>>>>>[ Diapers!?  Okay snoop, find yer info on yer own!  And if I
spot ya splattered on the pavement, remind me to laugh. ]<<<<<
                Dan the Divit,{02:02:01/12:01:53}

>>>>>[ Hey, no attitude on this here grid. Boxcar, it's rumored the
HOBBITS are backed privately by the Tevelins of the Mafia crew. 
Major armament supplies and good connections with the local chop
shops. ]<<<<< 
                Turf,{02:07:53/12:01:53}

>>>>>[ Well, philadelphia had a minor shock last week.  I went
down there and got together with some of my old teamates for a nice
little adventure.  Lets just say that Philadelphia no longer has
problems with corruption in the upper echelons of their police
force.  I also had to deal with a problem of a more personal
nature, one which has, unfortunately, not yet been resolved.  The
mission had a higher profile than I would have liked, but it had to
be done and I did manage to make my role as discreet as possible
under some rather extreme circumstances. ]<<<<< 
                    ---Dark Elf <17:25:30/12-01-53>

>>>>>[ I hope you're not seriously considering that Dragon's
"information packet," DE.  I don't trust him AT ALL.  I think you're
heading for some serious trouble if you do! (I won't even ask about
Philadelphia) ]<<<<< 
                    ---OddBall <17:30:43/12-01-53>

                
>>>>>[ Seems to me, that if such things as Wolf and Bear can be
totems due to the power invested by faith, then the religious
Powers are real too.  God, Jehovah, Allah, Shiva, Tao.  All of
these could certainly weild real Power in the magic world of
today.  But then I'm not a philosopher; I just do the
security.]<<<<< 
                                --Dulcimer <10:47:07/12-01-53>

>>>>>[ Yeah, that would explain the power of holy water to affect
vampires. A consecrated substance could be used as a low power magic
weapon.  Try having your dikoted sword blessed by the local clergy
sometime and see what happens. ]<<<<< 
                                --Plasma <10:59:23/12-01-53>

>>>>>[ Allah has always had power, even when mortals did not
recognize it. Unlike the pagan followers of Christ and the Goddess,
however, he does not frivilously cast his power to sniveling
throngs of parishners.  Those who are true in their hearts shall
receive His blessings freely. ]<<<<< 
                                --TestDrive <11:14:16/12-01-53>

>>>>>[ What is this?  Gospel Hour out of Detroit or something?!]<<<<<
                                --Harley <ALLAH *BI/TES* TOO>

>>>>>["Testdrive" is obviously not aquainted with Goddess-worship
in any way, shape, fasion, or form. I hate it when people blab about
things they know nothing about.]<<<<< 
        Raven <pissed off/Pagan friend>

>>>>>[ While this may seem the case to those such as you and me,
the people who follow these religions tend to view things otherwise.
See the Pope's satament that totems are manifestations of the power
of God. TestDrive has sinsinctly explained one aspect of the Muslem
view. I think that you will find that Gods ARE greater than totems.
Remeber totems are part of the natural order of the universe while
Gods, if they exist are above and outside the same. ]<<<<< 
        --Snake over Dragon <16:43:13/01-12-53>

>>>>>[ Has anybody else out there noticed that most of the
more "benevolent" vampires tend to hang out those wierd
neo-depressionist nightclubs??? Met  one a few months ago in fact. 
I first suspeceted him when I saw his girlfriend's neck, she had
several bite marks that were barely covered by a bad makup job.  I
think that there may be more of these closet vampires lurking
around than we might be led to believe. ]<<<<< 
                     ---Dark Elf <14:18:30/12-02-53>

>>>>>[ You better believe Dark Elf.  I had an friend who got
turned into a vampire.  Made him a pretty depressing guy.  Was
pretty good on runs thought.  Unfortunately he got blown up by an
exploding Laser Weapon power pack.  Those guys are tough, but not
that tough. ]<<<<< 
                     --Nightstalker <14:36:00/12-02-53>

>>>>>[ Not all "benevolent" vampires hang out in nightclubs.  My
team was hired by one who seemed to like more elegant surroundings. 
The thing that made my skin crawl was the way he looked at me.  It
was not very business like. ]<<<<< 
                     --Raven the Mage <14:43:10/12-02-53>

>>>>>[I know one who hangs around occult shops.  I've seen him
a couple of times, but I couldn't get a better look.  What else
could a guy my size do?  I saw the fangs, though, and the speed. 
He must've known I was looking (these fraggers don't have eyes in
the back of their head, do they?) and he turned, hissed, and darted
off into the crowd at mach 8.  Don't tell me that he was wired- I
run with Wolf, and I know the look of metal.  Saw him with some
street gypsies couple of days ago.  Don't think he saw me that
time. Fangmarks on a couple of the folks he was with gave the final
evidence.]<<<<< 
                --Flare <15:10:26/12-02-53>

