
the "cake run", we KNOW where he is, and the only opposition will be
random bugs wandering the city.

First team finds Solonus.  And that's the tough one.  Damn.  I'm with
them virtually...XoX is helping Team 3, Harf's with Team 2.

This message is coming to you indirectly, people.  Thank good contacts
for the ability to come out...

<Just a sec...> Alright.  Team 1's going in.  We're connected.  See you
soon, chummers.]<<<<<
         --  Quickling <13:47:29/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Consider the fruti on its way.  I'll even throw in a bonus case for
Basilisk.  I've come a long way in the shadow world.  You can tell you're
good when you start running fruit!]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (17:38:12/11-15-55)

>>>>>[Results are in.  Team #3, we're in.  Coming home now.  See you in
a sec, chummer.]<<<<<
        --  XoX <15:55:41/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Good, XoX.  And yes, I'm the only one currently receiving
this...no outside servers will get this for a while.

In the mean time...a rundown?]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <15:56:31/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Sure thing.

First of all, I have to report casualties.  We lost both of the Trotsky
Twins, and Gris is gone.  Styx is...missing.  Charon is still with us,
but hurting.  He'll survive, but...I wish we had some medical support,
or more of it.  The people we found are hurt, and many killed.  Ten
civilians are still alive.

Second...the report.  Sure.

First off, we went on the search.  Not too tough, luckily...they were at
the pre-given coordinates.  Right on the money.  They were hurting, yes,
but their shaman was helping out a LOT.

As soon as we found 'em, we headed for home.  Not an easy job, with
bunch of civilians tagging along (I counted fifteen), but possible.  It
was fine for the first couple of miles...

We (I should say "they", I wasn't actually there) were ambushed about
ten blocks from home.  Apparently by a bunch of the spirits that had
been trying to get this group for days.  God, they were tough...REAL
tough.  That's when we lost everyone.

Three civilians were killed in the initial assault.  When we fired back,
most were gone...we were going to get out of this alive.  Well, some of
us.  Second assault killed off one of the street samurai that had been
taking care of the civilians, along with their shaman, and another
couple civilians.  And then the dead began to walk...I don't know.  Ask
the people that were there, but apparently Gris started making some
walking corpses.

The assault was over soon enough.  Seeing the source of the corpses, the
insects started attacking Gris en masse...boom.  Dead in seconds.
Charon was also hurt in the assault...but managed to kill a few more
anyway.  And from there, we didn't lose anymore.  Styx got scratched,
but that's about it.

>From there, it was just a matter of calming down the civilians.  We
gave a couple weapons...and we went on.

Styx left a little while ago.  Don't know where she went.  Hope she's
OK.  She said she'd meet back at the meeting point at 6:00 tonight...

They're downstairs now.  Let 'em on in.]<<<<<
        --  XoX <15:59:11/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Quickling, team 2's back.  No problems there.]<<<<<
        --  Harf <16:30:11/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Fair enough, Harf.  Report?]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <16:31:17/11-15-55>

>>>>>[What is there to report?  It was virtually without incident.
Hospital was a little ticked off, but they don't mind too much.  And you
were wrong, it was in the containment zone.  Barely.

Only casualty was a cockroach on the way.  Not a big one, a little one.
Shot with high velocity lead on the way, by Babylon himself.  Pressure.
Griffyn looks a little agitated, I suppose, but...]<<<<<
        --  Harf <16:33:42/11-15-55>

>>>>>[Good.  Bring my brother up, then...]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <16:33:58/11-15-55>

*****Private: Lou, Whisper, Ripley
>>>>>[ Here is the plan, there is a meeting going on wensday night, so
that when we go in.  We will meet here at 6 and I will take you there
from here.  Here is the Jobs of each person...

Ripley- you get to be the distractor, which means set off a few bombs in
front of the building, just what ever you can to distract the guards.

Whisper- Since I heard you are good at up close fighting, you will beat
up the Orcs, if you can handle it, cause i don't want to kill the Orcs at
all, just the 10 humans in charge,  since Ripley will be making
distractions with his bombs, there shouldn't be that many to beat up.

Lou-  I am expecting you to use your magic to stun the Orcs but not kill
them, also you have to fight the mages, which I think there are 4 human
mages.

Me- I get to do all the firing, and glory...I will be killing the humans,
along with Lou.  I will also shoot the Orcs if needed, but not lethal
hits, just in the leg or near there.

If we do this right we can take out all the Humans in one shot, for they
are in the same room.  I will lead Lou, and Whisper through the building.

Ripley if you can keep moving around the building with those bombs, and
try not to hurt anyone, there are about 5 buildings total, so just go
around there.

After we get out, and if we can break the spell, I will jack up to the
system and shut it down.  With out worrying about security this time.
Then I will tip the police off and get the hell outa there...

theres the plan, I will expect you to be here tomorrow at 6]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis < Time does not exist >

>>>>>[Alright, folks.  We're in.  Barely.  I've been keeping my own
transcript of this thing...

+++++ Begin: Matrix Log (11-15-55)
(The scene is the Matrix.  It looks like an ordinary, unsculptured
system.  Pretty boring for a Matrix shot.)

(Voice Over) This is Quickling, and here's the log, as of the 15th.

(Time passes.  And passes.  The picture goes out for a time...)

(According to the time readout, it's been about half an hour.)

(A small screen appears in front of Quickling.)

(From screen) Quickling, we're about to hook it up...now!

(Quickling) Got it!  YES!  I'm going in...

(The screen disappears as a door appears.  Quickling dives into the
door...)

(...and appears in another part of the Matrix.  This again does not look
sculptured at all.  There doesn't seem to be anything hooked up to it at
all, though.)

(Quickling) What the hell?  I'm in, but there's nothing here...

(The screen reopens.)

(From screen) Sorry.  We haven't hooked up the databases yet.  This is
tough stuff, you know...and it's not easy while being attacked by a
bunch of bugs.  Thank Wolf this place was mostly deserted...

(Quickling) Well, hurry it up.  Time's short...

(Another gate opens.)

(Quickling) Alright!  Good, Karak.  I'm in now...

(Quickling enters the datastore.  And begins to search.)

(Fifteen seconds later, she has found the information.)

(Quickling) Got it...check >ENCRYPTED<.

(From screen) Understood.  Where there?

(Quickling) He's a...public relations specialist?  What the hell?

(From screen) We'll find him, then.  Now, let's get out of this UB
place, OK?

(Quickling) Understood.  Out.

(The screen disappears.  Quickling turns and exits the datastore, and
then the entire connection, as it disappears around her.)

(The picture shuts itself off.)

(The picture comes back on.  The time shows it to be about an hour
later.)

(The screen again appears)

(From screen) Alright, we're in.  If your cameras didn't catch it, we're
already taking losses...Max is dead.

(Quickling) I didn't catch it before.  Dammit.  I'm going in if I
can...find Solonus, and get the hell out of there.

(Karak) Understood.  Out.

(Quickling, inside a new matrix connection, turns to a camera
connection, and starts to watch.)

(Through the camera bugs can be seen.  LOTS of them.  With a gesture the
camera view changes...and changes, and changes.  Beyond your ability to
comprehend, the camera view inside the UB chapterhouse, hooked up by the
runners and unimpeded by much IC, scans the entire building.)

(Quickling) Scanning...scanning..scanning...

(The camera views keep changing...and suddenly stop.)

(Quickling) Found him!  He's in Room #107, in the basement.  Along with
a whole LOAD of civilians, guys...if you can manage to keep them alive,
it would be a Good Thing.

(Karak) Wait a second...how many do you see?

(Quickling) At least forty.  I don't know what they're doing here...there
are HUNDREDS of bugs here, too.  Come to think of it, you're NOT getting
'em out...

(Quickling suddenly freezes.  And turns from the camera view...to see a
decker aiming a howitzer at her.)

(Quickling) FRAG!  I'm under attack guys...

(Quickling ducks as the gun is fired.  The shot goes just wide of her,
and hits the "camera".)

(Quickling) Who the hell are you?

(Decker) You enemy, of course.  What are you doing in our system?

(The decker lines up the gun for another shot.  In the mean time,
Quickling loads up what looks to be a ball of fire in front of her.)

(Decker) WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

(Quickling) Saving my friend.  If you're not going to help me, then get
the HELL out of here.

(As the decker fires another shot at Quickling, she fires off a ball of
fire back at him.  Both hit each other square in the chest.)

(Decker) A friend?  Right, mage.  Like I believe you.

(Quickling) What do you expect, Mr?  Why else would I be in Chicago at
all?  Would you STOP firing at me, now?

(The decker, seriously wounded but still able to fire, lines up another
shot, and fires.  And misses when a shield interposes itself.)

(Decker) No, I will not.  You're getting out of here, there's too much
bad drek going on here for you.  Trust me on that one.

(Quickling) SHUT THE FRAG UP!  I'm finding Solon...

(Decker) (dropping his weapon entirely) Solonus?

(Quickling) Yes.

