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

LOG VIEW BEGINS

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>>>>>[Hmm, just across from where they were?  That's gotta be Fort
Worden.  Excellent work, Sprockethead.  If you see or hear anything
else, just let me know.

Contact Hardwire privately for your payment.]<<<<<
        --  Backlash <22:25:34/12-6-55>

*****Private: Whisper
>>>>>[ Ok I will meet you there, I will be ther tongiht, oh yeah had
another dream.  Wanna hear it..well to bad, your gonna hear it.  OK in
this dream I think I might have seen what had happened that one night,
when we went on that run...but I couldn't make anything out..so I guess
we have to dig deeper.  Oh by the way..when we meet can you take off that
stupid mask..so I can see what you look like? ]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis <Mental/Case>

*****PRIVATE: Zactof
>>>>>[Zactof, I haven't got a response from Aerich, so I think we'll have to
work without him. We have to blow the warehouse next Friday night. It seems
Fixer's bosses are making an offensive against Renraku. All we have to do is
blow up the warehouse. There will be ten guards on duty. My plan is to blow up
the main guard post and then hit the warehouse. I've enlisted a local gang to
stage an attack against the other guards and then pull out on my signal. I think
that should distract the guards while I rig the bombs.]<<<<<
        -- Kovak (09:28:45 / 12-7-55)

*****PRIVATE: Kovak
>>>>>[Ok. I can either do Combat or Decking into security. I'll probably deck
the Renraku security and block them for awhile. If Fixer's plan goes right
though I think Renraku will be to busy to deal with the warehouse.]<<<<<
        -- Kovak (11:20:23 / 12-7-55)

>>>>>[I love the holidays.  Hold, on, let me patch in the I-on-the-
Marines noon news.

+++++ BEGIN TRID:

<VOICEOVER WITH FOOTAGE OF PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATORS.>

"Once again, December the Seventh has been marred with violence in
San Fransico.  It began early this morning with demonstrations
commemorating the hundred and fourteenth anniversary of the attack on
Pearl Harbor outside the gates of the Imperial Navy's facility in
Alameda.

Japanese security assets attempted to disburse the crowd almost as
soon as it had arrived.  Demonstrators and guards quickly began
hurling insults and several guards began using violence to disperse
the demonstrators.

<FOOTAGE OF IMPERIAL MARINES FIRING WATER CANONS AND TASERS INTO THE
CROWD BEFORE WADING IN AND BEATING DEMONSTRATORS WITH STUN BATONS.>

Eyewitnesses report that several Japanese began firing 'stun' rounds
into the crowd.  At ranges of less than five meters, 'stun' ammunition
can be quite lethal.  Four demonstrators were killed in the opening
volley.

<FOOTAGE OF MARINES LEVELING RIOT SHOTGUNS AT CROWD AND FIRING.
SEVERAL DEMONSTRATORS IN THE FIRST RANK DROP WITH WOUNDS.  THE
CROWD ADVANCES INTO THE MARINES.>

In the ensuing violence 15 more demonstrators were killed with
dozens wounded.  Japanese public relations states that the Imperial
Marines sustained no injuries, but I-on-the-Marines camera teams
recorded the deaths of at least 3 Marines and numerous injuries after
demonstrators turned seized weapons against the Marines.

<FOOTAGE OF DEMONSTRATORS GRAPPLING WITH MARINES.  ONE MARINE,
OBVIOUSLY DEAD FROM THE LOCATION AND SIZE OF HIS WOUNDS IS PASSED
OVER THE HEAD OF THE DEMONSTRATORS AND THROWN INTO THE MARINE RANKS.

TWO ORKS FIRING RIOT SHOTGUNS AT THE MARINE LINES, SEVERAL TAKE
ROUNDS TO THE FACEPLATES, WHICH COLLAPSE.  THE STREET IS LITTERED
WITH DEAD AND WOUNDED DEMONSTRATORS AND MARINES.

MARINE APCS ROLLS UP TO GATE AND BEGINS POURING AUTOMATIC WEAPONS FIRE
INTO THE MELEE, WOUNDING BOTH DEMONSTRATORS AND MARINES.  MARINE
OFFICER RUNS TO APC AND BEGINS BANGING ON THE HATCH.  A CREWMEMBER
POKES HIS HEAD OUT JUST AS A MOLOTOV COCKTAIL FLIES INTO THE AIR.
THE BOMB CRASHES INTO THE CREWMEMBER SPLATTERING HIM WITH BURNING
PETROCHEM.  THE BODY SLIDES BACK INTO THE APC.  OTHER HATCHES POP
OPEN AS THE REMAINING CREWMEMBERS FLEE THE FIRE, WHICH SOON ENGULFS
THE VEHICLE.>

Marine helicopters began dropping NeuroStun-VII canisters into the
crowd, disabling both demonstrators and unprepared Marines.

<FOOTAGE OF HELICOPTERS BEARING RISING SUN PASSING LOW OVER THE
DEMONSTRATION, WITH CREWMEMBERS DROPPING SMOKING CANISTERS FROM THE
OPEN DOORS.  A GREEN CLOUD ENGULFS THE DEMONSTRATORS AND MARINES,
MANY OF WHICH DROP TO THE STREET, CLUTCHING EYES AND THROATS.

SOME DEMONSTRATORS TIE RAGS ACROSS THEIR FACES AND CONTINUE TO BATTLE
WITH MARINES.>

SFPD reports more than a hundred arrests.

Fighting has been sporadic throughout the Bay area.  The only
fatalities have occured at the Alameda Massacre.

In related news, a memorial service was held this morning
commemorating others killed during peaceful demonstrations by
Imperial Marines.  In an attempt to save face and ease today's
tension, the Imperial Governor unveiled a plaque dedicated to the
memory of the 57 killed during the 2041 riots marking the hundredth
anniversay of the attack on Pearl Harbor."

+++++ END TRID

Its drek like this that really gets me.  The Imperial Marines claim
not to have any jurisdiction outside of the gates of Alameda, so
they go and violate California law and commit, assault, murder,
unlawful restraint and get away with it.  Those gutless wonders in
Sacremento are responsible and they look the other way.  And the damn
megacorps don't help either.  You'd think that one of the corps out of
the UCAS, like Ares, would try to kick the damn Nips out.  But then,
the fraggin' Jap corporations - Fuchi, just to name one - would back
the Marines with assets and money....

So nobody's got the balls to stand up to the Japs, except crazies like
me.  Makes me wonder why I'm still kicking.  I guess I will be 'til I
get these bastards out of my town.

Thus endth the sermon.  Sorry, 'bout that.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (12:15:11 / 12-07-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[  Kinda makes you want to do something about it, eh chummer?  If you
ever feel like having a little fun with the I-Marines, let me know.. I've been
kinda just hanging out since I helped Quickling rescue Solonus, but I think I'm
just about ready for some fun.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 19:18:07/12-07-55 >

>>>>>[So what if AJ is a vampire?  He's alot more human than alot
of "normal people" I know!]<<<<<
        -- Irish <13:25:15/07-12-55>

*****PRIVATE:Kovak
>>>>>[It seems that there's some unusual activity down in Southern Illinois.
IBig metahuman purges in a town called Anna. But UCAS denies it wholesale.
It's got us dandelion eaters here in Springfield *Real *Nervous. Any
ideas?]<<<<<

>>>>>[Hey Griff, anytime you're ready, come on down and we can party.
I've always got something planned for the I-Marines.  Those bastards
are paying in spades after today.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (15:31:12 / 12-07-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

*****NOT TO: Humanis Operatives
>>>>>[First of all, leave a fragging time date ID stamp would you.

Second send a Human you trust down South to check it out. I grew up in Southern
Illinois. It's great to live there but not fight a race war.

I talk later when I can use a private encryption.]<<<<<
        -- Kovak (15:40:23 / 12-7-55)

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[You pick the time and place, give me two days warning and I'll bring a
bag of C-12 explosives]<<<<<
        -- Kovak (15:45:23 / 12-7-55)

>>>>>[ Velli, it is interesting that you should be so worried about AJ. What
about the fact that you are responsible in one way or another for many more
deaths than he is.  Or the fact that he tries to only hunt on people with no
regard for human life or their well fare.  Could it be that you are worried that
he might come after you?   Funny, how AJ can be "evil" because his way of
killing those who deserve to be killed also keeps him alive and in enough
control so that he will not prey upon the innocent, while others who have about
as much respect for others lives and use them as cannon fodder can be considered
"good".

I have never liked the fact that AJ is a vampire, and in general I believe that
they should be destroyed simply for the safety of your average person, but I do
not see AJ in that light, I see him as a person who is unwilling to give in and
die and so he must rather make his existence as worthwhile as he can by
rectifying an others wise bleak situation.

A hero is one who ignores the odds in helping others in ways that they may or
may not be capable of.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

>>>>>[Heh.  Looked good on video, didn't it?  We'll get them bastards
outta our bay one of these days.  And I thank that marine for his
donation of that shotgun.  Always come prepared and with some body
filters.]<<<<<
        -- Forty-Niner (15:43:23/12-7-55)

*****NOT TO: Humanis Operatives
>>>>>[A Human I can trust? Aren't many of those that owe me that big a favor.
But I've got a few friends in the Carbondale area that I haven't heard from
recently. And they don't answer their phones.
Which isn't to mention the black Eurocar that's been trailing me around
Springfield the past few days.]<<<<<
        -- Dragonfly (2:08:56 / 8-DE-55)

*****PRIVATE: Kovak
>>>>>[Sorry. I was halfway done modifying the time-date algorithm. The
fraggin' American chips always put things out of order. Drives me fraggin'
batty.]<<<<<
        -- Dragonfly (2:09:02 / 8-DE-55)

>>>>>[Ignore Dragonfly. He's typically paranoid -- all that metal in his head
keeps cooking up conspiracies where there are none. Seems to me Maire said
she was planning on an excursion a while back. This'll probably blow over in
no time.]<<<<<
        -- Damselfly (3:47:23 / 12-8-55)

>>>>>[Humanis? I thought the walking dead were the only real concern in
Anna...

Guess those vamps just have a cultured palate down there.]<<<<<
        ---Jolly Roger (3:56:28 / 12-8-55)

*****PRIVATE: Dragonfly
>>>>>[Now, I'm saying if you know me you know I hate Humanis. Second, get a
man-pack, a couple of AVRs, and you wait for the black car in a
dark alley.]<<<<<
        -- Kovak (08:05:23 / 12-8-55)

***** Private: Tunnel-Rat
>>>>>[Hey, TR, if you need any extra.... uh, I don't really want to
say firepower, so I'll say bodies, to help you look for Kor, Jac and
Majikthize want to help.

Where should they meet you?]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:15:11 / 12-08-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Thanks, for the bodies. I work best scouting alone. If you want send them
into the area. I've been searching a couple of areas, and haven't found him
yet. I think he's got the look of a dog walking off to find a place to die. I
hope we find him soon.]<<<<<
       -- Tunnel-Rat (09:25:23 / 12-8-55)

***** Private: Tunnel-Rat
>>>>>[They're heading out.  They should be in the nieghborhood in a
few hours.

Good luck.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:17:23 / 12-08-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Tell them to watch who the frag they shoot out.]<<<<<
         -- Tunnel-Rat ( 11:05:23 / 12-8-55)

***** Private: Tunnel-Rat
>>>>>[Are you suggesting my people would shoot first and ask
questions later???  I'm shocked!  Neigh, appalled.