>>>>>[I got hired by one, years ago.  Haven't seen him since and am
glad of it.  Bleeder used to find our hidey-hole, wherever it
happened to be, and conjure himself a REAL leather chair to lounge
in while he briefed us, less one he left behind was still there. We
got wise and made a tidy piece on the side by hiding the chairs
when he left.  Nice little profit, there.  Mage buddy of mine and
me assensed him once, and nearly got blinded by the freakin'
lightshow.  Evidently, he knew we were comin' and let go the
facade. Owie.]<<<<         
                --Loki <15:15:25/12-02-53>

>>>>>[ Hey, Dark Elf.  I was reviewing last months log and found
out all mixed up in that MagnaTech business out East.  Don't leave
us hanging man.  As fast as you get info you must know what Tommy
Harada was doing on the Intrepid. BTW, I did a job for one of the
old MagnaTech boys last week.  It seems that they were the the ones
who broke Harada out of Metro.  Of course the corper could be
lying. Also I bounced around Yoshida Tech's data fortress for
awhile and found a rather interesting message the sent to Tirandor
before this whole mess even began.  What does it mean?  Maybe this
whole thing was a setup?  Tell me what you know Dark Elf. ]<<<<< 
                          --Nightstalker <15:57:37/12-02-53>

>>>>>[ Don't listen to this Nightstalker.  He speaks masses of
lies.  He never entered our datafortess and there was no message to
Tirandor or Dragon's Den for that matter.  Stop you lies, or
else.]<<<<< 
                          Lincoln Howe --
                          Vice President, Yoshida Technologies
                          <18:35:32/12-02-53>

>>>>>[ Call me a lair again, Lincoln, and I'll give your wife the
classified file on you new bodyguard.  You know, that pretty little
physical adept with the past a clean as polluted snow. ]<<<<< 
                          --Nightstalker <19:14:11/12-02-53>

>>>>>[ Someone asked me about MagnaTech again. (I thought that
was over with) I don't know who hired Tommy Harada to sneak abourd
the Intrepid.  I don't even know who he was working for at the
time. Everything about that VatJob screams Yakuza, but I haven't
been able to find a definite connection.  I do know that MagnaTech
hired him, or at least thought they hired him shortly after he
broke out of jail.  The fact that he tried to kill the MagnaTech
representatives back on friday the 13th leads me to belive that he
was working for someone else, maybe the Yakuza, maybe The Dragon,
maybe even Joseph Yoshida (though I seriously doubt that) ]<<<<< 
                    ---Dark Elf <15:38:53/12-03-53>

>>>>>[ One thing you can count on about Harada, THE FRAGGERS STILL
ALIVE. You can bet a million nuyen that there's still more to this
MagnaTech mess. The whole takeover buisness has just diverted
attention away from the REAL mystery about MagnaTech. ]<<<<< 
                    ---Big Jake <15:41:37/12-03-53>

>>>>>[ Yeah, we never did figure out exactly why Tirandor was so
interested in the tunnels under the MagnaTech building before it
blew up. ]<<<<< 
                    ---OddBall <15:42:02/12-03-53>

>>>>>[ I'm glad you two are still interested in Harada and
MagnaTech, I think I may have found a job for a small group of
people who share this interest. ]<<<< 
                    ---Dark Elf <15:47:59/12-03-53>

>>>>>[ Is it just me, or does it seem like there are a lot
more vampires around lately.  By vampires I mean all kinds of HMVV
victims.  After all the talk about the blood sucking types, I've
taken a closer look at some of the nutcases hanging around lately
and too many of them have fangs and a thirst for blood for my
tastes!]<<<<< 
                ---Dark Elf <16:47:58/12-03-53>

>>>>>[ Be careful how you refer to us Dark Elf, there are more of
us around than even you suspect!  You would make such a nice
banshee! ]<<<<< 
                ---The Hunger <16:50:12/12-03-53>

>>>>>[I have but one thing to say to you, Isbin:
             MOTHER PUSS-BUCKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]<<<<<
                --Flare <16:10:25/12-03-53>

>>>>>[Ewwwwwwww................]<<<<<<
                --Fidgit <Hi!/ Ma!>

>>>>>[Does anyone know what the frag was going on last night? 
I mean I was mindin' me own biz in this nova-cool bar when the
tension level slams through the roof (I can pick up on these things
after several years of bouncing).  I look up and in walks the head
o' the HOBBITS (a policlub).  As if this wern't bad enough, we
meta's were already having a high ol' time.  One o' the elven types
went o'er to jaw wit' de lad and things got reeeeeaaaaaaalllllly 
interestin' mind ye.  The Ares security force shows up ta "Keep the
peace". It breaks up after a few min and da HOBBITS split.  Most of
the meta's decide to split too, but some snipe aces da elf dat was
jawin wit da breeder.  Not a good night fer biz.]<<<<< 
                 -Kuhltic <What you don't see will kill ya>