(Quickling fires a fireball at the decker.  It hits him on his gun arm.)

(Decker) The elf?

(Quickling) Yes.  The elf.  What the frag do you want?

(Decker) Then let me introduce myself, mage.  My name is Dron; I met
Solonus a month ago.  He is with me here in this complex now.  And we
want out.

(Quickling) You IDIOT!  What do you fragging think I'm DOING!  I'm
getting Solonus out of here...

(Dron) Then forgive me for past misdeeds.

(The decker suddenly disappears.)

(Quickling) <to screen> Just got attacked...by one of the people we're
getting out...drek!

(Karak) Then it's safe to proceed?

(Quickling) Go for it.

(Quickling returns to the injured camera view, and proceeds to watch the
actions.  Over the next few minutes, an ork somehow enters the room,
contacts Solonus, and leaves.  And, within minutes, Solonus also
leaves...and finds the ork.)

(Karak) Quickling, here he is.  I'm putting him on...

(The screen changes a little.)

(Solonus) Quickling!  You're getting me out!

(Quickling) Solonus!  Oh god, oh god, you're alive!  Frag, I've been
attempting to contact you for a month now...

(Solonus) I know it.  Now, understand this.  I came in with two
guys...Jack and Dron.  You've already met Dron, I see...he's a decker of
some race I haven't figured out yet.  Jack, though...he's a mage.  And a
damned good one.  We're getting him out.  We're getting them both out.

(Quickling) If we can, we will.

(Solonus) Good.  Can we get out any civilians?  They're going to die
SOON, we'd better save 'em now if ever...

(Quickling) We can't.  Yet.  This is one of the main fragging bases,
Solonus...how'd you SURVIVE in this mess?

(Solonus) I'll explain later.  Let's move out.  I assume you have a plan
to get out of Chicago.

(Quickling) Yes.  Of course.

(Solonus) Good.  Then let's get the hell out of here.

(Quickling) Over and out, then.  Talk to ya later, Sol.

(The screen fuzzes, and Karak reappears)

(Karak) We're going back out now.  Let's move.

(Quickling) Go ahead.

(The screen fuzzes and dies.  Quickling watches the camera for another
minute, and watches them leave.)

(Ten minutes later, the team is out, including the two friends of
Solonus.  Amazingly, there were no fights..)

(Quickling) I'm out of here...time to do my damage.

(Quickling, her attack program still in effect, proceeds to start
blowing away the entire computer system.  She releases combat viruses,
massive attack programs, worms, the works.)

(Two minutes later, she exits the system.)

(Quickling) Mission complete.  Now, if Solonus gets back here alive,
I'll be fragging happy.  Mission log ends.
+++++ Mission Log: End

Now, it's just a matter of waiting...they're on their way.]<<<<<
         --  Quickling <21:02:47/11-15-55>

*****Private: Quickling
>>>>>[DREK!  We're under REALLY major attack here.  And I mean MAJOR.  We're
five minutes out of the base, and we just got attacked...we need help, people,
major help, and...$#&*(*@!()@
+++++ LINK TERMINATED
]<<<<<
        --  Karak <21:11:11/11-15-55>

*****Private: Karak
>>>>[Karak!  KARAK!!]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <21:11:32/11-15-55>

*****Private: Hack
>>>>>[Hack, they're under attack.  NOW.  And BAD.  We need help, and we need
help fast.  Can you get anything to the correct address (>ENCRYPTED<) in the
next few minutes?]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <21:11:35/11-15-55>

*****Private: Quickling
>>>>>[No.]<<<<<
        --  Hack <No T/D>

*****Private: Hack
>>>>>[Hack, you fragging son of a slitch, fragger, GET THEM THE HELL OUT OF
HERE, OR I WILL PERSONALLY RIP OFF YOUR FRAGGING SKULL!]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <21:11:39/11-15-55>

*****Private: Quickling
>>>>>[Running on full cybernetic, I see...well, I'm sorry, I cannot help.
I can do nothing.  There are no sensors active at that site...I can do nothing.
At all.  And neither can you, except pray for their lives.]<<<<<
        --  Hack <No T/D>

*****Private: Hack
>>>>>[YOU FRAGGING DREK-EATER!  GET SOLONUS OUT OF THERE!*&^#$&^*@(#&]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <21:11:45/11-15-55>

*****Private: Quickling
>>>>>[I can do nothing.  Proceed in this matter and I will be forced to cut
your connection entirely.]<<<<<
        --  Hack <No T/D>

*****Private: Hack
>>>>>[*#@^$&*(^*#&
        !*(^&#*@(OJHDJKFHKLDFHJ(*&$#*(
+++++ LINK TERMINATED
]<<<<<
         --  Quickling <21:11:47/11-15-55>

*****NOT TO: Non UCAS-Military
>>>>>[Sir, the bugs are retreating!]<<<<<
        --  Private Benjamin Strops <21:14:24/11-15-55>

*****Private: General Sherman
>>>>>[                                   November 15, 2055
                                         Damion Knight
                                         Ares Macrotechnology
General Sherman,

      While you may not know me personally, I am mailing you now to tell
you that we have taken care of the insect problem in Chicago.  Plans of
dropping military pesticides on the city need not be followed through
upon now.

      Do not ask for details.  I will not give them.  Suffice it to say
that the Insect Queens are destroyed.

      The quarantine may now be discontinued.

      With regards,
                                          Damion Knight
                                          (signature)
]<<<<<
        --  Damion Knight <21:15:00/11-15-55>
            President and CEO, Knight-Errant Security
            Zurich-Orbital

***** Private: Tarkis, Ripley, Lou
>>>>>[Message received. KOs and non lethal poisons for orks.]<<<<<
        --Whisper <5:05:25/13-12-55>

>>>>>[Frau Jasmine, I have almost completing the analysis of the sample
we found on the island.  It is very strange, definitely not an insecticide.
First, it is very heavy, uhm, dense, you say.  This is because it has much
iron in it.  The iron is bound in a semi-organic molecule similar to
heme in structure (heme is what carries oxygen in the hemoglobin protein
in blood).  This gives the powder the red color.  Also, there is an jod,
uhm, iodine component to the molecule.  It is very complex.  Also i
found another residue which indicates a propellent of some kind, probably
a chlorflorocarbon, but it was almost completely degraded.  I think it
just oxidized in the air.  I think this thing must have been an aerosol
propelled powder or colloidal suspension.  It is too heavy to be a gas.
That is meaning it was sprayed directly onto the target.  The last thing
i found so far is very complex.  Some organic compound.  It might be like
a small protein, but i need to analyse it more to be sure.  I will work
on it some more and get back to you.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <15:14:28 GMT/16.Nov.55>

*****PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[Frau Jasmine!  I am stupid.  I said the iron part is like heme.  Well
this would let it be very well taken into blood cells.  It is VERY good
that we all had masks on, but I think that is not enough.  I know Tiny
touched some of it, and you crawled through the vent.  It is possible that
skin touch is enough to bring into the body this chemical.  Both you and
Tiny should come to me for a blood test.  Especially if you feel bad.  I
hope it will be maybe oxidized and inert now, but better to checking.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <15:21:44 GMT/16.Nov.55>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[I gotta be out of the office today, so I'm just leaving this
where you can find it.  Sorry about having to put you up in Spark's
office, but he never uses it and it was all I could find on short
notice.

It all depends on who asks for your passes, and under what
circumstances.  If the SFPD stops you alone, they might get kind of
annoying.  They've got teeth, but won't use them without confirmed
orders from above, in triplicate.  They'll usually back down with an
implied threat, if it comes to that.  They won't stop a group that
looks even marginally threatening.  The Marines area totally
different story.  They'll stop you if you look at them wrong.  If you
don't have the proper documentation, you'll be before a Japanese
magistrate before you can find a Japanese translator, and you'll be
standing on the pier in Oakland by the time you do.  Null sweat,
we'll just send somebody over to pick you up before the squatters
pick you over too badly.

If yer in one of our trucks, the SFPD will avoid you like VITAS.
We've been showing them up lately.  By the time they've responded to
one of our calls to pick up somebody, we've got the trussed up on the
curb next to the garbage.  Hell, we've even started responding to
their calls.  We're a licensed security outfit and under CFS law we're
obligated to respond to ANY emergency call under threat of losing our
license.  Sometimes that's a pain in the hoop, but its fun to rub in
the real cops faces.  Especially when we pull off something big.

The I-Marines are a little different.  They may or may not pester
you if your in one of the 'Rovers, depending on their mood.  Sometimes
they can be upredicatable.

But waitaminnit, I doubt they'll screw with you if you've got your
hounds along.  The fraggin' Nips have always been scared of dogs,
dunno why...

One question, how in the hell did you end up at Joey's?  No wonder
you saw a lot of our people, that's one of the worst parts of the
East bay.  And how did you get on the East side anyway?  But anyway,
that's where we get the most business, mostly personal protection and
the odd commercial site.  Up North we've got some really elaborate
residential contracts.  Now that you're downtown the only FryppSec
people yer likely to see will be at the offices.  There's not many of
us, but you could say we stick out.