Hey, it ain't my fault if you don't duck quick enough. <GRIN>]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (11:48:12 / 12-08-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[Ryuga, all systems are back online.  Both systems showed some hardwire
damage; but it was minor.  Everything is working the way it should.]<<<<<
          --F.L. (Matrix Security Chief/ Ryaka S&T)

>>>>>[Good.]<<<<<
          --Ryuga, CEO Ryaka Science and Tech(20:00:30 EST/12:08:55)

>>>>>[ Looks like a professional was at work tonight...

+++++Upload: recoding
(The vaguely familiar blonde hair, blue eyed face of Teresa Holdings
appears as the news report continues)

in a WHAM Action news exclusive, I am on site where 2 FBI agents have
been gunned down while on route to the airport. The sniper, who police
claimed was positioned on top of the vacant building behind me, shot the
passenger first, removing a sizable portion of her chest cavity, then
callously gunned down the drivers, shooting him in the head. Both shots
were made with a high calibre rifle using explosive, military grade
ammunition...

+++++End recording

Well someone doesn't like the FBI. ]<<<<<
        --  Packman <00:00:09/12-09-55>

>>>>>[You said someone doesn't like the FBI. That's nothing new.]<<<<<
       -- Zactof (07:58:23 / 12-9-55)

>>>>>[Well, that was fun.  A great break from all this lab working, and it
went so good, too.  I got lots of nice financial files from the Matrix
system, and the rest found some neat equipments we can selling.  I'll
probably print out the Matrix log for your entertainment (and my ego) in
a couple days.  I want to watch it a couple more times over the weekend.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <14:55:29 GMT/09.Dec.55>

*****PRIVATE: Fenris
>>>>>[We did the job on Monday night.  Everything went perfectly, no
casualties.  The mage over did it a bit on a Stun Blast (i think he called
it that), which hurt a couple guards, but we healed them up again.  The
others need to learn some disciplines, but other than that they are pretty
good.  I will post an editted version of what happened to Shadowland, it
looks pretty good so far.  I have almost removing all traces of what i
was really doing there.  You will see.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <15:03:37 GMT/09.Dec.55>

*****PRIVATE: Fenris
>>>>>[I almost forgot.  Here are the files i got from the system:
+++++include: Gillian.diary
+++++include: Gillian.financial
+++++include: Star.sec
+++++include: Star.plan
+++++include: files.ICed
The last group has lots of IC, as you are seeing.  I hope everything you
need is there, i didn't look through them much, so i don't know.  Also,
here is a report and evaluation of the others:
+++++include: Scarlet_Fire.eval
If you need any more details, let me know.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <15:28:53 GMT/09.Dec.55>

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Freddy we got a radio message from dad, here it goes...

+++++BEGIN RADIO LOG: TunnelRat.Audio
+++++AUDIO ONLY (y/n): Y
+++++MESSAGE UNREADABLE, FAIL, RETRY, ABORT: R
+++++BEGIN MESSAGE:

(Tunnel-Rat)Basecamp this is Rat21. Come in. I say again this is Rat21.

(Hawk)Rat21, this is basecamp, come back.

(Tunnel-Rat)Basecamp, I've found him, repeat, I've found him. Kor is in the area
and I'm in pursuit. Unfriendlies also in the area. Stay clear.

(Hawk)Rat21, do you want any assistance?

(Tunnel-Rat)Basecamp, stay clear, I say again, stay clear. Rat21 out.4

(Hawk)Rat21, Rat21, come in.

+++++END AUDIO:

Freddy, Dad never called back in. I think something bad is going on, but sensors
never picked anything up.]<<<<<
       -- Jonesy (09:33:23 / 12-9-55)

>>>>>[Mr. Backlash, I must apologize for taking so long.  It was a much
more difficult job than I had anticipated.  I have confirmed that there
were 50 Orks (+/- 5) on the island.  I have searched through references
to the island in all the Ork databases I could find, and have come up
with the following 32 names:

Definite Adults:  Christopher Ahlers, Rudy Dominguez, Dorothy Dominguez,
Larry Allen, Dana Allen, Lance Aiken, Brian Byers, James Carney, Teri Carney,
Tim Eason, James Andrews, Tracy Ahlers, Otis Brown, Brian Byers, Cindy Byers

Probable Adults:  Angela Baxter, Mary Edmonds, Dwayne Donovan, Linda Eason,
Vincent Fischer, Roy Plante, Victor Brozusky, Eric Blitz, Dennis Lamberth,
Janet Allen, Masashi Takada

Probable Children:  Jonathan Andrews, Sandra Storwick, Jerome Aiken

Definite Children:  Manuel Dominguez, Katherine Eason, Daniel Allen

I will continue looking, but I'm doubtful that any more names will be
found.  I hope this helps.]<<<<<
        -- Arnold Blumfeld (Bookworm) <08:04:55/12-09-55>

***** Private: Jonesy
>>>>>[Haven't Jac and Majikthize stuck their heads in yet?

I can't imagine they wouldn't be there, yet....

Maybe they just started looking straight away....

Tell you what, I can't get ahold of them from here, you're closer.
Try to get ahold of them at frequency >>>freq<<<.  That's one of our
favorite tacchannels and they might be talking to each other on it,
if they've split up.  But it should definately get them if they're in
the Rover.

Anyway, once you get ahold of them, give 'em a quick brief, and send
them in the general direction.  They took one of the Panzers (great
little 'tank', we took a Land Rover, armored it, bulked it up, kicked
up the engine and strapped on a minigun, loads o' fun).  With any
luck, the sensors on that will give them a better view.  Or even
better, have you still got a Night Glider handy?  Call Jac in and
have him give the place a look-see.  If they're radiating heat or
making any noise, he might be able to find them.

Christ, I'd be up there if my leg was working worth a crap.

Luck.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:00:00 / 12-09-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[Hey does anyone, wait a sec . . . . what the frag is this?!]<<<<<
        -- Irish <10:10:30/09-12-55>

>>>>>[Oh this is just wonderful!   OK people, what the frag has my
daughter been doing sending messages to shadowland?!   What the
hell is she up to?!?]<<<<<
        -- Irish <10:15:25/09-12-55>

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[No go, all Radio channels are dead.]<<<<<
        -- Jonesy (11:33:23 / 12-9-55)

***** Private: Bookworm
>>>>>[Aha, paydirt!  I think that's all fifty orks accounted for if
I'm not mistaken.  Mr. Blumfeld, you have done an amazing job and I
would like to thank you.  You can contact Hardwire privately for your
payment with a little bit extra thrown in.  If you find anything else
out by chance, just let me know.]<<<<<
        --  Backlash <13:23:34/12-9-55>

***** Private: Jonesy
>>>>>[Christ, the carphone isn't even working.  Spark tried hacking
into the Rover's computer but their uplink is even down.  Course I
don't trust him to hack is way out of a wet paper bag, anymore...

Want in the hell is going on up there?]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (12:39:12 / 11- 09- 55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[I stand corrected.  I'm still short some orks and I'm running
out of time.  Those who are still researching for me need to find
who the rest of those orks are fast.]<<<<<
        --  Backlash <13:58:21/12-9-55>

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[We're hearing sporadic explosions. Gotta go, I'll check in.]<<<<<
       -- Jonsey (13:30:45 / 12-9-55)

>>>>>[  Okay Freddy, will do.  I should be there in a few hours.  I've got
some friends in the area that I plan on staying with.  I'll let you know when
I get there, and we can get together and cook up some nastiness for the nips.
<grin>  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 20:17:09/12-09-55 >

*****PRIVATE: Dragonfly, Kovak
>>>>>[I wasn't planning on a trip to Springfield, but if bang-bang is gonna
be in, I'll be there. So hold on a few hours on that ambush, would you? I've
got this troll buddy who also likes to play tag with assault cannons, I'll
see if I can't sneak us up through St. Louis. And who knows, maybe if the
wind is right & I offer ammunition costs, the panzer-boy might run us over
Anna...]<<<<<
        --  Jolly Roger (10:17:56 / 12-9-55)

*****PRIVATE: Jolly Roger, Kovak
>>>>>[Hey, I'm no munitions dump. I can always afford to hold out for
reinforcements. That fraggin' car sure isn't going anywhere. But don't tell
Damselfly about this, yeah? Even if she asks. She seems to think I'm going
psycho. Just like last time.

Oh, and hey, Kovak, you gonna drop in? We're trompin' 'round the capitol,
might be nice to turn the terror around.]<<<<<
        --  Dragonfly (15:36:34 / 9-DE-55)

>>>>>[I seldom find myself in the market for heavy armaments, but of late, I
have found myself in need of antivehicle weaponry of a stronger variety than
your typical security-grade permit allows access to. Specifically, I would be
extremely interested if someone were able to discreetly lay hands upon a MAW
launcher and three or four rockets. Naturally, heavier munitions would be
acceptable. Please provide references of reasonable repute. Bonuses for speed
and reliability of source.]<<<<<
        --  Dragonfly (15:45:56 / 9-DE-55)

>>>>>[Ignore him. He has no use for the articles in question, nor will he be
capable of delivering the payment promised. Trust me. He's my roommate.]<<<<<
        --  Damselfly (19:05:45 / 12-9-55)

>>>>>[Mr. Freddy Frypp, unless mistaken, I have reason to believe that
you "employ" a certain mutual friend, Kor.  I received a very disturbing
letter from him several days ago, and he has not responded.  As a matter
of fact, as near as I can gather from my sources, he has not been active
on the Matrix since that point.  I have also heard, mere rumors mind you,
that he was somewhere near the Cal Free-Tir border, and more importantly,
missing.  These rumors were very sketchy, but given the nature of his
last message, I find it very likely.  Now, let me cut to the chase.  Have
you any clue as to where Kor is?  As his employer, I would surmise to
guess that you would have at least a guess as to his whereabouts.  It is
in my vested interests, Kor being one of my few friends, to find out
where he is.  He, as I'm sure are well aware of, is in need of help.  And
I very much would like to help him before I leave the country in a week.
Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated, and will be
compensated for if you require.  Thank you for your time.]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<23:38:33/12-9-55>


>>>>>[Geez!  First he gets soft, then he starts using big words.  I think
the Whistler might be a little warped in the head too...]<<<<<
        --Rhino Chaser<00:21:53/12-10-55>

******

>>>>>[ Irish, I believe that she was worried and attempting to keep you from
doing something that might end up killing you.]<<<<<
        -- Claw <15:03:08/12-10-55>

*****PRIVATE: Kovak, Dragonfly
>>>>>[Good Ghede! What the drek we tanglin' with, boys? Our little fly-by
turned into a fireworks session that's left me in serious debt to a
panzer-pansy. When I saw the walls, I just knew it meant trouble, but when
the autocannons started takin' potshots, that's when I really got a-feared.

Whatever's goin' on down there, I'll see 'bout lookin' into it. That's for
sure. The bloodsuckers alone were interesting, but this -- it could be
downright fun.