                 
>>>>>[ Dracolitches?  I ran across a few references in my research,
but no recent evidence of their existence.  Es ist moeglich
--possible, I suppose... but without any checking the genetic map
of species Draco occidentalis/ orientalis/sapiens I would take any
definite stand on that.  (Although I am not sure how I'm going to
get a sample)  But a thought occurs to me:  How could any dragon be
turned into a dracolitch except by personally permitting it?  No
wendigo or vampire is strong enough to force it upon them, as far
as my estimates of their strength indicate. ]<<<<< 
                -- Darkwatch <18:49:58/12-3-53>

>>>>>[ You mentioned your studies and research, Darkwatch.  Some of
your findings make me wonder what methods you use to find them
out?]<<<<< 
                -- Hangtime <18:50:49/12-3-53>

>>>>>[ I am not at liberty to divulge that information. ]<<<<<
                -- Darkwatch <18:52:02/12-1-53>

>>>>>[I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but Dracolitches
can exist. They are as you would assume the result of HMVV, and
definitly not volentary. . I know of none at present, they resist
the disease even more ferociously than dwarves. If any of you even
know of any rumours of one. Spread the word and quickly. There are
not many things that I can find to praize about Drakes but here's
obe of them. They keep there house in order. It was one of the few
things in the old world that would cause Dragons to cluster
together in large numbers. As to what they can do I've no idea at
all, hoever I would speculate that if they worry dragons they
should scare the frag out of us.]<<<<<< 
        --Snake over Dragon <10:12:10/04-12-53>

>>>>>[ Anyone know of a good mage/shaman, or sorcery adept who
can be discrete and is near the New York area.  I need someone who
can get the job done without attracting too much attention.  Why am
I looking for a mage you might ask???? Well, I can't go into the
details but lets just say it's a followup to certain newsworthy
events.  I've got a decker (me), a sam(Big Jake) and a JOAT who
does security systems and rigging (OddBall).  This mission must go
down soon, so if I can't find a mage, I'll have to go in without
one (not the best of ideas to say the least. ]<<<<< 
                  ---Dark Elf <19:14:08/12-04-53>

>>>>>[ Hey DE, took a look at the MagnaTech ruins today. Guess
what, there was a sonic probe array set up in the center of the
rubble.  This thing was made by Dragon's Den for sure.  I guess
Tirandor still hasn't lost interest in the Magna building yet, even
though he's part owner of the company now!!! ]<<<<< 
                   ---OddBall <19:16:01/12-04-53>

>>>friend i belive we at EMI(Eccletical Magic Inc.) can help
you out.  we represent the finest group of mages and shamans
assembled in the seattle area.  getting to new york is not a
problem.  the one snag might be affording our services, we dont
come cheap.  those who would contest our superiority feel free to
initiate a contest after this run and our group will gladly put you
in your place.  thank you. contact us at our unlisted number.  (if
you as a decker can get to our number than we will feel safe
trusting your decking abilities.)<<< 
                        ---Brightlight <15:56:55/12-05-53>

>>>>>{ Get this, yesterday one VatJob, namely Tommy "the
dragon" Harada was spotted snooping around the ruins of the
MagnaTech building.  I've got a funny feeling that Harada's "job"
isn't done yet. }<<<<< 
          ---Dark Elf <17:25:57/12-08-53>

>>>>>{ Arrrgh. Just when you thought it was safe to run the shadows
again, the ghost of MagnaTech rears it's ugly head again }<<<<< 
          ---Big Jake <17:27:35/12-08-53>

>>>>>{ Hello Elf, remember me.  I haven't forgotten what you did to
me a month ago, and mark my words, you will pay|} 
          ---Dire Wolf <17:30:01/12-08-53>

>>>>>{ Well, will wonders never cease.  So they finally let you out
of jail eh wolfcub?  I'll bet that you don't have a job anymore
either. Consider this as payback for all the drek you put me
through back in '48, and don't forget that anything you try against
me will blow up in your face.  I am not a person to be messed with,
and you should realize that now. So how was jail, I hear they just
love people who work for corps in there!!! }<<<<< 
          ---Dark Elf <17:33:26/12-08-53>

>>>>>[A couple of friends of mine have decided they are gonna
mark off their own little block down in Pulluyup. Up to press
they've terroized a small group of go gangers, 'rescued' a
restaurant boss from 2 Yak goons who were collecting the ol'
protection, and blew up the resulting backup with 2 well placed
AVM's. Me I think I might start a book on how long they've got left
to live. Lemme know if you want some action.]<<<<< 
                        -The Powerhouse(23:17:40/8.12.92)

>>>>>[ Hey, Elf.  If you findout who Harada's working for send me
a message.  I've got a Johnson who's willing to pay big money for
the info.  I can't say why, but I doubt it's for altruistic
reasons. ]<<<<< 
          --Nightstalker <15:07:50/12-09-53>