Lessee, people are going to be down in a few days to check out the
site up north, so I guess we'll have to find you something to
do in the meantime....

We've got a client over in Berkley who says he's having trouble with
a bunch of Japs who've been trying to terrorize him.  A bunch of
kids who think that their daddies' postitions can protect them off
corporate property.  Maybe they could downtown, but not on the East
side.  Do you think you could maybe run the hounds past them a couple
of times, just for something to do until I can find something
substantial?  Maybe you might want to drive around town to
familiarize yourself with the streets, they're usually pretty screwy
to someone who's never driven them before.  The autopilot can help
you some.

You may use whatever force is necessary to protect yourself, your
hounds, the client and the client's property.  And as much of it as
possible would be appreciated.

You can check out one of the 'Rovers from Kabuki Man.  If you want we
can start outfitting one of them with cages for the hounds.

Whenever you get back somebody can get you through supply and get you
uniforms and a regulation sidearm then send you up to the range for
some practice, the T-Bolt takes a little getting used to.

Glad to have you aboard.

BTW, do you know Dark Angel?  I need some help finding a stripper for
his bachelor party.  As a full employee of FryppSec you are hereby
qualified to join us on our nightly roamings to various establishments
catering to the sundry needs of the flesh of San Fran, Oakland and
all points beyond in search of the perfect female.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:35:12 / 11-16-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[  +++++Include Trideo Download+++++

Hello again from the Boston Metroplex.  My name is Charlie Fingers, and I will
be your tour guide through the recent problems in Boston.

Earlier at around midnight, local time, the entire Boston Metroplex began
experiencing intermittant power failures.  Shiawase Power is reported to be
working on the problem, but the failures continue, with increasing regularity
and downtime.

The Police and emergency services are still virtually stymied in the clearing
out of gridlock from the collapse of all traffic systems in the city.  Local
hospitals are rapidly filling to capacity and the Police have warned all
citizens to remain indoors for thier safety.  A curfew was imposed last night
at 8 PM EST due to widespread unopposed looting.

Furthermore, as you can see behind me...

+++++The camera angle changes slightly, angling off over the city to a dark,
almost blood red glow in the direction of Boston Harbor.

...there was a further collapse of transit systems tonight.  At 2:13 AM, EST,
the automated docking system maintained by Mitsuhama Computer Technologies
collapsed, causing several minor collisions and 4 injuries.  Until 2:21 AM,
when a supertanker carrying over 100 million liters of partially refined oil
collided with a cargo vessel carrying wheat and tore a gash in the side of the
tanker one quarter its total length.  Unfortunately, what was immediately a
terrible environmental disaster was worsened by the subsequent fuel explosion
on the cargo vessel, which ignited the oil from the tanker.  The glow you see
is the fire, currently covering almost half of Boston Harbor in burning oil.

The gash in the tanker's side was so large that it emptied over 20 million
liters of oil into the Harbor, but through the tremendous daring of the crew,
was able to maneuver out of the fire before a possible explosion released the
rest of the oil and possibly sending burning oil over the entire waterfront.

The crew of the cargo vessel were not so lucky.  When thier fuel exploded, they
were caught in the conflagration and a subsequent grain explosion and fire
totally destroyed the vessel, sending it to the bottom of the harbor.

The local traffic problems have not affected the harbor fireboats, and they
are working on the problem as well as they can.  However, the most effective
attempts at stopping the spread of burning oil, projected to burn for at least
another 3 days, has been local mages and shamans, working together to clean
up and put out the fire.  However, due to the tremendous size of the fire and
limited number of magicians available or willing to work, as well as the
highly toxic nature of the smoke that has buried the city under a cloud that
even now, at 8:48 AM EST, the sun cannot penetrate, the independant magicians
and even the fire department is only able to do so much.  It is very likely
that this fire will burn itself out and take with it much of the Harbor.

This has been Charlie Fingers, coming to you from the scene of yet another
terrible metroplex tragedy, Boston.

+++++End Trideo Download+++++  ]<<<<<
        --  Trideo Pirate <08:51:55/11-16-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Arms--HQ
>>>>>[Sir, we are under assult from Demon frames.  Finance, Personnel, and all
centralized security have collapsed.  Computation and Communication are under
attack.  The frames have killed 900f our decker support and our IC is totally
unable to even notice that they are there.  We have attempted*&() res(starts
and(*(*&(*) power^(&&downs of &##)|| the affected++_\==-9653 systems, to
5590*&^&09^o avail.  Computation has just coll*&&$^     psed, and we are
*&^89796(*)(76&^98765&*****......]<<<<<
*****LINK DISCONNECTED AT SOURCE*****
        --  MSI--Boston <11:01:34/11-16-55>

*****PRIVATE:  MSI-Boston
>>>>>[Retry!]<<<<<
        --  MA-HQ <11:02:22/11-16-55>

*****PRIVATE:  MSI-Boston
>>>>>[Retry.  Resend.  Reboot....

Timeout period, 2 minutes

Frag!

+++++Activating Viral scan..................Last messages scanned.  No Viral
+++++content, no viral code, no viral constructs
+++++  ]<<<<<
        --  MA-HQ <11:06:22/11-16-55>

***** Private to: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[I need to talk to you about some biz.  You know how to reach me.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[A demon ... that sounds like the thing Dante was working on!
Can't we ever get rid of that fragger?!]<<<<<
        -- Irish <10:58:35/16-11-55>

>>>>>[I do not believe that I will be requiring the information on the demon
viral frames as I had previously requested.  It now appears that these
constructs may be the cause of the difficulties here in my lovely, albiet
somewhat hazy and blackened home.  There have been rumors of MCT and Shiawase
crashing, and that they both were pointing fingers at Maxim Arms, as if they
were responsible for the damage.

I have personally verified that Mitsuhama's entire system in Boston, including
all aspects and nodes, has crashed.  Shiawase's system, starting with the
power distribution system, has been falling one layer at a time, with the local
headquarters already down and the regional systems 95....make that 100%
collapsed.  However, I have also verified that Maxim Security Incorporated,
Maxim's only presence in Boston, has ceased to transmit or recieve.  Certian of
my associates were near the system when it catastrophically dropped off the
SAN and almost took a few of them with it.  Therefor, Maxim Arms apparently
has very little to do with the current difficulties here in Boston.  But if my
logic is correct, the rest of the corporations represented here, from small
to large to multi-national mega, will one by one fall to whatever it is that
is causing this.

I have some ideas, but I hesistate to mention them, lest I spark paranoid
overreaction.  What, if I may ask, does everyone else think?  And what, if
anything, should we do about it?]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <13:21:22/11-16-55>

>>>>>[Does anyone want to take a look at this thing up close and personal?  I
have a few suggestions.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[I have approached and attempted to analyze these demons that crowd the
Boston Matrix.  While I have been able to analyze the individuals
somewhat, I suspect direction by another, outside Matrixrunner or by a separate
far more complex and capable program which I have not yet seen nor encountered.

However, if it requires much processing power, then there remains only two
possible sources of sufficient power for a complex program capable of
controlling the demons and devils.  Renraku, from whom I have heard nothing,
and Fuchi, who may also be having difficulties.  I have been unable, as of
yet, to connect to thier system and personally verify the veracity of these
rumored difficulties.

I will, however, listen to any suggestions you might have.]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <13:52:04/11-16-55>

>>>>>[ Dark Angel, if you want to check this thing out, I'm game.. let me
know.  ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher < 18:52:16/11-16-55 >

*****PRIVATE:  Irish
>>>>>[The following is the last of what you will be receiving from my contacts
and myself.  Velli considers her debt to you to be paid.  If you do not agree,
please take it up with her or deal.

+++++ Include Family History and Dossier, Jose Hernandez

Some of the information above is duplicated with what we provided you before.

The only truly important bit of new information is that, regardless of Mr.
Hernandez's current corporate affilation, someone is apparently attempting to
coerce him into leaving Aztechnology.  We do not know who, but it is definately
a corporation of somekind.  We also do not know what information they are using
in this attempt, only that it is being made and that Mr. Hernandez might
actually be considering it.]<<<<<
        --  Ms. V <14:30:08/11-16-55>

>>>>>[Well, the first step would be to turn on my computer...oh d$#*(@jkdfan
f9032m*#234k2-0)3lknda340_2-3190`

+++++ System Crash]<<<<<
       --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[The whole Chicago situation has gotten much worse.  As I'm sure
everyone knows, much of the city is under military quarantine.  But I
just had a rumor downloaded to me that a nuclear device of unknown
magnitude was used in Chicago.  Apparently some siesmologists in Cal Free
recorded the shocks, and seeme to believe that it was a nuclear
detonation.  And some of those alien watching freaks outside of Chicago
reportedly saw a very bright flash of light coming from inside the
containment zone.  Everything seems to indicate a device, likely
thermonuclear, of a very small magnitude, probably even less than a
kiloton.  But again, I caution all of you, that these are just the most
reliable (as far as that goes) datafaxes and screamsheets that I have
pulled down from around the globe this morning.  We'll have to see what
happens.  Of course, in the meantime, the military denies
everything...]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<12:44:39/11-16-55>

***** PUBLIC: ALL
>>>>>[Duh.

What is it going to take to show you people that despite good we
have done to "save this day" the chain reaction has already started?