Oh. And now that I'm in Springfield, where ya gonna meet me at?]<<<<<
        --  Jolly Roger (05:07:23 / 12-10-55)

>>>>>[Anyone out there got some paydata on a town called Anna? All info's
worth something.]<<<<<
        --  Jolly Roger (05:09:13 / 12-10-55)

*****PRIVATE: Dragonfly
>>>>>[Buddy, I'll be in Springfield Monday at 0500. I'll sytay in the
Sheridan Hotewl under the name Gerorge MavcRoriwe.]<<<<<
        -- Kovak (21:55:03 CST / 12-10-55)

>>>>>[A certain black automobile has been repeatedly spotted cruising around
Springfield's seamier areas. As much as I would like to believe that it is
insignificant, it has been spotted nearby far too frequently to be just
coincidence.

Would the owner and / or driver of this vehicle be known to anyone
here?]<<<<<
        --  Damselfly (12:02:56 / 12-10-55)

*****PRIVATE: Jolly Roger, Kovak
>>>>>[Welcome to town, gents. Feel free to drop my name as you wander, but
don't count on it winning you too many friends...

Since everyone will be in town Monday, let's shoot for a nice, peaceable meet
Monday night at the Underground, corner of S. Grand & 11th Street. Oh, and by
"peaceable" I mean don't bring anything heavier than a Roomsweeper. The
bouncer gets testy when rifles start walking in.]<<<<<
        --  Dragonfly (13:35:56 / 12-10-55)

>>>>>[Frag! Anybody out there got a decent Link program? Mine keeps degrading
on me faster than I can reprogram it!]<<<<<
        --  Dragonfly (13:40:22 / 12-10-55)

>>>>>[First Caine (yes I figuered out that you hadn't been around
enough to see me do anything "suicidal" quite sometime ago),
and know shes sending messages to the whole of shadowland!
I'm going to have to have a little talk with that girl.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <13:15:26/11-12-55>

>>>>>[Irish, sir, I would not do anything rash where your daughter is
concerned, if I were you.  She has to the right to be worried about you and
to ask for help when she feels she needs it.  If she is asking for help from
your friends via Shadowland, then she has the right to do so.  I am not
telling you what to do, only that you should calm down a bit and talk with
her rationally.  I do not like to see people hurt in any way.  I'm a surgeon,
and my job is to heal those injured and to prevent any injuries from
happening where-ever I can.]<<<<<
           --Dr. Veggie Table (15:54:30 EST/ 12:11:55)

>>>>>[ Dr. Veggie Table,   shut the drek up.]<<<<<
        -- Erika  <15:01:04/12-11-55>

>>>>>[ It was for your own good dad.]<<<<<
        -- Erika <15:03:58/12-11-55>

>>>>>[My lady, Erika, first, I suggest that you show a little more respect
for your elders.  Second, All I wished to do was prevent any harm to come to
you, as you were worried about him, and concerning the attitude that your
father seemingly had.  I do not wish to cause problems; but I do have to
carry out my duty to life.]<<<<<
           --Dr. Veggie Table (18:15:30 EST/12:11:55)

>>>>>[ Well just mind your own fraggin business, this is between me and him.
Its not like he would try and beat me or anything. ]<<<<<
        -- Erika <16:14:00/12-11-55>

>>>>>[I don't know how well this is going to make it through, but here goes.

Boston is dangerous.  It's all a free-fire zone.  There is NO power, no
sanitation, no police, no fresh water, no food, no emergency services of any
kind.  It is essentially an urban combat zone that the gangers love, and that
the runners have even vacated for the most part.  The only safe areas are the
corporate enclaves and the very small areas around the military base, the
harbor, and the police stations.  The military, otherwise invovled in Chicago,
were unable to marshal enough power here to put the city under effective
martial law, and the emergency disaster relief is doing virtually nothing when
the only people getting the food is the gangs and Mafia.

The only two places that still have power even are the Fuchi and Renraku corp
buildings, and the Renraku building is almost down.  What Matrix contacts
remain are tainted by the sheer volume of demons that appear to be nearing a
point that they shall spread through the sattelite SANs into the rest of the
world.  We must strike it soon, and it can only be in a single place.

Fuchi.

However, the military are trying to keep the demons from escaping Boston, as
they may be the precursor to another Crash if they cannot be stopped.  However,
as I noticed here and there, there are reports of demons appearing in London
and Seattle, and there have probably been more than just those two.

I suggest that we strike a Fuchi installation to get it's SAN and then enter
Boston directly from there, since most of the landlines are sporadic at best.

Well?]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <20:14:07/12-11-55>

>>>>>[Mission successful.  Objective achieved.  Awaitin final 
instructions]<<<<<
        --  M1 <20:16:22/12-11-55>

>>>>>[Return and report in complete.]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <20:16:52/12-11-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Velli
>>>>>[Ma'am, our operations vs. Hernandez have just been completed.  The
framing of Caine and Irish for the assassination attempts and deaths of He
Hernandez's family members is complete.  The Aztechnology security forces are
good enough to recognize that the snipers would have hit Hernandez if they
really wanted him, and they will also tell him this.  And the visual evidence
that the Lone Star drone we commandeered will show the assassins to be Caine
and Irish.  Physical Mask spells are so useful in this manner, especially when
no magician alive can read a spell aura over optical chip.  He will soon be
on thier tail, if he isn't already.]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <20:20:53/12-11-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Avatar
>>>>>[Excellent.  When you get the information, tell me what precisely what our
sources tell us.  If necessary, we will provide more evidence for him to follow
to our two targets.]<<<<<
        --  Velli <20:22:26/12-11-55>

***** Private: the Whistler
>>>>>[I've got an idea but I'll tell you on one fragging condition.
One very fraggin' tight condition.

<DEEP SIGH>

The original terms of Kor's employment with FryppSec was to organize
packs of loose hellhounds running in the area of Covello, CFS.  He
mentioned he was going chasing hellhounds, or something to that
effect.

Tunnel-Rat is already in the area, but he's turned up missing, too.
Jacamus and Majikthize have headed up to give TR an assist, but
everyone has lost contact with them as well.  Jonesy has reported
hearing explosions in the area.  I've heard rumors of DragonEyes in
the neighborhood as well.

Now the condition:  Forget EVERYTHING you see up there.  I'm doing
you a favor in pointing you in Kor's direction.  Do me a favor and
ignore what you see.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (19:19:00 / 12-11-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Jonesy
>>>>>[If you get this, keep an eye out on everybody poking around up
there looking for Kor.  Try to keep them away from the airfield.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (19:20:55 / 12-11-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

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

Greetings from the Seattle Metroplex in this holiday season.  My name is
Charlie Fingers and I am afraid that I am the bearer of sad tidings rather than
glad ones.

Earlier today there was an assassination attempt on Jose Hernandez, one of the
Vice Presidents of Security for the Aztechnology Pyramid here in Seattle.  The
two assassins struck not long after noon when Jose and his family and two
bodyguards exited from The Eye of the Needle restaurant.  In the attempt, Mrs.
Hernandez was killed, one of the bodyguards wounded in the stomach, and the
second bodyguard was killed.  The second bodyguard was killed in saving Mr.
Hernandez's 12 year old daughter, Maria.  The other two children ages 6 and 15,
were unharmed but reported hospitalized for severe shock.  Mr. Hernandez was
also apparently unharmed, although Aztechnology has had no comment.

Lone Star is reported to be working in close cooperation with Aztechnology in
this matter and we have heard from unconfirmed sources that there were two
assassins and that a Lone Star rover drone was in the area at the time of
the attack.  Also unconfirmed is the report that the weapons used in the
assassinations are of the same make as the ones who killed the Attache to the
Aztlan Ambassador to the Souix Nation, Mr. Hernandez's mother.  If this is true
then the weapons would be Barrett sniper rifles, possibly the most powerful
rifle in existance.  Lone Star and Aztechnology units are searching the docks
and Puget Sound for the weapons, but do not expect to find them.

The second bodyguard is reported to be in critical but stable condition.

This has been Charlie Fingers, bringing you these holiday cheers.

+++++End Trideo Download+++++  ]<<<<<
        --  Trideo Pirate <20:36:22/12-11-55>

>>>>>[If you don't mind me asking Mercury, what the hell do you think you
are going to find by raiding the Fuchi Boston mainframe?  Just think
about this for a minute.  Everyone knows Fuchi systems are the toughest.
They fraggin' designed the Matrix practicaly.  Second, what the hell
does Fuchi have to gain by unleashing roving semi-smart ICE, or those
"demons" you mentioned.  Very, very bad for the profit margin.  It's the
kind of thing that could invoke the Omega Order.  So not a very bright
thing for Fuchi to do.  Have you considered that Fuchi just might have
better defenses than anyone else?  In any case, I would suggest finding
an alternate solution, one that makes more sense.]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<18:51:34/12-11-55>

PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Somehow, I don't seem to remember why I even sent you a
message...Unfortunately, I won't have the time to visit, but thanks for
the invitaion anyway...]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<18:54:21/12-11-55>

>>>>>[Fuchi's system is the only one not affected, therefore it makes sense
that they are the ones harboring the thing.  Whistler, I know of your
connections, and while I'll admit that they are impressive, I do not say this
to be insulting.  Fuchi's defenses are very good, even excellent, but hardly
impregnable.  And I don't advocate the raiding of their system for anything
short of highly important reasons.  Do you remember the Lucifer construct
that the now dead Dante created?  It disappeared for over a month.  Dante had
5 separate mainframes supporting a single program that, when he died,
manifested an army of demons not unlike the ones now plaguing Boston and
beginning to spread through the Matrix.  What if this construct requires
massive amounts of computational power?  The two places it would likely go
would be the two corporations that can afford to have it, and who would be
likely to have it, Renraku and Fuchi.  I suspect this is the reason that they
were the last two to survive the assult.

For the very reasons you mentioned, I advocate a raid on Fuchi's Boston
facilities.  And as much as I dislike making this type of statement, I was
around before the Matrix was created and thus know it as well as Fuchi does.
If Fuchi is responsible for this thing, they will take the blame for it, and I
will see to it personally.  If they are not, then I will also personally step
forward and see to it that no-one wrongly accuses them.  But if you get in my
way, at least here in the Matrix, and try to stop me, I will brush you aside
and continue with my buisness.

I do apologize if I seem a tad abrupt, but I do not take well to people trying
to put constraints on my movements.  Perhaps that's why I always connect via
direct downlink and have enough solar cells and batteries that I am the only
building in a 10 block area of Boston to have power left.  I assure you,
Whistler and everyone, that the landlinks are unreliable and the SANs are
controlled by the Military deckers and full of Military IC.  Only the
corporate sats and SANs are still unaffected.

Whistler, if you truly wish to aid your contacts, then you should tell them of
my suspicions of the source of the problem and perhaps then they will allow us
to use thier downlinks and even aid us in eliminating the thing from the Matrix
before it grows unstoppable.]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <23:48:11/12-11-55>

*****Private: Mercury

>>>>>[Mercury, about your Boston problem....

I have a question.  I'm not a big computer person (I'm working off a
turtle right now) but wouldn't it be easy to remove the problem by
"Pulling the plug?"  Why not just convince the Fuchi jokers that the best
way to get rid of th ebeast would be to shut down and wipe the system.
And if Fuchi is behind it, then is cybercombat necessary?  Get a group to
blow the generators and/or computer systems.  Considering what's
happening, I'm sure UCAS would have no problems in assisting with project
Restore Boston with deckers and/or commando support.