>>>>>[ Anybody out there have any experience with the Yamaha
Pulsar.  It's that new taser pistol.  I is a effective weapon.  I
saw one put down a Ork Physical Adept with one hit. ]<<<<< 
          --Raven <15:12:17/12-09-53>

>>>>[Actually, I think I might be willing to help the poor
bleeders if they want it.  Spirits knows that I don't like the Yaks
and they don't like me.  Anyone want in on an Elven Blood Fued? 
They once killed a very good friend of mine and my mentor.  What's
more, they did it for no reason (alright, so we stopped a hostile
takeover they were conducting).  For this, if nothing else, I
intend t make every Yaks job a little harder.]<<<< 
         -Harlequin <Find me if you can>

<<<<<[Well, those guys who took out the Yaks, might not have much
of a problem. Ya, see, the Yakuza has a slight manpower shortage
right now.  Subtlety is supposed to be one of their strong points,
but sublte these guys were not.  They managed to walk into an
ambush that we had set up for another team of runners that had been
causing us problems.  Then they made the mistake of trying to take
us on at the Fringe State (best beer in Seatle, brewed on site. 
Look for our ad in a coming edition of NAGEE.)  These guys
definitely have not read their Sun Tzu.  Does anyone know what is
up with the Yakuza?  Seems like they are having serious leadership
problems.  If they are not careful, they are going to loose ground
to the mob.]<<<<< 
                        --Jake <23:45:44/12-09-53>

>>>>>[Could be that you were right Jake, cause my buddies
haven't heard a peep from the Yaks for over a week now. In fact
their block could be just about the only one crime free in
Pullyup.  But if the family is taking over their territory seems
like it'll be even more fun in the shadows.]<<<<< 
                          -The Powehouse (17:59:23/10.12.92)

>>>>>[Want some help, Harlequin? I'd be glad to join you. Know a
Cat Shaman who'll be interested, too. Drop me a line; you know
where. 

PS. I see someone's counterfeiting my name...wonder if I should
be angry about that...]<<<<< 
        Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore!>

>>>>>[ Well Nightstalker, I will most definately let you know
who hired Tommy Harada.  That is, once I know who hired him!  That
VatJob is getting to be a real enigma these days.  For those of you
who don't remember, here's my quick rehash of Tommy "the dragon"
Harada's story starting last month. 
       
First he gets arrested for the murders of three city officials,
then he manages to sneak his bioware by Metro's medscanners.  The
Metro officers who were transporting him to his new prison ended up
dead and Harada escaped. A few days later, word on the streets says
that MagnaTech hired him to help with their Dragon problem <heh>,
and there was online evidence to back up the rumor.  Next, on the
now famous friday the thirteenth MagnaTech board meeting aboard the
Intrepid, Harada shows up and tries to kill the MagnaTech execs who
supposedly hired him.  Harada fails this attempt and is apparently
killed by Tirandor's security, his body is lost in the harbor.  A
week later, a friend of mine spotted a battered and still wounded
Harada skulking around the streets of New York.  Finally, just a
few days ago Harada is again spotted, this time poking around the
ruins of the long exploded MagnaTech office building. 

I think that's pretty comprehensive.  Any leads on Harada would
have to start with the Yaks, specifically the Komatsu clan in
NY.]<<<<< 
                  ---Dark Elf <15:16:36/12-10-53>

>>>>>[ Heh! I wouldn't be suprised if Harada was involved in
demolishing the fragging MagnaTech building in the first
place!]<<<<< 
                  ---Big Jake <15:18:51/12-10-53>

>>>>>[ Yeah, it wouldn't suprise me either.  Don't forget that
despite his seemingly good intentions, that Tirandor was mixed up in
the whole MagnaTech bombing mess, and tried to take over the
company after the building blew up. He'd own the whole fragging
company by now if Joseph Yoshida hadn't stepped in and forced him
to settle for a partnership.  I'd be a drekhead not to think that
Tirandor wanted something from the ex-MagnaTech main office
building, and tried to buy out the company to get it!  Incidently,
since Yoshida Tech and Dragon's Den divided up Magna, "system
glitches" have been wiping files from the MagnaTech computers, and
the majority of them are records having to do with their former
building, and a few financial transactions. I smell a rat, a big
paranormal rat with a bad case of rabies.... ]<<<<< 
                  ---Dark Elf <15:27:48/12-10-53>

>>>>>[ OH DREK!!! And I thought this whole mess was over already!
Next thing you're gonna ask us to find Tommy Harada!!! ]<<<<< 
                  ---OddBall <15:29:29/12-10-53>

>>>>>[ Heh!  No comment!!!! ]<<<<<
                  ---Dark Elf <15:30:35/12-10-53>

>>>>>[ Excuse me, Mr. Raven.  Raven happens to also be my
street name.  I will try to remember to put a tag on my name as to
not get people confused as to which of us is talking.  I'm
extremely sorry if you were insulted. ]<<<<< 
             -- Raven the Mage <15:38:12/12-10-92>