Are you all that stupid?  Wake up and smell the shit out there...the world
is littered with it.  People and things that would just as well see you
drown in a pool of your own blood as to extend a hand to help you out of it.

Pain.  Its all about pain.  The elves know but they arent telling anyone.
The guys in Tibet knew a long time ago but you dont even see them
"sharing the wealth".  I can just imagine them all saying "Let them all
die, we will survive".  Maybe its true...maybe not.  Who knows or
even cares?  ]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:00:28 / 11-16-55>

***** PRIVATE: the Whistler

>>>>>[ Morning, have some tunes...these should cheer you up.

+++++ Include: Its the end of the World as we know it (and I feel fine)

+++++ Include: Veteran of a Thousand Psychic Wars

+++++ Include: Good Bye Blue Skies

Yes, I heard the frightened ones
Yes, I heard the falling bombs
There is no shelter, no brave new world, and no clear blue sky.

You asked if I was "OK".  Well, I think I am more OK than the rest of you.

Pain is the key.  If you cannot feel it, they cannot control you.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:21:20 / 11-16-55>

>>>>>SteelFeather
>In regards to to offer I would consider an honnor to work with you.
>My name is Strikes-Like-Lighting, a wolf shaman an ex-Wildcat Comando.
>Reach me @ >*Encripted*<
>*****Private SteelFeather
>*Encript: Resume: End Encript*<
                        Strikes-Like-Lighting (15:43:32. 11-16-55)

*****Private To: Colice Brightstar
>>>>>[Colice, Ah just got a message from random...it's Nex, something is wrong.
I need to get down to th' studio ASAP.  I donna know wha' ta do.  'e tol' me
no' ta say an'thin' ta an'one.  Jus' meet me at th' studio.]<<<<<
        --  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)<16:50:50/11-16-55>

>>>>>[OS^2, our meet will have ta be delay'd fer a little while as I jus' ha'
somethin' come up.]<<<<<
        --  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)<16:52:45/11-16-55>

***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Thanks for the mail.

If these Marine fellows are going to be a problem I am going
to need the right papers and ID to go along with this uniform.  I am as likely
to unload on them as I am anyone else who gives me flack and I am sure
you dont want our reputation taking a dive into the shitter.

Castor and Pollux are here with me now.  They do not take kindly to cages or
being close into things so I tend to let them have the run of the place
when I have the liberty to do such a thing.  If you have a rover that is
big enough for the 3 or 4 of us to sit and drive around comfortably that
will be more than enough.

Unless you told the people in the office who I was you might want to tighten
up your internal security a bit.  I was able to randomly wander around until
I found someone who seemed to be running communications.  I waited for a
gap and asked for your security frequencies (so I can reset my communications
gear) and lo and behold...they were given to me.  As and ye shall recieve,
Seek and ye shall find, cast ram and the door shall be op'd unto you.

There doesnt seem to be a Rover here for me so I will take this first night
out on foot.  We could use the excercise anyway.

Am I here to discourage these little fraggers or do you need something more
immediate / permenent?

I have heard of this Dark Angel person a couple of times but have not met
him yes.  I assume that he is out here with you guys.

My sleeping pattern is completely fucked right now.  Give me a call over the
Sec Com-lines or come looking for me out in the Berkley area (I am picking up
that patrol tonight...Ill do it on foot until you find me a rover)...A drink
sounds mighty nice right now.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:39:43 / 11-16-55>

>>>>>[Like Boston Harbor needs oil to catch on fire....]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (15:01:22/11-16-55)

>>>>>[I have some friends working down at Technos who might be able to
help.  They've been working on some experimental stuff that is way over
my head (if you couldn't tell, I'm running off a turtle).   I'll get back
to you soon.]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (15:16:49/11-16-55)

*****PRIVATE: Steelfeather

>>>>>[If you are interested in forming a group, I would be interested in
seeing what kind of team we could muster.  Get back to me.]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (15:18:33/11-16-55)

***** Private: Chris Tarleton
>>>>>[Chris, I don't fraggin' know what's goin' on.  I think things
are getting a little slowere and more manageable.  Right now, I don't
think I need you for anything.  I'll get back if I need anything.
Thanks.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (14:24:22 / 11-16-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM uplink #5150)

>>>>>[Hey, there are many more things in this world more precious
than money.  And fresh fruit is right near the top of the list.
Thanks.

And, hey, once I considered disguising a team as fruit, ask Jasmine
about it, helluva funny story.

Now that I think about it, maybe I should give a couple cases to
Aardvark, for old times' sake....]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (14:20:12 / 11-16-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[Tiny did touch some of it.  I remember that.  I feel fine, but I just
got a message from Tiny saying he was going to spend a few days out of
commision.  Some kind of flu.  Could the fact that he's an ork have anything
to do with this?]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine < 15:00:00\11-16-55>

>>>>>[Tiny, if you've been paying attentions to these latest posts, I think it
is imperative that we get you in to see Basilisk.  This may not be just a
common cold or flu.  That "spray" sounds like it was directed at the ork
population.  Damn, we should have been more careful.]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine < 15:05:00/11-16-55 >

***** Private: Aardvark, Tiny, Backlash, Basilisk, Dancing Dragon
>>>>>[Folks, we've got a situation here.  Basillisk has made a few discoveries
in regards to the sample.   If it is something that is sprayed directly on the
target, that means that there was a "human" factor involved.  These orks
weren't just gassed, they were targeted by a person or group of people who
actually infiltrated the bunker and sprayed the area.  I'm going to need some
help getting info on any of the policlub groups who might have had a reason to
do such a thing.]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine < 15:05:47/11-16-55 >

>>>>>[Attention all, I am officially taking this moment to quarantine the Fort
Casey bunkers on Whidbey Island in the North Puget Sound area.  The entire
area has been "contaminated" with some sort of a toxin.  I do not have any
specifics on the toxin, but we have reason to believe that it is focused
toward meta-humans.  Once again, we do not have confirmation on this.  I am
looking for any information on policlubs in the local area and abroad that
might have had a grudge against the ork population that had been living in the
bunker complex.  Anyone with information that may be of help can contact me
personally.  I think this is important information for everyone, so I ask that
unless necessary, we not encrypt messages.  We have reason to believe that
people have died.
        One of the members of my team is down.  I repeat, a member of my team
is down.  We cannot tolerate this kind of an attack on anyone.  Do not go into
the bunkers on Whidbey until further notice.  Thank you.]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine < 15:15:00/11-16-55 >

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[  I feel weak.  Odd.  Yesterday I felt fine, but today I'm zapped.
I don't think I can make it to Basilisk's on my own anymore.  Could you get
someone to come down here and pick me up?  I'll be waiting at >>encrypted<<
]<<<<<
        -- Tiny < 23:28:16/11-16-55 >

>>>>>[YES!!]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <19:51:00/11-16-55>

>>>>>[Guys, we're out.  We made it out of Chicago.  Spirits be praised, we
made it out.]<<<<<
        --  Karak <19:52:02/11-16-55>

>>>>>[To those that care, we're alive.  Sortof.  And now in sunny Peoria,
Illinois.  Minus about half our crew.

Solonus is, obviously, alive, and well.  Johnson...Johnson is hurt, but
alive, and sitting back in the hospital again.  I'm fine, obviously.  Itchy
and Scratchy came out of it alive.

Griffyn is out, and, remarkably, in perfect shape now.  Charon left us,
by fragging JUMPING, as soon as we got away from the choppers...Skaven's fine.

Then again, half the teams we were with are gone now.

RedWing's dead, as is everyone in his crew except Harper.  His wife.  God,
I feel sorry for her.

The Babylonians had one survivor.  Harf.  And he's hurt, in the hospital,
and has a chance of living totalling about 25%.

Styx is still lost in Chicago.  We didn't find her before we left.

Larh is the sole survivor of the Redroms.  And the last remaining rigger
we had with us...

Rodan's team.  Oh God, Rodan's team is in bad shape.  Rodan's alive, and
being cared for by Solonus himself...Stumpy lost an arm.  And the civilians
they were with...all but two dead.  Two.

Itchy and Scratchy are still lost.  Last I saw them, they were flying west.
With magic.  I haven't heard from them.

Gris, Skaven's friend is dead, too.

We lost half the people here to the fragging UCAS Army.  They shot down
two of our Banshees, out of three, leaving the one that I was on.  Some sur-
vived the crashes, probably.  Some just got away with magic.  I know that
Johnson did.

In the mean time, we're out, guys, and we're going to take a rest.  If you
want it, I have some minor sort of log set up from the choppers...and I also
have some disturbing rumors.