Just curious....]<<<<<
        -- Spellslinger (00:19:34/12-12-95)

>>>>>[ You know, Dr. Veggie Table, your handle makes me rather glad that
I have a real doctor that I trust in. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <12-11-55/22:05:00>

>>>>>[My handle is what it is for several reasons.  One being that I am a
surgeon, as a matter of fact I have garnered many awards for my services.  My
race is elven, my ethnicity is Japanese-American; and I'm a doctor,
understand?]<<<<<
           --Dr. Veggie Table (08:00:30 EST/ 12:12:55)

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Freddy, I'm not exactly one of the best runners, for Christsake. I've
set up two more Sentry Guns and Hawk and me are taking shifts of guard duty. I
do what I can. BTW, still no contact from anyone on the radio.]<<<<<
        -- Jonesy ( 14:15:30 GMT / 12-12-55)

>>>>>[Shit, and I was planning on vactioning there.]<<<<<
        -- Observer (14:52:34 GMT / 12-12-55)

>>>>>[Tiny is recovering well.  He has being exercising and can going out
soon.  I have identified the protein as a prion.  I don't know if it was
engineered or not, but i will calling it prOE for Ork Encephalopathy prion.
The cell cultures also worked very well.  I think i now am having a vaccine
against prOE, but i will needing to try it out on someone first to be sure.
Tiny is already immune now, from his own exposure, so i will need somenone
else.  Frau Jasmine, do you know where i can find someone to volunteer?
It is not without risk, but the risk is very small in my opinion.  It must
being an Ork.  The vaccine should protect against any future exposures,
but i don't think it will help much to old exposure.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <15:14:48 GMT/12.Dec.55>

***** Private: Jonesy
>>>>>[<DEEP BREATH> Sorry, just do what you can.  I've already sent
the only bodies I can spare for a few days.  You are closer.  It's
your situation.  Good luck.]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (12:25:12 / 12-12-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[I'll be the first wise-ass to say it:

Pretty fraggin' good "attempt".

Why do people say "assassination attempt" even when it's successful,
anyway?

Why not say "... was the victim of a successful assassination"?  Or
"The corp suit got what was comin'"?]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:16:11 / 12-12-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[Allright, Whistlin'-Through-Your-Ears, I've had it.

Ya come to me wanting to know where Kor disappeared to.  I tell you
everything I fraggin' know, potentially revealing sensitive
information in the process (though my revelation might seem a breach
of security, I'm a firm believer in unit integrity, and this belief
extends to friends so I figured it would be best to share my
informaion on Kor with you), and then you conveniently forget you even
asked.

What kinda drugs have your Fuchi bosses got you on?]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (09:23:24 / 12-12-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

*****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Thanks for the advice. I apologize if I seemed hysterical. When Hawk took
guard I took out the nightglider. No sign of anything. We did see two planes
armed to the teeth out flying CAP.]<<<<<
         -- Jonesy (17:14:35 GMT / 12-12-55)

>>>>>[And here I thought that B-towns only problems were the beans and
the bad accent, all in all seems to me though that B-town is the place
to be if you be searchin' for a lil' akshun]<<<<<
        --  GOD < 11:01 / 12:12:55 >

***** NOT TO: Ryaka Science & Tech, Buzz
>>>>>[  An unnamed party asked me to break an encryption that was sent by
one 'Buzz' to one 'Ryuga' .. about the only thing I could get out of the
message was that Buzz is in the Seattle (don't ask where.. it didn't say)
and it had some file with the name "HolyGrail" that had some -really-
intense encryption on it.  Now keep in mind that breaking into this
file was not part of our original deal .. he just asked about getting into
the message, so when he decided he wouldn't pay for my services, I was a
bit peeved.  The moral of the story is don't work for >>encrypted<< and if
you do, keep an eye on the fragger.  ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher < 16:46:12/12-12-55 >

***** Private: Whidbey Island Crew.
>>>>>[ Well, I just got back from my little "visit" to the fort, and
it looks like I found something big. I found A FRAGGIN CONCENTRATION
CAMP. Yes, a CONCENTRATION CAMP. I think I'm gonna be sick the rest of
the day.  Are you still with me?

It seems the fort is used by Renraku (I saw several Renraku trucks)
and is heavily guarded. Well, after I left, a little less heavily.
There are a lot of Orks doing maunal labor (have a look at the pictures
I took). Hell, there were even children in there! I think somebody's
in trouble.

As for the Renraku involvement, I'm not that sure. Just before
I started shooting some of the guards, I saw a suit taking a Renraku-
marked car and drove away. When I tried to see the number plate, I saw
a Raku symbol peel away a little. Even with my eyes I could't see
what was underneath it, but it appeared to be a symbol of some kind.

I think we should bring a little task force together and bring the
fort a second visit. Anyone who wants to join me, please get
in touch asap. Anyway, here are some pictures I took. I think I
shot about 7 or 8 guards before they came after me, but they might
be replaced.

+++++ Include Fort.pictures

On a more positive side, I'm glad to hear Tiny is doing ok. Basilisk,
I'd like to volunteer, but unfortunately I'm not an Ork. You might
find one along the orks in the fort, after we pulled them out. ]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (19:10:13/12-12-55)

>>>>>[  Hey Freddy, I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that
I am in town .. whenever you feel like having some fun with the nips, just
let me know.  Also, if you run across any work for a mage with strong
combat abilities, let me know.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 19:20:12/12-12-55 >

>>>>>[  Hey Griff, old chum!  Long time no see .. Glad to see that yer
on this coast for a change.  You gotta come up to Seattle when you get
done with whatever is going on down in Cal Free and let me buy you that
brew that I promised you. (That's assuming that Basilisk doesn't catch
me of course.. he doesn't think I'm fully recovered yet.  He makes me
feel like a sick little kid sometimes.)  ]<<<<<
        -- Tiny < 19:52:12/12-12-55 >

>>>>>[Mr. Frypp, your lack of constraint suprises me.  Aside from that, I
(forgot), as per request, the little information you did tell me.  I was
merely attempting, in  a subtle way, to let you know this.  But then
again, I get the impression the sledgehammer is more to your style...]<<<<<
        --the Whistler<15:01:04/12-12-55>

*****PRIVATE: Miles Lanier, Internal Security
>>>>>[Mr. Lanier, sir, it has come to my attention that a certain
"Mercury" is planning to raid the Fuchi-Boston computer system.  As you
are very well aware, the entire Matrix system in Boston has crashed.
Mercury, among suspected nameless others, have come to the conclusion
that the "demons" loose in the Boston Matrix are, at the bare minimum,
being harbored by elements withing Fuchi-Boston.  At worst, we are in
some way responsible for creating them.  This, as is obvious, could be a
nightmare for us.  At the bare minimum, this will be a public relations
nightmare and President Villiers will be put in a bad position with the
Japanese.  At worst, this could be reason enough for an Omega Order,
especially given our current lack of power on the Corporate Council on
Zurich-Orbital.  And I am sure you can imagine the many "in-betweens",
sir.

My recomendation, sir, is to contact this "Mercury", a decker I believe,
and let him into our Boston System.  Obviously we purge any and all
sensitive information regarding other operations.  This is a given.  But
it is my analysis that we must give him this access so that we can prove
that we have nothing to do with the "demons" in the Boston Matrix.  And
if we DO (God forbid) have even the slightest link with these constructs,
we need to purge and destroy any and all evidence therein.  We cannot
risk being connected with these "demon" constructs in any way.  I further
recomend that we assist "Mercury" and his "friends" in cleansing the
Boston Matrix.  Doing so _could_ be very advantageous in the long
run...]<<<<<
        --Cpt.<<SUPPRESS>><15:15:48/12-12-55>
        Fuchi Internal Security
        Seattle Division
        Omega Four

*****Private: Whidbey Island Crew
>>>>>[Wow, Aardvark, good work.  I've just received some information about the
Renraku tie.  They have apparently done some work with a Humanis Policlub
known as Earth First.  I'm still searching for a little more information.
However, you're input on the Fort run has really shed some light on this
subject.
        Basilisk, tell us more about this Prion.  Is it dangerous to anyone
else besides Orks?  Could it perceivably be spread through any other means
than air?  (i.e. water systems, etc.)
        Tiny, we may need to make you sick again to see if we can cure you.
Assuming we don't have any volunteers.
        Backlash, there are children in this "concentration camp" it is
possible that Katherine is in there.]
        -- Jasmine <14:35:00/12-12-55>

>>>>>[Hey folks, I'm going to pop a run into Renraku to see if I can grab any
info on what Aardvark found.  Anyone want to do it with me.  I've done 'raku
before.  Damn sculpted system made it look near impossible.  They change it
every few months too.  It's never been the same when I've been in.  I could
use a backup decker to keep an eye on things.  Never can be too careful.]<<<<<
        -- Shields <14:40:00/12-12-55>

***** PRIVATE: Whidbey Island Crew
>>>>>[  First, Jas, I'd be more than happy to let you guys infect me again,
but as Basilisk said, I've developed an immunity from my previous infection.
We'll need another test subject.

Second, I _will_ be going on the run into the Camp.  This is _NOT_ open
to discussion.  (And Basilisk, don't you _dare_ try tell me that I'm too
sick.)

Last, I'm going to need a fixer.  I need to get some more heavy equipment
for this run.  Anyone got a trustworthy contact that I can get some firepower
from?  ]<<<<<
        -- Tiny < 23:11:12/12-12-55 >

>>>>>[DAMN!!!!!!!   BUZZ IS STILL IN SEATTLE?????!!!!!!!!   NO, HE CAN'T
BE!!!!   HE'S IN CHICAGO, or dead, or incarcerated.  He can't be in Seattle.
 It's just not possible.]<<<<<
          --Jacob Abrams (19:30:30 EST/12:12:55)

*****Private: Whidbey Island Crew
>>>>>[Wow, Aardvark, good work.  I've just received some information about the
Renraku tie.  They have apparently done some work with a Humanis Policlub
known as Earth First.  I'm still searching for a little more information.
However, you're input on the Fort run has really shed some light on this
subject.

Basilisk, tell us more about this Prion.  Is it dangerous to anyone
else besides Orks?  Could it perceivably be spread through any other means
than air?  (i.e. water systems, etc.)

Tiny, we may need to make you sick again to see if we can cure you.
Assuming we don't have any volunteers.

Backlash, there are children in this "concentration camp" it is
possible that Katherine is in there.]
        -- Jasmine <14:35:00/12-12-55>

*****PRIVATE: Shields
>>>>>[Well, if you want a decker to run with, I'll be glad to do so.  I might
be a little rusty.  I haven't run the Matrix in about a year.  But, I know a
lot about these types of systems.]<<<<<
        --Buzz (The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

>>>>>[My corp. needs a decker to do a snatch and grab, please contact me at
>>>>>LTG<<<<<.  We can set up a meet and discuss the run.]<<<<<
        --Nickolai Cherlenko, Vathor Tech.(20:30:30 EST/12:12:55)

***** Private: Jonesy
>>>>>[Advice?  What advice?  I'll give you some advice now, though.

Find yourself a very deep hole to hide in and wire the place with
mantraps out the whazoo.  You've already got sentry guns and drones
out, good.  If you've got any, add some monowire in the doorways and
windows.  Tripwires set to flares and frag grenades.  Barricade the
halls and cover them with decent fields of fire.  Keep lots of
ordinance within arms reach.  And get off of the radio.  I know
you're worried.  We all are.  Depeding on the sensors those birds you
saw are carrying, they can probably track your transmissions.  Stick
to narrow band sat stuff.  That's a helluva lot tougher to cue in on.