>>>>>[ Gee, that Tommy Harada really gets around.  Dark Elf, keep a
close eye on that MagnaTech stock.  My source sayes the Dragon will
sell his shares as soon as he gets what he wants from the main
office.  Now what he's looking for is still a mystery.  Guess I'll
have to talk to my buddy some more. ]<<<<< 
             -- Nightstalker <15:45:56/12-10-92>

>>>>>[ Raven, forgive my friend.  I forgot to watch her while she
was making her post.  She just got on the Matrix and is still
fumbling around. <encrypted:  she just a mage, not a decker. What
do you expect> ]<<<<< 
             -- Nightstalker <15:47:03/12-10-92>

>>>>>[ You have a point NightStalker, I would not be suprised
if Tirandor sold off his stock once he got what he wanted.  However
I'm not completely convinced of this since he's been putting a lot
of NuYen into upgrading the MagnaTech security systems division.
He's also been concentrating on upgrading their main R&D center in
New Jersey too.  Remember how MagnaTech managed to pull loads of
resources seemingly out of nowhere during the takeover? I suspect
that Tirandor won't want to let go of this feature of MagnaTech so
easily. ]<<<<< 
            ---Dark Elf <18:42:48/12-11-53>

>>>>>[ You said it NightStalker! Tommy Harada *does* get around! 
Nobody's seen him since we saw him at the MagnaTech ruin a few days
ago. He's holed up somewhere real safe and won't be easy to root
out! ]<<<<< 
             ---Big Jake <18:44:59/12-11-53>

>>>>>[ Drek!! I had an old friend of mine nose around for rumors
about the connection between Tommy Harada and the Komatsu clan, and
he dissappeared last night! I've got a bad feeling that he's gonna
show up in the city morgue in a few more days. Damm Yaks. ]<<<<< 
             ---Dark Elf <18:47:13/12-11-53>

>>>>>[ Beware runners, stay away from the honorable clan Komatsu. 
Your lives will be longer and more fullfilling that way.
Sayonara.]<<<<< 
             ---Now and Yen <18:51:39/12-11-53>

>>>>>[You're gonna love this.  This morning, Tirandor send a
couple of corp-types over to one of the MagnaTech computer
buildings. Well, they walked and demanded access to the computer
system.  Well, the guard stopped them an called Yoshida
management.  Then management came down and wouldn't let the
Dragon's Den reps in.  This is great: 

MANAGEMENT:  I'm sorry, I do not have authorization to allow you access to
the computer systems.

DD REPS:  We represent Dragon's Den, partial owner of this corporation and
we demand access to the computer systems.

MANAGEMENT:  I cannot help you.  Until I receive authorization, you cannot
have access.

DD REPS:  Who can give us authorization.

MANAGEMENT:  Only Joseph Yoshida or Lincoln Howe [Yoshida's Pres and VP]
can provide that authorization.

DD REPS:  Then call them up and _GET_ authorization.

MANAGEMENT:  (with a slight smile)  Both Mr. Yoshida and Mr. Howe are away
for the holidays and will not return until after the new year.

DD REPS:  This is outrageous.  We demand.....

MANAGEMENT:  SECURITY!

Then security hauled the DD reps out.  You should have seen the looks on
their faces, it was classic.  Seems like poor Tirandor is going to have to
work a little harder to get at whatever it is he is after in the computer
system.  I do know that the first think Yoshida Tech did when they moved
is was to take the sensitive computer systems _OFF_ the network, thus you
can only gain access with the direct in-house terminal.

This whole thing is almost like a soap opera.]<<<<<
        -- Splut <Look Out / Below>

>>>>>[ Sorry about your buddy, Dark Elf.  Those Yaks can be
some humorless bastards.  Don't know anything about this Komatsu
clan, but I think they need to learn a lesson.  Nobody gets away
with threatening decker on a BBS.  I'm sure you can handle these
goons yourself, but would you like some help? ]<<<<< 
             -- Nightstalker <12:57:23/12-12-53>

>>>>>] Jaez here, the deb decker. I just got onto the Seattle
RTG after a period of dormancy. The Brief: Grew up in Renraku, party
girl, met guy from wrong side of Sprawl. He's dead now and I'm
coping as best I can, hanging with the B-Team (A Shadowrun team
that has gone through many changes the past year or so). They call
me the deb decker because I'm more of a clubber than a hardened
killer or data pirate. I want to be a simsense star (I just shelled
out 75K for a Sony PolyPOV DirX SimDeck-Awesome!)I hang with Raven;
we're the only two girls in the party, and the only two original
members. Looking for a fellow romantic with a good persona.]<<<<< 
                                        --Jaez<01:27:56/12-12-53>


>>>>>[Jaez here again. I have a quest to go on. You see, there
was this guy I met while ducking the heat in Heidelberg, back in
1989-1990. Cohort Realnames were Larry Shannahan, Sean, and Poul.
We hung out at Patrick Henry Village and Mark Twain Village; I
missed their first runs but ran some interactive role-playing sims
set in the world of Levania. Anyway, this guy's realname is Maxwell
Elliot II, and he's currently a soldier in the federal army; I
believe he's in Georgia as a radio techie after leaving Ft. Sill.
If any of these keywords ring a bell, let me know. If they don't
pass them on to other systems and help me track the bastard dow; he
owes me money.]<<<<< 
                                        --Jaez<01:35:07/12-12-53>

>>>>>[Cpl Hicks here at the behest of my good friend Nightstalker.
I just want to give a brief seminar on the safe and effective use of
common household explosives. 
        