Quickling out.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <19:53:11/11-16-55>

***** Private: Nightstalker, Circuit Breaker
>>>>>[ NightStalker,   Circuit Breaker,  we've got a problem. Dante's little
surprise "Lucifer" is doinf WAY too much damage.  Its not really our fault per
say, but it is now our responsiblity.  I have been working on a few tricks for
when we meet it, and we will.  The question is how many people are we going to
involve in this?

CB, I would like you to contact I.B.A. if you can and ask his help.  I am going
to ask Dark Angel.  Nightstalker if you would, please get in touch with
Highlander.  I am also going to send out a general message, but not as
descriptive.  Atleast, not until we meet with the people, I am going to be
setting up a virtual bar and see who shows up to help.  I doubt that it will be
as bad as Core Wars, but I do think that Dante used something similar to the Gnu
coding in his construct.  Its time to break out the heavy equipment chummers.

Get back to me as soon as possible.  And yes CB - I did tweak my deck a little
more since the Dante run.  I hope to finish my BIG project after Christmas.
>From info that I have gathered, I'm on the right track and the data steals we
did this summer really did help a lot.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

***** Private: Dark Angel
>>>>>[ Hi Chris, this is Spirit.  CB, NightStalker and I are going to need your
help in fixing the situation in Boston.  If you remember the run we did on
Dante, you should get a good Idea about whats going on.  Basically, it is his
"Lucifer" Construct that is doing all the damage in Boston, though I don't know
why it has focused itself there.  This is the info that I was able to get
during the combat +++Include Specs+++. As you can see its rather lacking in info
and is rather jumbled, it was the best I could do with a partially slagged deck
while sufferin from lots of bio-feedback, that Inferno that Dante through
against me was not pretty.  It wasn't even part of his deck, it was part of the
system like IC so you can gather how bad it felt.  We will be meeting
***Encrypt Date:Time:Location***.  Please show up virtually if you can.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

***** Private: I.B.A.
>>>>>[ Hi sugar, Ah'h just writin ta tell ya ta show up virtually at
***Encrypt Date:Time:location***.  We need some help in takin care of the that
"Lucifer"construct that Dante devised and unleashed when we killed him.  And if
ya come and help out, Ah'll make it up ta ya by lettin ya take me out.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Dante is DEAD>

>>>>>[ Greeting my friends, sorry I disappeared after that Pittsburgh
thing, I had a prior commitment to keep...

That experience was chilling, even for one who has fought the bugs
before. The fate of Chicago is distressing, I considered taking a trip
there myself, but too much else to do, besides there's a certain Elven
lady that would kill me.

Incidently, Highlander, I owe it to Vanessa's memory to follow up on that
strange occurance that led to her degenerate mental state, have you had
time to look into that favour I asked of you? ]<<<<<
        --  Fenris <20:03:19/11-16-55>

*****Private: Duncan
>>>>>[ I have completed physical and astral recon of the site,
construction has almost been completed and the computers are on line. I
have been unable to determine anything more about our friends motives, at
this point I recommend financing a phony datasteal, the real target being
our friend Gillian' files, both physical and virtual ]<<<<<
        --  Fenris <20:06:52/11-16-55>

*****Private: Fenris
>>>>>[ That is acceptable, this should cover the payroll. ]<<<<<
+++++Transfer 100K NY
        --  Duncan <20:11:21/11-16-55>

*****Not to: Nightstalker, I.B.A., Highlander
>>>>>[ I have a job for a hot shot decker that doesn't mind working with
uninformed ameteurs, the payroll is 50K, the job is to make a
specific, on site datasteal, no traces, while your assistants steal
everything else that isn't nailed down. For those that may wonder about
the talent that this message is not going to, it is important that this
run is not traced back to me. Therefore I have excluded those who I
generally work with, due to the fact that they may insist. ]<<<<<
        --  Fenris <20:16:52/11-16-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Avatar
>>>>>[Sir, something happened.  However, due to the nature of the occurance,
I am placing a second level on this to make it more private.

+++++NOT-TO:  UCAS Military Decryption Specialists Listening In

Ares Macrotech today detonated a low-yield, sub-tactical nuke in Chicago,
precisely at the site of the main hive and where we had noticed the earlier
preparations to ward the entire area and shield the bugs.

There was no radiation beyond the flash and no fallout.  The reason for this
is unknown, but we recommend beginning research immediately into the effects
of EMPs on astral beings and constructions.

We will keep you informed as much as we can over these non-secure lines.

+++++NOT-TO Encryption dropped, UCAS Specialists Able To Listen In Again

Several Banshees attempted to escape from the quarantine zone.  Two of the
three did not survive, although several individuals from within them did so.
The Army is trying to blame us, but they have no chance.  We were told to
cover area 14 and not to leave it for any reason, and the Banshees passed
through area 12.

We felt that this was important enough to inform you of in case the Army
desires to hold it against us.  We have duplicates of all the orders that we
can produce if they do attempt to hold it against us as a breach of contract.

That is all, sir.]<<<<<
        --  MAT-Chicago <00:33:17/11-17-55>

*****PRIVATE:  MAT-Chicago
>>>>>[You did right in reporting it.  We have recieved confirmation of your
report and are dealing with the problems.]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <00:34:25/11-17-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Armament Research--Internal Communications
>>>>>[Rachel, we just got news that an astral ward stopped the EMP and
emitted radiation from a low-yield nuke, about 1 kiloton.  This means that
physical radiations may actually affect Astral constructions and beings, and
vice versa.  Begin research IMMEDIATELY.  Talk to me when you have a plan of
operations drawn up.  You have three days for a preliminary report.]<<<<<
        --  Velli <00:37:43/11-17-55>

*****Private: Tarkis
>>>>>[Me and my Phaeton will be ready.]<<<<<
        -- Ripley <13:45:24/11-16-55>

>>>>>[Buzz?  Ladie, where have you been?!  Never mind for now.....

Did I read right: Chicago just got NUKED?!  God....Buzz (and Norman, if this
still applies to your Eagle friends), I think we can get a few folks together
and get your folks out....if they're still where they live, it shouldn't
be any problem at all, considering some of the air support we've seen
on this list.  Norm, this applies to you, as well--have your Eagle
friends been brought out yet?  We need a plan!]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:43:45/11-16-55)

>>>>>[Colin!  All right, I've given you more than enough time....what
have you been doing?  What's this about a run to Pittsburg I heard about?
And what's going on in Chicago?!  The London news sources are all confused,
I can't get a clear picture!  Talk to me!]<<<<<
        --Heather (22:45:33/11-16-55)

>>>>>[Well, as far as Pittsburg went.....God, I'm just getting my hearing back.
You never heard so many grenades go off in an enclosed space.  I went in as
support, to back up anyone who needed it, and espcecially to make sure Cerise
came out in one piece.

I had my weapon of choice for nasty expeditions....an assault rifle with lots
of ammo and a big clip for the grenade launcher.  And lassie, let me tell you,
I was VERY grateful for taht launcher....it was the only thing kept me
alive, God knows the bullets didn't do much, and I'm not the type to mix it
up hand-to-hand with six-foot insects!  The beasties kept coming and coming,
though....and then we finally found CrashKit, the lad we had gone in to
rescue....I've never seen anything more repulsive.  Not even that free
Spider Spirit the Widowmaker had with her was that bad....human parts on
a spiders body....I still haven't stopped having nightmares.  But we got out
of there without too many losses, thankfully.....

As for Chicago, well, the bugs are going crazy, running about, killing....
and now somebody--Knight Errant?  Dropped a "device" on the problem.  I just
hope the beasties don't mutate.....(shudder)]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:53:35/11-16-55)

>>>>>[That's one thing I didn't understand from the Pittsburg run: why was
he a spider?  I got the impression that Spider and the other insects didn't
get along, from my own personal experiences.  Brandon?  Are you still with
us lad?  Care to shed any light?]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:55:56/11-16-55)

>>>>>[If you've noticed, Highlander, many of the natural enemies of the
insect world work together.....this was just a case of spider being
put into the mix.  Normally we....the UB doesn't mix with spider, in fact
we....THEY generally avoid Spider.  For some reason, though, an exception
was made.  I don't know....I don't really know anything, it seems.....]<<<<<
        --Brandon Lowe (22:56:44/11-16-55)

>>>>>[Mercury! Transformer wantz to play too! :)]<<<<<
        --Transformer <Robots/Rulz!>

>>>>>[Uh, i just getting back from a long session of lab work, and i find
several boxes of fruit in front of my door.  Real fruit, some i don't know
what it is.  Does anyone know where it is from?  Aardvark, is it from you?
It's good i come home now, or i think it will be stolen or rotten later.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <09:36:07 GMT/17.Nov.55>

>>>>>[Well, Basilisk, the fruit is not mine. Stange you mention it,
I got the same "problem" when I came home. I don't know who I have to
thank, but thanks anyway.
Well, we might need it, because I found something about the tree.
The one from the drawing, I mean. I should have known it when I saw it,
but well, that's me. A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I learnt
something about a tree. Don't ask me why, it was a stupid school anyway.
The tree is called the Heaven Tree. An even longer time ago, but in the same
galaxy actually, some European settlers (I think they where Dutch, but
they could have been anything) went through a storm and were rescued
by the natives. They carried two trees with them, and planted one of
them in the Port Townsend area to thank the natives for their help.
Still with me?
The survivers could be near the tree. They could also have fled to
Europe. Any intellignet thoughts?]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (16:23:13/11-17-5)

>>>>>[Sorry, about that Bas, you must have been off somewhere when I
called.  I needed an address out of the CFS to mail some fruit.  Yours
was the only one I had.  Somebody'll be up in a day or two to pick
it up.