Don't worry about anybody trying to get in.  Jac and Tunnel-Rat are
big boys.  They can take care of themsleves.  And if they can't....
As long as you keep your head down, keep out of sight and stay
wherever you can find the best defense you'll be in good shape.

And don't worry about not hearing from anybody, those mountains are
playing holy hell with radio and cell transmission.

Sounds like some very bad folks have wandered into your neighborhood.
With any luck, things should clear up soon.

Christ, I sound like a doctor whenever he has to give
penecillin....]<<<<<
      -- Freddy Frypp (12:12:12 / 12-12-55)
         President
         Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[ By now, we are all safely out of San Fransico.  As such, Scourge has
informed me that it should be safe to release this.  Scourge managed to somehow
track down Shadowfox's vague hint, to pointing toward where a pick-up would be.
After that, and merging various facts gleamed from non-encrypted information
here, he gave us location of the target extraction.  Here's the video.  I must
give him credit, he even managed to track down what others involved in the mess
were doing.  I hope you enjoy watching this.

+++++ Start video.

You see the inside of a van.  It's a fairly spacious one at that, that is
nicely furnished.  Driving is, a young man whose head looks like it was shaven
recently.  He has about 2 days growth of blond hair on his face.  The screen
briefly flashes, "Blitzkrieg."  He seems to be calmly driving.  Out of the
window you catch a glimpse of the surrounding city.  They seem to be in
downtown area, heading toward a richer part of town.  You can see two marines
patrolling and everybody seems to be giving them a wide berth.

In the passenger seat, is another human.  This one looks a little bit worse
from aging, but you immediately recognize him.  His face is covered in a
black-scarred grid.  You don't really recall, how he earned it, but you sort of
get the feeling, that it doesn't truly matter any more.  The screen flashes
"Scarface" for a brief moment, even though it was pretty obvious.  He seems to
be calmly staring out the passenger's tinted window watching the buildings flow
by.

In the back is the middle-aged elf that you recognize as DragonEyes.  He must
be traveling a lot, for the last time you saw him -- a mere month ago he was in
Seattle, and then went to Pittsburgh right before the "earthquake" hit.  You
can see that he is pretty worn out, by the fact that he doesn't even seem to
notice what the person next to him is doing.

Looking at the person, a troll, you wonder what was the last occasion you had
to see him.  He looks familiar, and then it clicks.  You are looking at
Doomsday, save that he is clean shaven, and has shaved his head again.  He is
calmly cleaning a gun of some sort.
---
The scene shifts, to a small generic private plane landing at an airfield.
After the plane lands and taxi's a little it stops.  Quickly scanning around,
you note with some amusement that this obviously isn't a strip that the light
is shining on.  Too many security type guys (and gals) running around.  You see
a tall human male come out of the plane.  Unfortunately, at this distance it is
impossible to make out what he is saying.  You can tell he is either addressing
the plane or people inside it though.  As he finishes talking you get a better
look at him.  He is wearing a good set of camoflauge that would work
beautifully in the mountains.  Ironically, the mountains are only in the
background.  He has black hair that is shaved on the sides and back, but is
real long up top. That part streams back into a pony-tail.  The armor cleverly
made into what looks like decently heavy-duty stuff is also camoflogue in the
same pattern.  Slung over one shoulder is some sort of Remington Shotgun (maybe
a 990), and he has a pistol in its holster at his waist.

You watch as he calmly converses with some of the guards, as other people
unload a vehicle, an Hondai Offroader.  It looks pretty beat-up, like it has
seen some heavy action, but you also get the sense that it will probably get
the job done.  The screen finally flashes a name at you: Tunnel-rat, and you
assume that it is the guy in camoflauge and not all the security brats running
around.
---
"Alright, listen up.  The target, wanted for the murder of his father, has
decided to turn himself in.  We suspect that it should be a cake-walk and yet
he did kill his father, so be careful.  He is a known mage.  You all know your
assignments.  We have to do it quickly and quietly, because we aren't supposed
to be here.  Any questions?"

A male human looks up.  You can see the greeness in him, yet still something
makes you pause and think.  Click.  These guys are Sioux Wildcats.  The
greenie, while a little nervous is definitely not wet behind the ears.  "Sir,
are their no changes in our orders?"

"No.  If we cannot take him, then we have been ordered to kill him, and then do
cover up."

The human nods.  You can see a dangerous gleam in his eyes.  You are starting
to get the feeling, that you should watch out if this one came gunning for you.
What he lacks for in experience, has been etched into him by way of training
simulations.  Maybe he shouldn't be considered green at all.
---
Blitzkrieg: "We here."  He looks back at the others.  You note that Doomsday
has put whatever he was cleaning into a suitcase. "Is everything set?"

Doomsday: "Gun should be fine.  It's been a long time, dough.  I would suggest
runnin' it drough your own checks too.  No time ta run real-time tests on it."

Blitzkrieg nods.

Scarface: Is your gun set too Doomsday?

Doomsday nods.  "It be all set.  Can't wait ta try it out."

DragonEyes:  "Hopefully you won't have to snipe anyone.  Scourge, any sign of
surprises?"

A dry voice rasps in: "Pussycats have arrived.  They look famished.  Expect
trouble.  Also they seem to know where to go.  I suggest extract team follow
them in.  Carefully."

DragonEyes clears his throat.  "Just great.  Let's move!"

Rapidly all four of them pick up various stuff and head out.
---
You hear the whine of a rover being pushed hard.  A gruff voice says, "Frag it
all man, we're going to be late to meet Tunnel-Rat."

Another voice, barely heard above the sound of the motor, "We'll just have to
cover his back then."

Gruff voice responds: "Great.  Back-up duty.  Just what I wanted."
---
You see a squad of 5 heavily built humans, lead by a female, walk quickly down
the street.  They are giving off the air of not to be fragged with, though you
suspect that they are highly aware of what they are doing.  One thing they
don't seem to be aware of is two people joining the flow of traffic.  One a
particualarly elder human, and what looks like a sickly man clinging to him.
Everybody seems to be giving them a wide berth to.  They are heading in the
same direction as the "street thugs" but seem to be making a little slower
pace.  The thugs never give any sign that they know of  their existance.  It
takes a little bit to see, but you can see the distinctive scar-like grid
covering the sickly-man's back of neck.  If you didn't know better, you would
guess that person was Scarface.
---
Doomsday: "Look-out 1 in position.  Settin' up now.  Good luck guys, over."
Blitzkrieg: "Drek.  Beat me again Doomsday.  Ah well, Look-out 2 in position.
Target is sighting pretty, in what looks like a ritual circle of some sort.
Over."
(You note the noticable lack in emotion in the last sentence.  And you wonder
for probably not the last time, how stable is Blitzkrieg?)
Doomsday: "Got picture of target, and an indian person.  Target is wearing what
looks like bear skins.  He shaman, over?"
Scourge: "Negative.  Known Hermetic though.  Known to be unstable and most
likely under influence of drugs.  Keep eyes sharp. Over."

You hear two sets of clicks in confirmation.

DragonEyes: "We're in."
Scourge:  "Head to 5th floor if possible.  Otherwise go one above and drop down.
Sioux will arrive before you.  Another person in camoflague is entering.  Joker
has a shotgun, and is not wearing urban-camo.  Consider dangerous.  He will be
making noise if he fires. Over."
Scarface: "Roger, will be careful.  Hitting stairs now."
Blitzkrieg: "Set up complete. Awaiting further instructions. Over."
Doomsday: "Same here, over."
Scourge: "Cut noise down. <click-click>"
---
Tunnel-rat looks carefully around the corner.  You see him start toward
something, then hearing something else flattens against the wall.  A japense
woman is talking to another one, and they are both slowly walking down the
corridor.  You are amazed at the guys luck.  Not only did the women not notice
T-rat, he didn't get noticed by another human (this one distinctly not japense)
watching the women.

Tunnel-Rat seeing the observer stays quiet, and doesn't move until after the
guy moves away.
---
"Sir, our rigger reports that they are on the patio on this floor.  One is
sitting in a circle.  Is target.  The other is an indian.  Don't know what
complications he will add."

"Very well.  If we have to kill target, then kill him too.  We cannot afford to
have witnesses."
---
You view a rooftop for the first time.  It's in the city, and as such the air
isn't anything great, yet it is still impressive.  There are two humans on the
roof.  One is sitting lotus style in a very ornamental ritual circle.  His
eyes, dark brown, are glassy, and it is quite possible that he might be under
the influence of something or other.  The screen flashes, "Kor."  Kor has bear
skins covering him, and is wearing absolutely nothing else.  You can get a
brief glimpse of his black hair that is braided into several seperate strands.
Kor is actually in pretty good shape.  It looks like he too is a victim of
believing that working out everyday is a good thing.

The other indian, is an elder human male.  His body is pretty lean, and is
wearing all leather.  You can see wisdom in his eyes, yet there seems to be an
eagerness about him.  Almost like he is expecting something to happen.  The
screen flashes, "Treebear."

All of a sudden, Treebear looks up and smiles.  "It begins."
The doors leading to the deck burst open, and out come 6 people that scream
training/experience in doing such manuevers.  Quickly they spread out, covering
all angels.

One male, obviously the commander from the age of him says, "Jason Stormwind,
you are under arrest for killing your father.  Do you wish to come quietly to
be put on trial, or do you want to make this hard?"

Kor, very quietly says, "I'm sorry for having troubled you, b --"

The door bursts open, and Tunnel-Rat comes out, and almost looses his lunch as
he sees everyone focus on him.  He stammers, "Kor you can't!"

Kor: I must do what you must.

*Scourge* Spotter 1, take out leader.  Wind information is NW, 5 knots.
*Blitzkrieg* Order confirmed.  Prepare fireworks.
*Scarface* Arrived in position.  Opposition unaware.
*Scourge* DragonEyes move down to intercept if they retreat.
<click-click>

Kor: I'm afraid you have come for nothing, for I am innocent.
Leader: Then you won't mind standing trial, to prove --

The leader never finishes his statement, as he spins around from something
impacting him.  You never even hear the shot.  Quickly reviewing the scene, you
realize that it was a perfect, two-shot sniper job.

The Sioux all get down low.

*Doomsday* Target is neutralized.  Survival percentage 4  Immediate threat
0%.
*DragonEyes* In position.
*Scarface* The male to the left of the female is magically active.  Kill him.
*Doomsday* I got clear shot.  Wind info?
*Scourge* Slightly increased.  Measuring 6 knots to the NW.
*Doomsday* Death incomin'.

The female screams as bullets tear into the male next to her.  She raises a
cry, "Then it is settled --  at--"  And she freezes in position, unable to get
any movement in.

*Blitzkrieg* Target neutralized.  Never had a prayer.  Survival percentage
bloody unlikely.