'Stalker 'n' me 'n' some others were hired by some Samurai
Johnson to take out a Colombian boat in the harbor. He provided
SCUBA skilsofts and equipment along with some C-12 to take it
down.  It was a 48meter keel, so me, Kitty, Mako, and Tinker split
into four corners with our own little payloads. Nightstalker linked
in via satellite to the boat's computer system and jammed the
electronic security. A sixth guy, Naught the Avenger, held back in
a rubber raft. We dove and swam toward the objective. 
        
We were quiet, staying low to the bottom of the Sound. We made to
the boat and dropped ballast belts, floating up. Once there, we
applied the explosives. I planted it on the port keel, Kitty the
starboard, while Tinker and Mako took the starboard and port aft
respectively. Mine stuck alright, Kitty followed the instructions,
and Tinker (a techhead if I ever met one) stretched his in a
geometric pattern of destruction. Mako fumbled, and fumbled badly. 
        
Explosives involve releasing the potential energy of a chemical
compound into the kinetic energy of moving particles. These
particles travel through air as sound and, at high enough power, a
concussive blast that flattens object. The same effect is amplified
underwater. We were all within 50m of an explosion that
theoreticall could have killed anyone underwater at 200m. 
        
Mako's timer was racing its countdown of destruction. Mako
scrambled frantically with the controls, then gave up and sought the
battery cover. He tried three times to shut it down but he
couldn't, and it exploded. 

Kitty was thrown clear, miracously escaping damage. Tinker caught
it hard and was in the hospital for a long time. I myself survived
only by having most of the boat between me and the center of the
explosion, and I got tangled in the fraggin' anchor chain. Naught
picked us up and called a ShadowDoc pal of his and we made it
through. 
        
But Mako. Man, I'd just met the punk that night. I tell you, as
a former professional Soldier in the UCAS Army, I really hate to see
untrained punks with guns spout of 600 rounds per minute and call
themselves wiz. But I hate to see anyone become instant tuna yogurt
just on a bad streak of luck. It was Karma that saved our butt that
night, all of us but Mako. 
        
Just thought I'd share that story with you. Maybe next time I'll
tell you about the APDS-armed cybermonsters.]<<<<<> 
                                        --Hicks<02:19:08/12-12-53>


>>>>>[Jaez again. I forgot to mention that the 89-90 date was pulled
from a sim me and this guy shared-The Romance of Olde Europe. The
date was actually '49.  Sorry-but it was a really hot sim!!!]<<<<<
                                        --Jaez<02:24:58/12-12-53>

>>>>>[ That's my buddy Jaez.  Forgetting the difference
between reality and Sim.  Kinda makes you wonder how she became a
good runner. Life sure throws you some curves. ]<<<<< 
                      -- Raven the Mage <2:09:09/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Hicks, ya moron!!!!  I told you to never tell anybody about
that run. Besides Mako was a rigger not a techie.  Moral of the
story:  Never rely on a skillsoft when dealing with explosives. 
That's why I was on dry land. ]<<<<< 
                      -- Nightstalker <3:43:48/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ I've got a feeling that whatever Tirandor is after
is physical, not on the computer.  There may be something online
related, or some evidence he wants to erase, but I don't think it's
his main objective. Here's why... 