If you see 'Vark could you give him a couple cases?  And keep a
couple for yourself.

Oh yeah, do you think that gunk yer playin' with could contaminate
the fruit?

Thanks.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:44:12 / 11-17-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Chris Tarleton
>>>>>[What's on your mind?]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:50:11 / 11-17-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know things are a little loose around the
office.  Everybody figures if yer in there, you've got a reason.
But, the opchan incident's gonna get somebody hauled out on the
carpet.

Anyway, will a Long-Base LandRover work for you and the hounds?

I'll have Kabuki Man arrange for a permanent assignment of one for
you.

And do whatever you feel is prudent with these kids.  Think of it as
part of the "interview process".]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:59:12 / 11-17-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private to: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[I don't know.  I just need to do something.  I'm bored as all hell, and I
am really not doing all that well emotionally.  I need a damn break, something
that doesn't involve the Matrix for once.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

***** Private to: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Freddy, he's really in a bad way, and I'm worried about him...]<<<<<
        --  Patricia O'Connor <11:38:05/19-Nov-55>

>>>>>[Spirit, CB, Styx is currently looking through Chi-town
for Cat.  You think I'd leave a friend hanging? Sorry, I'm
a little tense lately.  Its either the bugs or that demonic
frame everyone is talking about.]<<<<<
        -Harlequin <Ha-Ha-Ha>

>>>>>[Herr Aardvark, i am very interesting in your idea.  Do you know
where the tree is?  We should maybe be checking it.  Also, i found where
the fruit is from.  It is from Herr Frypp.  He says you can have some if
you want.  It is very good.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <19:09:55 GMT/17.Nov.55>

***** Private: Ms. V
>>>>>[This should be sufficent for my purposes.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <12:33:30/17-11-55>

>>>>>[If your looking for a proabable canadite for the mad gasser,
try Alamos 20K, Hand of Five, or pretty much any of those dreking
humanis goons.]<<<<<
        -- Lou <12:41:40/17-11-55>

>>>>>[Highlander, we accept your offer of assistance.  When I say we; I mean
my brother, sister, myself and the rest of The Motley Crew.  We also expect
to have The Transformer along to heal any injured people, as well.]<<<<<
                  --Buzz<The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix>

>>>>>[Brother, I've got the passes to enter the Chicago Hazard Zone.]<<<<<
                  --Gunny<15:00:04 EST\17:11:55>

>>>>>[We WILL need Magical Back-up even with myself, Bloodtooth, and The
Transformer.  I donna think we can take on the large number of Insects that
still exist, ALONE.]<<<<<
                   --Firefox<15:05:17 EST\11:17:55>

>>>>>[Wolf will fight to the death, so we can try to beat them.  Who knows we
might be able to come out unscathed.]<<<<<
                    --Bloodtooth <15:07:30 EST\11:17:55>

>>>>>[I have yet to back down from a fight.  Very few get away from me.]<<<<<
                    --Dragon <15:09:50 EST\11:17:55>

>>>>>[As you can see, the only one who is not ready is my sister.  But, she
is the mother of the group]<<<<<
                   --Buzz<The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix>

>>>>>[Ha, Ha, I'd forgotten about the "disguise the team as grapefruit" to
look inconspicuous idea.  Thanks, that really made my day.]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine < 13:27:00/11-17-55 >

>>>>>[Fellows, I believe that the fruit is from a certain Freddy Frypp.  It's
a long story.  Aardvark, remeber when we helped Jacamus a few months back and
briefly discussed disguising the teamas grapefruit because I had problems with
illusion and masking spells.  (I'm better now.)]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine < 13:34:00/11-17-55 >

>>>>>[Tiny, I've got my car revved up and am heading to your location now.  I
should be there ETA 10 minutes. I've got a bottle of Pepto in the car and a
couple of old Stuffer Shack bags in case you feel the need to get sick.  We'll
get you to Basilisk's pretty quick.]<<<<<
        -- Shields < 13:40:32/11-17-55 >

>>>>>[Highlander: I was just in Chicago.  I was there during the incident that
we believe was a nuke happened.

I do not know for sure if it was a nuke.  I suspect it, but I don't KNOW.  I
do know that we were saved when, during a fight with a drekload of bugs,
they started running off...and instants later, I got a REALLY major astral
shock.  And I can't even project.

I suspect that most of the queens died.  And that those we were fighting with
were returning to "protect" their queen...though they could never get to her.

I do know that there was no massive EMP (good thing too...I still have plenty
of stuff to decode off my Portable), and that the radiation seems to have
not escaped if there WAS a nuke.  But I don't know for sure.

Oh, and don't try Chicago again.  The bugs have stopped coming in as often, but
they're nastier with what's left, and the UCAS has more choppers ready to take
down anyone trying to leave...]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <17:18:19/11-17-55 (BIRTHDAY)>

***** Private: Spirit
>>>>>[I have been informed that you are a fixer of some
ability.  I wish to purchase a Barret sniper rifle with
all the extras.  I am willing to pay extra for an extreamly
rushed job. Contact me at ***Encrypted*** when the rifle
is ready.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <17:40:55/17-11-55>

*****Private: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Freddy let's talk....

First any decent Merc can shop for himself, but I appreciate the offer. If you want to help cover the exspenses, I'll send you some of the recipts.

Second, I want more info on the job. If I can't live with work... I'll walk. I don't how much you deal with Mercs. I just have to live with a code. From now on include my daughter, Jonesy, in the encyption, please.  She'll send you our inventory.]<<<<<
        -- Tunnel-Rat (20:48:32 \ 11-17-55)

>>>>>[ Hey folks, this is a general posting to the Shadowland BBS's.  There are
a few of us who have some small idea of whats happening in Boston.  If you are
interested in helping out meet at this virtual bar >>>Encrypt:Time:Location<<<
This is a heroic type of thing, so don't expect payment, but it will give you a
chance to make a few friends, and get to know some people who are good to know.
So if you want to help.  Come one down.  Drinks are on me.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

>>>>>[My timing, as usual, is lousy.  Spirit, I'd love to
help, but Styx went into Chi. on my behalf to look for CD.
*sigh*  Now Quickling says she's gone missing and they left
(not that I blame them...I'd have bugged *weak smile* out
too).  I have to find her.  Or find out about her.  Please
keep me updated though.  I'd appreciate it greatly.]<<<<<
        -Harlequin <Ha-Ha-Ha>

>>>>>[Your not thinking of going to Chi. are you?]<<<<<
        -Gossymer <01:06:22/11-18-55>

>>>>>[Thanks, Solumus....Lads, his news gives us a bit of a problem.
Any ideas?  Hmm, anyone got a cloaking device?  ;>]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:05:46/11-17-55)

>>>>>[Heroic?  A small band of brave Matrix-runners taking on a huge,
unstoppable construct, bent on Matrix-wide domination/destruction?  Odds
of a million to one?  Count me in, lassie!  Provided I'm not off to
Chicago....?]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:08:22/11-17-55)

>>>>>[ Harlequin, I suggest the Demon frame,  Yes I want Cat out of Chi-town as
much as you do.  But lets face it - were still deckers at heart, no matter how
well we've been taught about really world fighting.  Cat can take care of
herself (I hope) and if the haven't got her yet - they will have a much harder
time of it now that all the queens went.  Besides, I doubt that anyone will be
able to get past the UCAS lines now that that Quickling out them on alert.

So if you can meet us virtually >>>encrypt:Time:Location<<< and we'll atleast
fix one problem and stop a lot more innocents from being fragged.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

*****PRIVATE TO: Fenris
>>>>>[Laddie, I did get some info on poor Vanessa....We should get
together.  However, I need to find out about a couple other projects.  But
trust me, this isn't over.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:12:12/11-17-55)

>>>>>[You're wierd, Colin.....]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:14:53/11-17-55)

***** PRIVATE: the Whistler
>>>>>[Some "concerned citizen" has seen fit to lock me out of my
liquid assets.  I assume that this person is also working in conjunction
with the wildcat in trying to bring me "back into the fold".

Needless to say, I am NOT interested at this time.  They had their chance
when I left school.

Dude  --  Maybe I do need to talk.  Maybe not.  I dont know.

I've lost everything.  There is nearly nothing left of me.  Who care, who
really cares?  I have to get back to work...took a new job recently to
keep my mind off of things.