Tunnel-rat spins, draws his gun, and fires at a person directly behind
Treebear.  The startlement on Treebear's face is more than worth having sat
through all the rest of this so far.

*Scourge* Human in camo seems to be on our side against them.  Probably will
think you re-enforcements for them.
*Scarface* We'll see.  Adding to confusion.  Going in.

Treebear is being circled by one Wildcat, the rest seem to be converging around
Tunnel-Rat.  In a blur it switches from any possible gunfight to a melee brawl.
T-rat is surrounded by 3 Wildcats.  He is using his rifle as an effective club.
You hear distantly the breaking of a window, but you are to readily engrossed
in the thumping that Tunnel-Rat is dealing out and receiving to pay much
attention.

Scarface lands ungracefully, and after pulling himself up, let's off a quick
spell.  The lady, who was facing Treebear, never even knew what hit her.  One
minute she was standing, and the next she is down on the ground, with probably
a bruise where she hit.

Scarface looks at the Indian and says, "Who are you?"
Treebear merely responds, "You aren't the one I expected."
Scarface says, "Life is full of surprises.  Get out of my way, so I can get Kor
out of here."

Treebear just stares at him. One of the sioux Wildcats looks over at them.  He
gives a start, and says something into the radio.  He then charges them.
*Scourge* Wind 6 Knots, NNW direction.

The guy stops as one shot nails him in the chest, and then is driven back into
Tunnel-rat who falls over, effectively dodging another blow that was also
headed his way.

*Blitzkrieg*  Mine hit first!
*Doomsday*  Bastard.

Tunnel-Rat rolls out from under avoiding a blow. He raises his shotgun and
chambers a round and aims the gun at Scarface.

Tunnel-Rat: You move toward Kor, I kill you.
Scarface: Any of us -- hmmm?  I'm impressed.
(You note with amusement that Scarface doesn't move any closer to Kor though.)
Scarface pulls out a pistol, while Tunnel-Rat rolls to the ground and shoots
Scarface.  Scarface falls to the ground.  One of the two remaining Sioux, fires
off a shot directly at Kor, but it doesn't reach him.  Something blocked it.
Something that you can't see.  Both look at each other and flee.

They enter the room, and one immediately gets squirted by something.  He
immediately trips and screams in agony.  The other one snarls, and slams into
an elf standing there. (It happens to be DragonEyes with the squirt gun in his
hand).  DragonEyes obviously wasn't expected hit, and ends up flat on the
ground.

*Doomsday and Blitzkrieg* DREK!
*Doomsday* I got the one by Kor!
*Blitzkrieg* I'll get the one headed downside!
*Scourge* Wind 6k, NW.

Tunnel-Rat moves toward Scarface.  And falls to the ground as a bullet slams
into his right kneecap blowing it out.  There is a look of utter amazement.
And then another shot slams into his left hand, causing him to drop his
shotgun.

The Sioux draws a gun and in mid-draw, sees a bullet slam into the wall next to
him.  He flinches, and bolts.  DragonEyes gets up slowly, obviously still out
of it.

*Scourge* Better recover quick, Scarface down, and more Sioux heading toward
you.

Quickly DragonEyes reaches down, and duct tapes the man to the floor.  You
think you hear him mutter, "I'll be damned, there is actually a use for this
stuff."

Treebear moves over to start tending Scarface.  DragonEyes shortly comes out,
and looks around.  You can see he is visibly saddened by the carnage.  Treebear
looks up at him and says, "So you have finally arrived.  This scarred one, is
he a friend of yours? (DragonEyes nods).  I'll heal him up."

DragonEyes quickly does a field dressing on Tunnel-rat.  Any paramedic that
happens to be watching can tell that he has a lot of skill and know-how to pull
off the job in the little amount of time that DE just did.  Unfortunately,
Tunnel-rat isn't going to just walk away from the scene unless someone carries
him.

*DragonEyes* I'll need help carrying Kor out.
*Blitzkrieg* En route, be there within 3 minutes.
*Doomsday* Cleanin' up site.  Will have autopilot get van ta ya, since I can't
drive da fraggin' ding.
*Scourge* ETA of re-enforcements 4 minutes.  ETA of police forces 2 minutes.
Better move quickly.  Blitzkrieg, I suggest blow cover.
<click-click>

DragonEyes: "That should hold him for a while for a real treatment.
Unfortunately, no time for better.  I'll leave him in your care. Time grows
short, authorities are on way."
Treebear (nods.  You see a gleam of excitement in his eyes): "She tells me that
you will take care of him.  Take your time with him, he hurts in places where
even she cannot heal him.  Yes, you are the one to keep him safe...He is needed
later.  Now git outta here before them other folk come back for him with more
power."

DragonEyes lifts up Kor.  You can tell that Kor barely has a clue as to what is
going on.  Blitzkrieg comes flying through the door.  He is wearing mostly
black but you can see that his left hand is completely cybernetic.
Blitzkrieg (looking at Scarface): Is he going to be okay?
Treebear: In time.  He won't die by being carried.
Blitzkrieg nods, and picks up Scarface.  He takes just barely enough time to
pick up Scarface's gun and then DragonEyes, Kor and him make as quick as
possible time as allowed.

+++++ Interrupt video

There is a little bit more, but I think it is high time for my 15 minute coffee
break.  I'll send the rest real soon. ]<<<<<
        -- Scourge <17:30:30/12-12-55>

>>>>>[ Ahhh yes.  Soy-kaf, the nector of the waking world.

Anyway, here's the rest of the video.

+++++ Continue video
The scenes starts with Doomsday helping ease Scarface into the van.  Blitzkrieg
is idly staring out the driver's window.  DragonEyes has just sat down in the
passenger seat next to Blitzkrieg.  Behind Blitzkrieg is Kor, who looks like he
is in bad need of a drink.  Finally Doomsday shuts the door and yells, "Here
dey come!"

The van roars off, a police vehicle sets off pursuing them.
Blitzkrieg: So much for leaving quietly.
DragonEyes: I still can't believe you two.  Calmly suggesting and then forcing
me to accept the fact that snipers were needed.  All that death -
Blitzkrieg (dryly): When the need is great, life gets cheap.
Doomsday (gloomily): We didn't get much choice did we.

*Scourge* More cops coming in opposite direction.  Sioux figure the van must
hold something, and are following too.
DragonEyes: LOOK OUT FOR THAT ROVER!!
Blitzkrieg: What the FRAG!! The thing has a turret!!

You see Doomsday putting together something.  The rover does an illegal u-turn
and you see the turret whirl around.  And then it starts opening fire.  First
it hoses the police car.  Then it ends up in position just behind the van.

The Sioux (at least you think it is them... they have the same gang colors as
the earlier ones did -- and they were id as Sioux) meanwhile, have spread out.
They have a few vans with people, and some bikes too.

Blitzkrieg: I can't shake them.
Doomsday: Scourge, which is da biggest threat?
Scourge: I would think the Rover, then the bikes, and lastly the vans.
Doomsday: DragonEyes trade places with me.

DragonEyes looks sullen, but does as he is told.  Doomsday sits in the seat
that is obviously not supportive of him, and calmly feeds a belt into the LMG
that he has managed to put together.

Doomsday: Wish I had da time ta test dis ding out!

Scourge: Wait Doomsday! I got an idea!  Blitzkrieg go left at the next
intersection!

You listen over the intermitten commands of go left, go right and such.
Somewhere along the line, there starts a running battle between the Sioux who
realize that Rover isn't helping them any, and the van that Kor is in.  That
van however is not firing back.

Blitzkrieg: I hope you know what you are doing Scourge. Driving is becoming
less fun.
Scourge: You have just entered the lawless zone.  Have at it.
Blitzkrieg (grinning): YEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAA!!!!

Doomsday opens the sliding side door slightly and sticks his gun out.  He then
braces himself.  DragonEyes looks like he is going to sick up on the spot.
Blitzkrieg snarls something, and spins the van around.  The rover goes flying
past it, and one of the bikers rams into the van.  Whatever Blitzkrieg said,
got covered up by Doomsday firing at the Rover.  DragonEyes has started to tend
to Scarface.  You have the distinct feeling at seeing the blood all over the
windshield from the outside it was, that he would do something like that or he
would break down.

Blitzkrieg: I don't like the odds.  (His voice is accented by the firing of
guns all over.)
Scourge: The local gangers have taken a disliking toward the people following
you.  Only the rover is still following you.  One biker almost made it, but
they didn't get past the alleyway.
Blitzkrieg: What now?
Scourge: Drive deeper in the territory and try and lose the van.

Doomsday shuts the door.  Everyonce in a while you hear the sound of bullets
hitting the outside of the vehicle.
Blitzkrieg: "This thing can't take much more."
DragonEyes: "Contingency plan Alpha.  Head west!"
Blitzkrieg: "I hope you know what you are doing."

The next few minutes pass, watching the van and rover jockying for position.
You have the distinct feeling that if a rigger was running the rover, it would
be all over for the people in the van.

Blitzkrieg: "They are aiming at the tires.  I can't hold them off for much
longer."

Scarface groans as the van takes a pretty vicious hit.  DragonEyes sighs and
starts chanting something.  The melody is frightening familiar to you, yet you
are certain you have never heard them before.  Before your own eyes, you would
swear his features are turning more snake-like by the second.

Blitzkrieg: Oh drek... I've seen this before...  DragonEyes, how the hell ..
FRAG!!

He swerves out of the way of one vehicle, and ends up on the sidewalk
skidding.  With people diving out of the way.

DragonEyes still chanting: take  --  a -- left.

Blitzkrieg swings around the corner and comes to a stop in the middle of the
sidewalk.  Doomsday pops off a few short bursts (while Blitzkrieg flinches as
the shells covers come into the van) up into the air.  This has the effect of
sending everyone for cover.  The rover roars past them.  Then skids to stop.

Doomsday grabs Scarface in one arm, and slings the gun around to his back.
Blitzkrieg grabs Kor.

Blitzkrieg: God damn you, haven't you learned yet.  I don't risk my ass for
people who want to die.
Doomsday: Ironic you say that.  (He picks up Doomsday).

Quickly, they head into the building next to where the van stopped.

The rover drives back, and seems to be looking for something.  All of a sudden
the van explodes.  The rover stops, and then parks.

After a few minutes of watching the street, the start driving in a search
pattern.
---
Inside the building, you see DragonEyes resting against the wall.
Doomsday: Can you heal Bruce enough so that I don't have to carry him?
DragonEyes: Yes.  (DragonEyes starts chanting.  You see a glow around his
hands, and some of Scarface's wounds close up.)

*Scourge* You have enough space from the rover.  I strongly recommend getting
out of there immediately.
*Doomsday*  Blitzkrieg take lead.

+++++ Interrupt video
I won't bore you with the detials of how they got out after that.  Blitzkrieg
is still chewing me out for having put explosives in the van.  He seems very
angry that he was driving around a ticking bomb.  He liked Doomsday's comment
of "like you should talk" even less.  So as things stand now, Kor is with
DragonEyes, Blitzkrieg, and Doomsday at DragonEyes sort of home away from home.
And last I heard, Tunnel-Rat is still in Treebear's care.  The explosions could
be a lot of things.