All week, Dragon's Den people have been crawling all over the ruins
of the MagnaTech main office, planting sensors and picking through
the rubble. Whatever he's after has something to do with that
building, or what little is left of it. ]<<<<< 
          ---Dark Elf <16:41:22/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ I finally got some dirt on Tommy Harada!!!  I'll probably
have to lay low until the new year 'cause the Yaks didn't appreciate
how I got it! First of all, if you put out a records trace on Tommy
Harada, you'll find that he doesn't exist in any records.  Key the
search to his description, or even his retinal pattern or genetic
records and you'll get the same result!  Second, until four years
ago, nobody ever heard of the guy.  It's as if he didn't exist
until 2049.  You'll get a big kick out of why! ]<<<<< 
          ---Big Jake <16:58:31/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Well, don't keep us in suspense, what's the big deal. ]<<<<<
          ---Dark Elf <17:00:03/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ The Yaks made Tommy Harada!!!!!  Either they took some poor
dispossessed schlubb and gave him a new identity, a complete VatJob,
and a few years of combat training, OR they've got one hell of a
cloning facility! The scary part is, I found enough evidence to
support BOTH!  Yes, you heard me right! I think the Yaks may have
grown themselves a genetically engineered hitman!  But wait,
there's more!  It seems that Harada was working for the Komatsu,
until he got on board the Intrepid.  He must have found something
there that made him change his world view, 'cause he went rogue on
the Komatsu.  He was supposed to kill whoever ended up owning
MagnaTech, but intentionally flubbed the job so he could appear to
be dead.  The Komatsu have been looking for him since rumors that
he was still alive started.  I think he's after the same thing as
Tirandor but probably for different reasons. ]<<<<< 
            ---Big Jake <17:10:50/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Holy Drek!!! This is getting big, real *BIG*.  If the place
wasn't crawling with Dragon's Den goons, I'd go down there myself
with some explosives and find out just what's so special about that
particular place.  By the way, did you find out where Harada was
modified and/or made? ]<<<< 
             ---Dark Elf <17:16:12/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Nope, I had to pin two of them to the wall with heavy
crossbow bolts before I could even get them to admit they were with
the Yaks.  You don't even want to know what I had to do to get them
to talk about Harada. ]<<<<< 
              ---Big Jake <17:18:02/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ I think we're gonna take a little trip down into the tunnels
this christmas, it's about time someone actually went down there. 
Better call your fixers and tell tell them to start stocking up on
ammo and the big guns. Start polishing your guns now, it'll
probably be a whirlwind of death and intrigue once we get in
there!]<<<<< 
               ---Dark Elf <17:22:17/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Hot damm! It's about time we did something about this! I was
getting sick of all the rumors and all the sneaking around. ]<<<<< 
               ---OddBall <17:23:20/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Your help would be appreciated Nightstalker, but the
Yaks will have to wait until we unravel the secrets of the MagnaTech
building.  You can however try and see if your sources have any
idea how MagnaTech managed to pull out a few million NuYen in
combat resources, and get the money to operate without matrix
access during the whole takeover period.  That's the one part of
this MagnaTech mystery that we don't have any leads on. ]<<<<< 
                ---Dark Elf <17:30:53/12-13-53>

>>>>>[Dark Elf, have you considered having your past lives
read regarding your relationship with Tirandor? You two seem to have
some pretty heavy karma to work out. Have you or Big Jake told the
big T about your new lead on Harada? You don't need to mention
anything directly, but maybe Tirandor can give you some clues about
Harada and what he might have seen.]<<<<< 
                        --The Deb Decker <19:42:34/12-13-92>

>>>>>[ I'll jump on it Dark one.  Maybe my Johnson's computer
will have some interesting info.  I really shouldn't do this to the
poor sap, but he's in way over his little corporate head. ]<<<<< 
                -- Nightstalker <23:52:53/12-13-53>

>>>>>[ Get serious Deb!  I'm a Technomancer, I don't believe in
all that previous life stuff.  I believe in my deck and my skills,
that's it!  Magic is good for blowing things up and turning them
into "goo" but it doesn't control destiny!  Anyway, Tirandor can
find out about Harada on his own.  He's hiding enough information
as it is, knowing something that he doesn't may be a useful
bargaining chip. Besides, I suspect that he may know about Harada
already... ]<<<<< 
             ---Dark Elf <15:16:51/12-14-53>

>>>>>[Hoi chummers. I need a little input on an outfit called
Ronin Systems.  Me and my team just got hired by a Johnson that we
tailed back to the Ronin building in Tacoma. He wants us to run on
a Mitsu lab. Curious thing is, he's keeping us in the dark about a
lot of things-like the corp he represents. All we know is that
we're to steal a computer from one of the labs and deliver the
device to a drop point yet to be decided upon. It's scary, but he
did provide us with security layout, Matrix configuration, and
other bits of info that will make the run a whole lot easier. 

Anyway, anything you guys can tell me about Ronin would
be appreciated.]<<<<< 
                --RAMboy<13:27:35/12-14-53>

>>>>>[RAMboy-watch your butt here. Ronin is a Japanese firm that
started up about 8 years ago. They're known for producing
high-quality electronics and processing equipment, good as if not
better than Fuchi or Mitsu. I say producing because their R&D seems
to have a zero-wait state-they need it, they get it. The real
clincher is that most of their seed money came from Tokyo Bank 21,
a prime source of Yak funding, through which Ronin continues to
channel funds. So basically, you have a small corp that always has
prime goods ready receiving funds from a bank that is known to
launder Nuyen for the Yak about to run on Mitsuhama, which is as
much a Yak orginization as Imperial gov't. (And if you didn't know
THAT I'd like to know what vat you just jumped out of). The whole
thing stinks, chummer, and it sounds to me like Ronin gets most of
their goods from Mitsu and maybe now that want to get them a little
faster than usual.]<<<<         
        --Happy to be Me<15:40:47/12-14-53> 