Oh, by the way, if you ever decide that you need to do a heavy amount of
drinking to get your mind in line...create a spell lock with detox on it
first.  There is nothing worse than a mage going down because he was drunk.

My father dropped +++++ Link Terminated  ]<<<<<
        -- Kor <06:17:55 / 11-18-55>

***** Private to: Spirit
>>>>>[ Sorry to have taken so long to get back to your Spirit.  Things have
been pretty hectic around here lately.  First I'm trying to keep an eye on
Lucifer.  He's a royal pain in the ass.  I've been testing some programs on
his demons.  The programs are getting more effective, but it's hard going.

Then all hell breaks loose in Chicago.  Suddenly Raven runs off with Princess
and Regent, only saying that they have something important to do.  I've gotten
a few messages from her, but she's still missing!

That leaves me alone with Tommy.  Not usually a problem.  He's a good kid who
can keep himself entertained.  But two nights ago he starts moaning about bad
vibes in the astral plane.  What the hell am I supposed to say!  I don't know
drek about the astral plane.  I really wish Raven would come back.

Sorry to dump on you, Spirit.  Needless to say, I'm in on knocking Lucifer
down.  Let's get together and compare notes. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <22:55:02/11-17-55>

>>>>>[Hiya Spirit of the Matrix! Tranzformer wantz to play too. Seeya there.
PS And don't tell me I'm underage! :(]
        -- Tranzformer <Robotz/Rulz>

>>>>>[Spirit, i would like to be helping with this Matrix problem.
Unfortunately, i am now in a very important job, and i don't know if i
will have time.  I will coming to the meeting at least, and if i can
be finish this job before you go, i will join.  I also have some progeams
from Europa that might help, but they will needing modified.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <09:57:33 GMT/18.Nov.55>

>>>>>[Spirit, i would like to be helping with this Matrix problem.
Unfortunately, i am now in a very important job, and i don't know if i
will have time.  I will coming to the meeting at least, and if i can
be finish this job before you go, i will join.  I also have some programs
from Europa that maybe can help, but they will needing modified.  I will
bring them to the meeting.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <09:57:33 GMT/18.Nov.55>

>>>>>[Tiny is very sick.  This residue can definitely be absorbed through
the skin.  I think the iodine helps that.  Shields, thanks for bringing
Tiny in so fast.  I'm giving him anti-viral drugs just in case, because
this large organic portion is definitely some kind of protein, maybe like
a virus or prion (a protein that can reproduce itself, like a mini-virus).
I have many blood sample (he didn't like that much), and will check it
now and tell all what i finding.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <10:12:38 GMT/18.Nov.55>

>>>>>[Spirit, I have to tell you that a couple of hot shot Boston deckers have
tried on their own to take down the Demon. All we have let off them is big
enought to fit in a small coffee jar.

Please, if you and your friends can do something which can make a difference, my
hospital needs your help. We are running on an emergency back generator.
1/2 of the hospital has no power at all, the rest are on bare minimums.
The news reports about large numbers of injuries aren't hype, every ward
is packed, we've even been using the doctors and staff quaters as additional
wards. Everything's a mess and people, people who we could normally save, are
dying and I, we, can't do a god damn thing about it.

My hospital is the Tyme Memorial. We need your help. Please, I beg you, save
my paients.]<<<<<
        - Doctor Desparate (12:10:34/10-18-55)

>>>>>[ Basilisk, in a few minutes I'll go to the library to figure
out the exact position of the tree. I'll let you know if I find
anything. Meanwhile, have a grape!]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (14:41:13/11-18-55)

>>>>>[ I remember, Jasmine. Those were the days...]<<<<<
        -- Aardvark (14:43:13/11-18-55)

>>>>>[ Spirit, I'll be there. I don't know if I can help all the way,
cauze I'm in the middle of some work, but I'll show up anyway.
BTW, I'm  quite fond of virtual drinks, but I'll try to keep it down.
See ya later.]<<<<<
          -- Aardvark (14:51:13/11-18-55)

>>>>>[ Don't worry, Colin, there's more of us... ]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (14:54:13/11-18-55)

>>>>>[I shall attend as well, Spirit.  I reside in Boston, and while my power
consumption has been curtailed by this Lucifer construct, my reserve generator
is compensating.  You mentioned that this was a single Matrix being.  I wonder
where it has located its primary coding.

Until then.]<<<<<
        -- Mercury <10:00:58/11-18-55>

>>>>>[Spirit, I would help, BUT I have to get my family out of Chicago.
 Maybe I'll show up at the meet to pass the time away while we're in
transit.]<<<<<
                   --Buzz(The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

>>>>>[Has anyone heard from THE Nexus, Foxey Roxey, Diana, AJ, et al?]<<<<<
                  --Shadow(10:15:11 EST/11:18:55)

*****Private: Spirit
>>>>>[I shall come.]<<<<<
        -- The Phantom <Time Waits/For No Man>

>>>>>[We will all do what we must...]<<<<<
        -- The Phantom <Serving Justice/For 500 Years>

>>>>>[Ill come to the virtual meet.  I doubt that I will be of
any use but I am curious to see what you guys are thinking
about doing.  I assume you wont mind if I turtle in...  ]<<<<<
        -- Kor <16:25:19 / 11-18-55>

*****Private: Freddy Frypp , Tunnel-Rat
>>>>>[Freddy,

We got our stuff together. I would like you to resend your description and
maps of the canyon. Dad lost them when his Pocket Secretary took a stray
SMG burst.

Dad says we're gonna fly out Thanksgiving morning. He also wants three IDs
to get into the city. Said something about getting real food supplies and a
movie. Also what currency do we use in the city closest to us.]<<<<<
        -- Jonesy (11:03:23 / 11-18-55)

>>>>>[Does anyone know where i can use an MRI machine?  I need to scanning
Tiny, he has some symptoms of nerve trauma i want to check.  If you know
where i can do this, please tell me soon as possible.  Thanks.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <18:37:58 GMT/18.Nov.55>

*****PRIVATE:  Basilisk
>>>>>[Yeah, I know a place.  AJ's bodyshop.  I can show you, but I can't just
give you the address.  We buried it pretty deep, since he has some stuff there
that runners would kill for, cyberware wise.  Do you know how to run it?  I'd
like to keep the number of involved people to an absolute minimum.]<<<<<
        --  Slash <14:08:36/11-18-55>

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[Maybe we should talk.  But that is going to mean actually feeling
pain, and facing what happened that day.  Maybe then you can actually
heal yourself, instead of being scarred.  And I really don't drink much
at all anymore.  I've done enough of that for several lifetimes.  In any
case, take care of yourself down there in San Fran.  If you need a loan,
just give me a call, and I'll set something up.  I'll expect to be paid
back, but I think that's a given.  I'll talk to you later.]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<13:05:07/11-18-55>

***** Private: Chris Tarleton
>>>>>[I think I understand.  And I've got this crazy feeling a simple
bar fight just won't cut it, am I right?

What your looking for is a balls to the wall, no stops, high-impact
lots o' lead flyin' blowout, with waaaay too much gratuitous
adrenaline, am I right?

Give me some time to sort through my rolodexes of "people who
frequently need things trashed" and "things that need to be
trashed" and I'll make some calls.  I'll get back.

Until then, I recommend last year's Freestyle World Championship, or
the 2052 World Brawl.  See ya.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (16:11:11 / 11-18-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

*****PRIVATE: Basilisk
>>>>>[Hope you enjoy the fruit.

Also, if you need  someone with a nice assortment of detox spells, I am
available.  Just drop me a line.  I might be able to help your sick
friend.]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (15:38:32/11-18-55)

>>>>>[Harlequin...yes, unforunately we couldn't find Styx before we left
Chicago.  Believe me, we tried, but she just...took off.  I didn't want
to leave her, but it was that or leave us ALL behind...