Oh Tunnel-Rat:  Your damn lucky that Blitzkrieg didn't try shoot you, for if he
did I doubt you would be alive.  Doomsday and Blitzkrieg have different
definitions in returning the favor.

DragonEyes has one more message, "Don't expect to see Kor soon.  He needs a lot
of time.  And he isn't going to like going without drugs either." ]<<<<<
        -- Scourge <15:45:33/12-12-55>

>>>>>[Maybe they don't say that because Jose is assumed to be the target and
he survived?]<<<<<
        --  Slash <20:35:35/12-12-55>

***** Private: Not To: Ms. V, Velli, anyone affiliated with
Aztech or Azatlan
>>>>>[If anybody has a deal going down with either Velli or
Ms V, cancel it!  They have this nasty habit of leaving out
certain, important, bits of info.

Caine,  round up the ordanace chummer.  Methinks I'm being
framed.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <19:35:01/12-12-55>

>>>>>[Watch your mouth young lady!  Just because I talk that way
doesn't mean you can.  As for hitting you, it's tempting.
I'd have a better chance at bench pressing CRUSH then getting a
straight answer out of you sometimes.

And whats with the coffee?!  Are you developing a new biotoxin
in the kitchen or something?!?]<<<<
        -- Irish <19:41:30/12-12-55>

***** Private: Spirit
>>>>>[Just how many people know about that Barret you sold
me?]<<<<<
        -- Irish <19:46:03/12-12-55>

*****Private:Nickolai
>>>>>[ I am a Decker, if you don't mind insanity, I would be perfect, I
can pull waht ever you want off.]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis <Mental/Case>

>>>>>[ Circuit Breaker -- thank you for the warning.  Fort Lewis is currently
having its own problems with certain 'transported' viruses that have been seen
lately inhabiting Boston; the gentleman in Tir Tairnguire seems to have turned
up amnesiac.  As for the rest of it -- often the implications and notification
are as important as the act itself.  Such is the concept of a declaration of
war, in geopolitical parlance.

Besides -- we _like_ doing this.  Some of us, at least.  And we are....
pursuant of high-quality personnel.  We need people who can get in even when
the local constabulary has been notified.  We were under the impression that
Mr. Frypp was of such quality. ]<<<<<
        --  OS^2 <23:42:22/12-12-55>

*****PRIVATE:  Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[ CB does, however, make a good point.  Would it be preferable to you
to begin using secure data transfers? ]<<<<<
        --  OS^2 <23:42:23/12-12-55>

>>>>>[Thank you, Buzz, but Dark Angel and I have already finished the run.
Didn't get your message until I got back.  Maybe we can do it some other
time.]<<<<<
        -- Shields < 8:50:00/12-13-55 >

>>>>>[ Shields, I'd be happy to deck with you, but I've never done
Renraku before. Maybe you could show me around? ]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (17:53:13/12-13-55)

***** Private: Tiny.
>>>>>[ If you need equipment, you might talk to someone named Hairy Harry.
Just mention my name and it should be fine. Most of the heavier stuff
usually takes some time, but he can usually get what you want.

When you deal with him, be careful. He's a little wierd and a big pervert.
You've been warned...]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (18:00:13/12-13-55)

>>>>>[Aardvark, Dark Angel and I did the run last night.  We'd love to have
your input though on our findings.  Meet us on the Third floor of Dante's
right away.  We'll go over the data.]<<<<<
        -- Shields < 09:32:00/12-13-55 >

>>>>>[  For those interested, here's a transcript of our trip into 'Raku last
night.
+++++ BEGIN MATRIX FEED
The IO node glows brightly as a knight in silver armor steps into existence
into the virtual reality of the matrix.  He flexes his arms and a shield
appears on the left arm.  Turning his head, he watches as the node flashes
again.  A dark, foreboding looking bird blinks into reality.  Upon looking
closer, the bird is not a bird at all, but a man with wings.

+++++ You know, Dark Angel, I believe that this is the first time you
+++++ and I have worked side by side in the matrix.

The Dark Angel persona floats above the IO node.  Wings flapping gently in an
imaginary breeze.

+++++ Shields, I have seen you before, but we this is the first time
+++++ we will have willingly run together.

Shields waves Dark Angel to follow him.  In the seamless reality of the
matrix, possibly a microsecond passes and the two deckers are face to face
with the Renraku Arcology.  Shields removes his shield and places it in front
of him.

+++++ There's a maintenance node right behind this wall.  I discovered
+++++ that a sleaze program gets you in with little problem.  There's
+++++ usually a tracer here.  Put it there to keep me out.  This is
+++++ a common hang out.  <<<METALLIC LAUGH>>>

The angel character cringes.

+++++ You need to work on your laugh, friend.

The shield glows softly and shatters into several million fragments.  The
fragments begin to dance in a chaotic pattern.  The plane of fragments moves
forward to the wall of the Renraku Arcology Construct and form the shape of a
door.  Shields and Dark Angel step through the newly opened portal.  It closes
behind them.

+++++ Okay, now, we've got a dataline that passes through here in two
+++++ directions.  There appears to be an SPU at the end of this one.
+++++ I can't see anything at the end of the other one though.

The knight lifts his visor.  (Very odd, there isn't anything underneath.  Dark
Angel appears to be a little shocked.)  Shields lowers his visor again.

+++++ Dark Angel, you seem shocked.  I just wear the visor for
+++++ protection.  Had a Flash IC go off in front of my eyes once.
+++++ My screen flickered at a rate that almost fried my brain.
+++++ since then, I keep my eyes covered while I deck.  Keep my
+++++ sensors on high.  If I ever lose the visor, I'm hosed until
+++++ I knock the vision suppresors off my eyes.  Keeps my optic
+++++ nerve safe.  Oh, by the way, we want to go the way we can't
+++++ see.  That's the entrance to the sculpted system.

The deckers head off at light speed down the dataline into the darkness.
There is a sudden flash of neon blue light and they are standing on a dirt
road in a Japanese Village.

+++++ Hey, Angel, ever been to Chiba? That's where 'Raku's home base is.

Dark Angel is holding a sensor program in his hands, shaped like a dove.

+++++ We got some company.  See how this bird's twitching.  When he gets
+++++ nervous like this, there's something moving.

A longsword appears in Shields right hand.

+++++ Ninja.  There, on top of that building.  Four.  Two are coming
+++++ around behind us.  One will hop down in front.  One will be
+++++ on the backside of that water well in the middle of the square.

The dove disappears.  Dark Angels hand begin to glow as he prepares for
combat.

+++++ What should I do?  You seem to know this pretty well.

Shields turns to face his partner.

+++++ Simple really.  All part of the same subroutine.  Kill one and
+++++ they all vaporize.  The only problem is killing one.

A loud, scream of something in Japanese comes from behind the deckers.
Shields leaps backwards and swings his sword at an oncoming Ninja warrior.
The Ninja dodges his blade and flips over to the other side.  Shields turns
and follows the movement.  Dark Angel, in a very practiced looking motion,
steps to the side as another Ninja slides past him.  He lowers his glowing
hands and the Ninja explodes in a flash of color.  Shields opponent simply
ceases to exist.  As do the other two.

+++++ Hmmmm.  I gotta get me one of those.  Nice work, DA.

+++++ Been wanting to try that one.  Glad it worked so well.

+++++ The third building on our left on this road is an SPU that will
+++++ get us onto a main dataline into the database section of the net.

Shields' sword vaporizes leaving a little wisp of smoke that then becomes an
arrow floating immediately ahead of the two deckers.

+++++ Wow, nice affect, Shields.  How many MP's did that take to get a
+++++ smooth transition?

+++++ It's actually a hardware trick I learned.  Wire the main processor
+++++ on a Fairlight to one of the new Fuchi Math chips and you can get
+++++ some intense graphics for low cost and reasonably low pulse rates.

The two deckers follow the arrow to the SPU.  Shields opens the rice paper
door.  Dark Angel is a little worried that the security seems so lax on an
SPU.  However, Shields appears to know what's going on.  Upon entering the
building, it grows in size to be roughly the size of a large warehouse.
Shields steps to a door and runs his hand over it.  The door glows and reveals
a dataline behind it that leads to a large Bhuddist Temple.  There are a
number of Monks pacing back and forth in front of the temple. The knight leans
close to the Dark Angel.

+++++ Five of those six monks are Barrier.  One of them is a Trace and
+++++ and Report.  He'll stop us and ask questions.  Let me do the
+++++ talking.  I've been through here before.

Dark Angel nods his head in agreement.  They approach the monks.  One steps
out of line and approaches the deckers.

+++++ What may we do for you humble travellers?

Shields holds his hand out and a small bag closed with a drawstring appears in
his hand.

+++++ We have come a far distance with an offering for the temple.

The monk takes the pouch and steps back to the other monks.  They all gather
round as he opens the pouch and gives each monk a silver coin.
Each monk smiles in turn and then gets a strange look of horror.  The monks
become immaterial and all get sucked like smoke into the open pouch.  Sheilds
smiles, picks up the bag and closes the drawstring.  Dark Angel stands amazed.

+++++ That was really cruel!

+++++ Hey, we're in aren't we?

+++++ Well, yeah, but...

+++++ cope.

Entering the temple reveals a large database.

+++++ Okay, there are a few traps in here, but I think you can handle
+++++ them.  Let's split up and find any information we can on the
+++++ following:  Earth First, Orks and Whidbey Island, or Fort Worden.
+++++ Anything that might be valuable.

The two deckers split up and begin searching through the data nodes.  Shields'
search program looks like an old man who shuffles through the stacks of
documents and looks at each one in turn.  Dark Angel however has split his
persona into about thirty other duplicates and they all search through the
documents.  One of them grins and holds a piece of paper up which disappears
into a backpack for storage.  After roughly 25 minutes of scouring the
databases, the old man trips on a stone in the floor and the unsearched
documents vanish.  The old man stands and looks at Shields, then vanishes.

+++++ Woops, sorry, DA.  Looks like we tripped an internal.

+++++ Whaddya mean WE?

+++++ Look, you got some data.  Let's Jack and we'll scan it later.
+++++ Meet me at Dante's Inferno.  Third floor.  There's a bartender
+++++ there named Guido.  He'll take you to a room behind the bar.
+++++ It's cheap.  I'll let him know you're coming.

The knight vanishes.  Shields has jacked out.  Dark Angel folds his wings and
disappears as well.

+++++ END MATRIX FEED]<<<<<
        -- Shields < 08:30:21/12-13-55 >

>>>>>[ I'll be there right away. ]<<<<<
        --  Aardvark (18:40:13/12-13-55)

>>>>>[Here is some Matrix recording for you:
+++++Begin Matrix_Log.Star_Financial

The scene opens out in a standard corp I/O node.  What looks like access IC
stands to one side, apparently satisfied that you really are supposed to be
there.  Two icons are visible in the node other than the IC.  One is a
beautifully detailed cockatrice with scales the color of burnt steel and
golden break and claws.  Large bat-like wings beat slowly as he looks
around, and the feathers on his rooster-like head swirl in a confusing
array of color.  The name Basilisk flashes briefly underneath him.  The
other icon is of a ninja-like figure, dressed in red, with blood red flames
dancing over the surface.  He is carrying a large sword and various other
talisma and gadgets are attached to his belt and bandolier.  The name
Scarlet Fire identifies him for a moment.

Bas:  Ah, it is nice to be coming from inside.  Remember, though, you are
only doing as I say.  No foolishness.

SF:  Yes, sir.  I remember what the boss said.

Bas:  Then let us go.  We have many work to do.

As Basilisk speaks, you notice a distinct accent.  It is hard to place
exactly, but could be German.  As he finishes his examination of the node,
Basilisk spreads his wings and flies towards the data line that will carry
the two to the next node.  Scarlet Fire follows close behind.  The IC
ignores their passage.

Heading to the next node, you can see it is an SPU, again in standard UMS
sculpting, with a crackling Barrier across the entrance.  Basilisk slows
briefly and multicolored beams shoot out of his eyes as he scans the node,
then a handful of golden coins appear and scatter in front of the IC.  As
the enegry beams of the IC construct converge to examine the coins,
Basilisk and Scarlet Fire slip past into the node.  Inside, they pause to
examine the exits.

Bas:  The CPU should be down there.  We go.

The two continue out of the SPU and soon face the CPU with a guard standing
at the entrance.  Again Basilisk scans the node and the coins appear, but
the guard ignores them.  Basilisk whips his spiked tail back and forth in
concentration, and approaches the IC, Scarlet Fire close behind him.  The
brightly colored feathers on his head and neck begin swirling
kaleidoscopically and settle in to a pattern resembling a pass code.  The
IC looks at it for a moment and says simply, "You do not belong here,"
while reaching for his pistol.  As the Blaster component of the construct
activates, Basilisk's wings become covered in silvery scales, and he
launches himself into the air.  The guard draws his gun and fires at
Basilisk, who blocks the projectile with his wings, losing several scales
in the process.  Then, yellow beams shoot out of Basilisk's eyes and strike
the guard.  The guard's left arm is hit and a stone-like texture spreads
out along the arm up to the shoulder.  The guard shoots again, but is
obviously affected by having his arm turned to stone, and misses.  The
yellow beams shoot out once again, this time hitting the guard squarely in
the chest.  The guard staggers back as the effect of the beams spreads over
his whole body, until he is completely petrified.  Basilisk lets his
Shields program fall and gestures impatiently to Scarlet Fire before
continuing on into the CPU.  Scarlet Fire follows after tossing a small red
ball at the IC construct, enveloping it in whispy tendrils of red flame to
supress it from triggering an alert on a system check.

Safe inside the CPU, the two quickly call up the system map and locate data
stores containing financial transactions.

Bas:  Here is where the money is being.  Let us see how the others are.
(click) What is the progress?

Voice:  Goin' good, man.  No more resistance since those guards, and were
gettin' some nice lookin' hardware.  Makin' a real mess doin' it, though.

Bas:  That is unimportant.  Just find anything valuable you can and be
ready to go soon (click).  Scarlet Fire, you go to this data store and get
what you can.  I go here.

SF:  Got it.  Let's go.

Scarlet Fire presses a button on a control board in the CPU and disappears.
Basilisk presses another button, and suddenly he is standing in a data
store.  The view splits and you see that Scarlet Fire is already shining
some sort of flashlight over the files in the data store, searching for
account files.  Basilisk breathes out a whisp of smoke, which slowly drifts
over the files, leaving a phosphorescent trace on valuable files.  The two
then start indiscriminantly down-loading marked files.  They must have come
prepared with lots of memory, because they don't even bother trying to
remove Scramble IC from some of the files, just saving everything to work
on later.  Both do accidentally trip some Scramble IC on some of the files,
erasing what could have been some valuable data.  When they are done, they
quickly confirm that all is finished in the meat world, and then simply
jack out.

+++++End Matrix_Log.Star_Financial

I hate just jacking out.  It gives me headache and leaves traces, but they
already had a crashed IC, and scrambled files, so the traces are
unimportant.  Anyway, it would have taken longer to navigating back to the
I/O than recovering from dump shock.  Does anyone want to buy the deed to
an office building?]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <18:33:12 GMT/13.Dec.55>

>>>>>[Well excuse the ever lovin' hell out of me.  I inherited some
recessive sarcasm genes from my father's side of the family.

And yes, sledgehammers are God's gift to the uncreative world.  Ever
seen what happens when you use a sledgehammer for interogation?
Spades also make really fun toys.  I remember one time we had this I-
Marine private and we <1.7 Mp Block Deleted>]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:47:12 / 12-13-55)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

>>>>>[Here is the complete Matrix record from the run.  I send an editted
>>>>>version to Shadowland.
+++++Begin Matrix_Log.Star_Financial

The scene opens out in a standard corp I/O node.  What looks like access IC
stands to one side, apparently satisfied that you really are supposed to be
there.  Two icons are visible in the node other than the IC.  One is a
beautifully detailed cockatrice with scales the color of burnt steel and
golden break and claws.  Large bat-like wings beat slowly as he looks
around, and the feathers on his rooster-like head swirl in a confusing
array of color.  The name Basilisk flashes briefly underneath him.  The
other icon is of a ninja-like figure, dressed in red, with blood red flames
dancing over the surface.  He is carrying a large sword and various other
talisma and gadgets are attached to his belt and bandolier.  The name
Scarlet Fire identifies him for a moment.

Bas:  Ah, it is nice to be coming from inside.  Remember, though, you are
only doing as I say.  No foolishness.

SF:  Yes, sir.  I remember what the boss said.

Bas:  Then let us go.  We have many work to do.

As Basilisk speaks, you notice a distinct accent.  It is hard to place
exactly, but could be German.  As he finishes his examination of the node,
Basilisk spreads his wings and flies towards the data line that will carry
the two to the next node.  Scarlet Fire follows close behind.  The IC
ignores their passage.

Heading to the next node, you can see it is an SPU, again in standard UMS
sculpting, with a crackling Barrier across the entrance.  Basilisk slows
briefly and multicolored beams shoot out of his eyes as he scans the node,
then a handful of golden coins appear and scatter in front of the IC.  As
the enegry beams of the IC construct converge to examine the coins,
Basilisk and Scarlet Fire slip past into the node.  Inside, they pause to
examine the exits.

Bas:  The CPU should be down there.  We go.

The two continue out of the SPU and soon face the CPU with a guard standing
at the entrance.  Again Basilisk scans the node and the coins appear, but
the guard ignores them.  Basilisk whips his spiked tail back and forth in
concentration, and approaches the IC, Scarlet Fire close behind him.  The
brightly colored feathers on his head and neck begin swirling
kaleidoscopically and settle in to a pattern resembling a pass code.  The
IC looks at it for a moment and says simply, "You do not belong here,"
while reaching for his pistol.  As the Blaster component of the construct
activates, Basilisk's wings become covered in silvery scales, and he
launches himself into the air.  The guard draws his gun and fires at
Basilisk, who blocks the projectile with his wings, losing several scales
in the process.  Then, yellow beams shoot out of Basilisk's eyes and strike
the guard.  The guard's left arm is hit and a stone-like texture spreads
out along the arm up to the shoulder.  The guard shoots again, but is
obviously affected by having his arm turned to stone, and misses.  The
yellow beams shoot out once again, this time hitting the guard squarely in
the chest.  The guard staggers back as the effect of the beams spreads over
his whole body, until he is completely petrified.  Basilisk lets his
Shields program fall and gestures impatiently to Scarlet Fire before
continuing on into the CPU.  Scarlet Fire follows after tossing a small red
ball at the IC construct, enveloping it in whispy tendrils of red flame to
supress it from triggering an alert on a system check.

Once inside the CPU, Basilisk runs a search on the system map to match data
stores with some specific key words.  Once he has locations, he clears the
map search and calls Scarlet Fire over to the control panel.

Bas:  You stay here and tell me if something is happening.  I must find
some things and will be back soon.

SF:  I know the drill.  I'll keep an eye out.

Basilisk then punches a button on the control panel and appears in a data
store alone.  He breathes out a whisp of smoke which floats over the data
files, marking interesting files with a phophorescent glow.  Basilisk then
carefully checks each one to be sure it has the required information inside
and down-loads them.  Some of the files seem to be heavily encrypted, and
some have scramble IC around them.  These he takes special care with,
down-loading IC and all.  He pauses and his icon goes completely black,
except for his two glowing yellow eyes.  Once fully in masking mode, he
slips past the Barrier IC at the entrance to the data store and heads
towards the adjoining SPU.  He scans the node quickly and sleazes past
effortlessly.  The golden coins seem much more effective here than at the
CPU.  Having looked at the system map, he knows exactly where to go, and
slides like a whisper through the system, pulling out carefully chosen
files and copying them.  After copying all the files of interest in several
data stores, he heads back to he CPU to rejoin Scarlet Fire, who has been
monitoring the system.  Back in the CPU, he resumes his normal icon form.

SF:  Geez, where did you come from.  I completely lost track of you out there.

Bas:  That is not concerning you.  Let us doing what we must and leave this
place.

Basilisk joins Scarlet Fire at the control panel and the two quickly call
up the system map again and locate data stores containing financial
transactions.

Bas:  Here is where the money is being.  Let us see how the others are.
(click) What is the progress?

Voice:  Goin' good, man.  No more resistance since those guards, and were
gettin' some nice lookin' hardware.  Makin' a real mess doin' it, though.

Bas:  That is unimportant.  Just find anything valuable you can and be
ready to go soon (click).  Scarlet Fire, you go to this data store and get
what you can.  I go here.

SF:  Got it.  Let's go.

Scarlet Fire presses a button on a control board in the CPU and disappears.
Basilisk presses another button, and suddenly he is standing in a data
store.  The view splits and you see that Scarlet Fire is already shining
some sort of flashlight over the files in the data store, searching for
account files.  Basilisk breathes out a whisp of smoke, which slowly drifts
over the files, leaving a phosphorescent trace on valuable files.  The two
then start indiscriminantly down-loading marked files.  They must have come
prepared with lots of memory, because they don't even bother trying to
remove Scramble IC from some of the files, just saving everything to work
on later.  Both do accidentally trip some Scramble IC on some of the files,
erasing what could have been some valuable data.  When they are done, they
quickly confirm that all is finished in the meat world, and then simply
jack out.

+++++End Matrix_Log.Star_Financial

I intentionally used a low-grade Sleaze and Deception against the CPU IC,
and jacked out from the financial data store, to make it look like an
amateur.  I also left some traces from my Browse so they will see it was
only set to files over a certain nuyen limit, and we deliberately tripped
some Scramble IC on some random files.  The others made a great mess in the
offices, and we got out with no problems.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <18:45:42 GMT/13.Dec.55>

>>>>>[ Zarkon?? was that really you I saw up town???  If it was please
respond back to me]<<<<<
        -- Tarkis <Mental/Case>

>>>>>[Fun, wasn't it boys? You just got to get the hop on ol' Roger if you
want to plug your toys full of lead afore I tear 'em up. And it helps if you
know to expect the ol' Danse Macabre, but then it t'ain't nearly so much fun.

So whaddya think? Shall we go make some heads roll down Anna-ways, too? That
lad we dragged out of there had all sorts of fun surprises to tell us. Shall
we hook up in Carbondale? I can tell you the story there.]<<<<<
        -- Jolly Roger (03:02:56 / 12-13-55)

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