If you want help getting into Chicago, I still have some ways in.  Mail
me.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <17:05:37/11-18-55>

>>>>>[One more thing on Chicago, guys.  Now that I'm not there, we got some
more problems with the place...like no lines going into or out of there still
work.  I was using a "gateway" of sorts to get messages in and out, through
the military.  You're NOT getting messages through for a while.]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <17:08:59/11-18-55>

*****Private: Lou, Whisper, Ripley
>>>>>[ Well taht was a fun bloody run, I would download it to show you
exctly what happened since everything was so load and happened to fast.
But something came up, one of my vital contacts has gotten real sick, I
must go to his aide.  And make sure he lives...  After he has gotten
better I will have enough time to download the camera footage...ok]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis < Times does not exist >

***** Private to: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of "gratutitous sniper fire
to some poor middle management person."]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

***** Private: Hardwire
>>>>>[Hey mate, how's it going?  I know it's been a long time since we
last ran together, but I have a really big favor to ask of you.  Can
you pull some strings and get me in contact with some of the
residents of the Ork Underground?  I need some information on an ork
community that used to be on Whidbey Island and I need it fast.]>>>>>
        --  Backlash <15:58:35/11-19-55>

***** Private: Backlash
>>>>>[Backlash!  Drek, has it been a long time or what?  You know, if
I remember right, your dandelion-eating pansy hoop still owes me a
steak dinner and a beer.  Looks like you're gonna be taking me out to
the Big Rhino soon!  As far as your favor goes...I'll see what I can
do but I ain't got any promises.]>>>>>
       --  Hardwire <15:59:02/11-19-55>

***** Private: Hardwire
<<<<<[THE BIG RHINO!?  Are you craz...why I oughta...I'm
gonna...Grrr...fraggin trog.  Alright, the Big Rhino it is.  Drek,
I'm gonna have to go loaded for bear.  And I am not going to take any
responsibility for any customers who get hurt.  That'll be their
own damn fault.  Do your best on the contacts cause I really need
this info, mate.  Get back to me ASAP.]>>>>>
       --  Backlash <15:59:40/11-19-55>

***** Private: Deuce
>>>>>[Deuce, I need some help.  I'm trying to find the location of
ork girl.  I have a picture of her and a doll that was her's.  I'm
not up on this magic drek, but can't you use these to locate
her?>>>>>]
        --  Backlash <16:32:31/11-19-55>

***** Private: Backlash
>>>>>[It's possible to ritual sorcery to establish a link
between the symbolic representation of the person and the target
recepient of the Sending.  Along that link a detection spell can be
cast to reveal the information sought regardless of distance.]>>>>>
        --  Duece <16:38:25/11-19-55>

***** Private: Duece
>>>>>[Umm...so can or can't you?>>>>>]
        --  Backlash <16:39:14/11-19-55>

***** Private: Backlash
>>>>>[Yes, drekhead, it can be done.  But let me warn you in advance.
Ritual sorcery isn't the easiest thing in the world to do without an
organic piece of the person.  The doll and picture may not be enough
to establish a connection to the girl.  Plus, I don't exactly do this
all the time.  Come to think of it, I've never even tried it.  But no
matter,  I shall endevour to do my best.  I just need you to drop off
the items at my apartment and I should have her location for you by
tomorrow.]>>>>>
        --  Duece <16:39:37/11-19-55>

***** Private: Duece
>>>>>[Never even tried it?  Mate, if you end up charbroiling this
girl I will personally take you on a tour of Seattle tied to the back
of car.  I'll be over in about an hour with the things.>>>>>]
        __  Backlash <16:41:12/11-19-55>

***** Private: Gideon
>>>>>[Mate, I need you to do some digging for me in the Matrix.  I
need anything you can get on an ork community at Whidbey Island.  I
need numbers, names, relations, where they are now, how many are left,
who washed the dishes on Tuesdays, etc.  I'll pay your normal rate
plus bonuses for really detailed info.  And I need it
yesterday.]>>>>>
        --  Backlash <17:17:34/11-19-55>

***** Private: Backlash
>>>>>[Hey, you're still alive chummer.  I thought MCT turned you into
fertilizer a while back.  Drek, you're like a bad penny with a death
wish.

So, you want info on trogs at Whidbey?  Man, that ain't gonna be easy
by any stretch of the imagination.  Hmm...I think I can find what you
want but you're gonna hafta give me a little time.]>>>>>
        --  Gideon <17:32:08/11-19-55>

***** Private: Gideon
>>>>>[Okay, but make it as quick as possible.  You can reach me at
>>Encrypted<< when you get the data.

***** Private off
>>>>>[Okay mates, this is a call to you all out there.  I need
info on a group of orks at Whidbey Island.  If you know anything
(names, how many were there, where they are now) let me know
ASAP.]>>>>>
        --  Backlash <17:34:45/11-19-55>

***** Private: Lister
>>>>>[ James, you mentioned that you brought back a good supply of "Equipment"
that you wanted my help in finding good and trustworthy buyers for, correct?
I was wondering if you happen to have a Barret Sniper rifle.  I have a buyer
that I have met and I am sure he is leggit.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

***** Private: Spirit
>>>>>[ Sure luv, I have one you can sell. We'll talk about the price when I see
you.  How are the kids?]<<<<<
        -- Lister <17:28:40/11-19-55>

***** Private: Lister
>>>>>[ Fine until today, I had a slight sniffle thursday, which the kids have
caught, but they both seem to be doing well.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

***** Private: Irish
>>>>>[ I will have the item Monday, and its yours for >>>Encrypt<<<.  It is over
the book value, but they are not easy to find, and considering how quickly I was
able to get it, it is a very good price.  Meet me at >>>Encrypt<<<, its a safe
place for a meet.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

***** Private: Caine
>>>>>[ Hi Caine, this is Erika, I'm on dads terminal.  You said that if I ever
needed some help, that I should get in contact with you.  I'm worried, dads been
acting stranger than normal, which is pretty strange.  I can't ask him whats
going on, he's got that "I have to do something, but I can't let the kid get
involved" type of look.

Caine, he's been cleaning up all of his equipment and checking and re-checking
it.  Also, he's been staring at the all the old pictures of his ex-teams, you
know, the ones on what I call the "wall of the dead".  The worst part though is
that he has revised his will twice in the past week and called up his friend in
Ares to make sure that if anything happens to him, I will be taken care of.

I'm scared Caine, not for me, but fot him.  Could you try to find out whats
going on, without letting him know that I told you?  I don't know how you should
go about it, but can you atleast try?]<<<<<
        -- Erika <17:41:50/11-19-55>

>>>>>[I suspect difficulties attending the meeting, due to the rapid and
accelerating degeneration of the conditions in Boston.

Shiawas New York has released a statement that they are doing everything in
thier power to restore services to the metroplex.  However, from what I have
gathered from my associates in various locations around Boston, Shiawase is
totally unable to restart any services.  The sewers and treatment system has
completely ceased to operate for 380f Boston.  Potable water is no longer
available for 290f Boston.  All the food reserves have been consumed and
riots are beginning.  The first outbreaks of VITAS have appeared, as have the
first Bubonic plague victims.  Normally, the plague would be totally curable
and stoppable, but the medical service providers are no longer able to
distribute penicillen and similar medications.

And most inconvienent for Matrixrunners such as myself is the failure of
power services.  I am without power, running on batteries, a generator, and
several, well concealed solar panels.  I understand that 470f Boston is
without power, further hampering efforts to clean up the city and return things
to normal.

And if citizens realize this could happen worldwide, there shall be a panic and
what happened to Chicago would happen here.  Until the demons finish thier
buisness in Boston and spread outward, destroying all they touch and bringing
the world as we know it to an abrupt end.

We must stop this construct before it becomes powerful enough to endanger more
than just Boston, but the rest of this planet as well.  Perhaps if the Virus
had been stopped soon enough, the Crash might have been averted
altogether.]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <21:15:28/11-19-55>

>>>>>[  +++++Include Trideo Download+++++

The Mayor of Boston, speaking through a sat-link from a battery powered
communications link, asked the Governer of Massachussets to declare Boston a
disaster area earlier today.  This is Charlie Finger, bringing you the news
from the world of Boston.

That was the news earlier today, and the Governer responded by calling out the
National Guard to help restore order in the besieged Boston Metroplex.  The
already active UCAS Army, quaranteening Chicago, has responded to the call to
arms by Boston's mayor and is setting up massive desalinization stations in
the Boston Harbor.  However, the still burning oil, now estimated at closer to
35 million liters rather than the original 20 million liters, may cause
problems with the machinery.  And various environmental groups wonder at the
plant's ability to remove the other toxins from the seawater along with the
salt.  As of yet, the Army has not responded to thier charges.

Riots are now commonplace and over 2/3rds of the city is totally lawless.
Police and private security orginizations have taken to defending thier own
facilities and are no longer even attempting to stop crimes that take place,
sometimes even directly across from a precinct house.  Food is nearly non-
existant, and potable water is disappearing rapidly.  Local services of all
kinds are either totally gone or are failing rapidly.  The power is expected
to be totally cut off within 8 hours.

Causes of this terrible devastation are being explored, but as of yet the only
connection seems to be that all the affected systems were computer controlled.
While this leads this journalist to certain conclusions, it would be against
my personal ethics to voice them.  This is Charlie Fingers, hoping that he is
wrong about this, signing off.  +++++End Trideo Download++++]<<<<<
        --  Trideo Pirate <21:27:58/11-19-55>

*****Private: Erika
>>>>>[thank you for telling me this.  I will do what I can.  Do not
despair.]<<<<<
        -- Caine <11:35:50/11-20-55>

*****Private: Irish
>>>>>[My friend, I have noticed of late that some of your actions have
become erratic and contain almost a suicidal tendency to them.  I urge
you to stop whatever it is you are doing until we have some time to
discuss the matter.]<<<<<
        -- Caine <11:40:45/11-20-55>

----------
ENDLOG

BEGIN POSTING . . . . . . . . COMPLETE
AUTHORISATION - {Doc-X} . . . VERIFIED