>>>>>[ Hey DE, Yoshida's boys just sealed off the area around
the ruins  of the MagnaTech office, and pulled out all of Tirandor's
probes.  Yoshida must not want Tirandor learning anything new while
he's on vacation! ]<<<<< 
            ---OddBall <15:22:06/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ By the way Nightstalker, I'm interested in just who your
johnson is, and how he got mixed up in this mess!  I understand the
need for secrecy, but if he's involved I could use all the
information I can get.]<<<<< 
             ---Dark Elf <15:24:26/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ The Yaks are on to me bigtime!  Two of them were waiting for
me to get home, and well, they tried their best...  I can't hold
these guys off once they really get serious, I'm gonna have to
leave town soon! Maybe I'll spend the holidays down in Rio, or
maybe the California Free State... ]<<<<< 
              ---Big Jake <15:33:43/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ Hmm, looks like our run on the tunnels may have to wait. 
Let me know where you'll be so I can keep you informed about the
Yaks.  I'll let you know when the heat dies down here. ]<<<<< 
              ---Dark Elf <15:37:38/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ I think the earlier comments on the increased frequency
of vampires are correct, but there seems little accounting for it. 
All that we know is that there are more of them, and that we must
be ready. ]<<<<< 
                -- Father Clement <22:03:21/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ The remark about how they enjoy congregating in depressing
nightclubs has been borne out by much of my experience and research.
There have been many tales of establishments where there has been an
unspoken agreement that most patrons are vampiric, and that outsiders
are, at best, tolerated. ]<<<<< 
                -- Darkwatch <22:04:00/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ One thing you have to be careful about is gettin' the
fraggers mad when there are a lot of 'em... STAY AWAY from these
places if you've got an ichy trigger finger. ]<<<<< 
                -- Hangtime <22:05:41/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ Yeah, killin' one of 'em is tough.  Geeking a whole bunch of
'em is damn near impossible. ]<<<<< 
                -- Jack Hack <22:06:02/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ Oh, to all my clients:  Any special Holiday season deals
will be on a personally-negotiated basis. (And especially for you
guys who've got it in your heads to go vampire-hunting--NO
I.O.U.'s) ]<<<<< 
                -- Blinder <23:13:07/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ Before I forget...  Happy Holidays, everyone. ]<<<<<
                -- Darkwatch <23:18:30/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ Well, meine Damen und Herren, I am off to celebrate
Christmas with my family in Deutschland.  You probably shall not be
hearing from me until late to mid-January, so until then, I wish
you all a very happy holiday season. Froehliche Weilnachten, meine
Kamaraden! ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <23:30:13/12-14-53>

>>>>>[ Hey Dark Elf, maybe you should consider subcontracting. 
My team needs a little action, and we always get the job done. 
Extra fee applies if we have to leave people alive, of course;
there's a reason that we go by the nom de guerre of BodyCount.  We
can be anywhere in 12 hours or less. ]<<<<< 
                         --Dulcimer <19:44:27/12-14-53>

>>>>>[Anywhere in 12 hours and a blood bath as wide as three
Dragons wing to wing.  We get the job done, not prettily, but it
gets done. Who knows more then their driver.  Besides, blowing
things up is fun like mulutov said.  Anyway, catch ya'll after the
season. Wish I had some folks to spend it with.]<<<<< 
          -Masque <Shadows of Deception>

>>>>>[ Now, now, Dark Elf, be kind to the newcomer.  Fraeulein
Jaez just needs a touch of reality adjustment, and that, I am
certain, shall come with time.  I am sure we (meaning those who
frequent this BBS) are all familiar what it was like when WE were
the new ones on our respective Grids, no matter how long ago that
may be.  Herr Fantastisch, since your memory should probably be
freshest, how does it feel? ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <08:54:12/12-15-53>

>>>>>[ Hardy har-har, Doom, REAL funny... ]<<<<<
                -- Mr. Fantastic <08:54:00/12-15-53>

>>>>>[ That's DOCTOR to you, mein Herr. ]<<<<<
                -- Doctor Doom <08:55:45/12-15-53>

>>>>>[ Right.  Sorry. ]<<<<<
                -- Mr. Fantastic <08:56:26/12-15-53>

>>>>>{Waitaminute....  I was never a newbie.  I'm older than time
and was never new to this BBS.}<<<<<
        -- Tirandor <From the Dragon's Desk>

>>>>>[What's this drek about accessing the Matrix via magic? Like,
I thought it couldn't be done. I don't know much about magic, but
Raven (the only mage I trust) says that magic is like "life
energy", analogus to "the Force" in some old Lucasfilm flats I
scanned while running their system in SoCal last week.  Anyway, if
computers are just electronic boxes of metal, silicon, and
electricity, how can magic work on them? I can see purely physical
fx; A fire will roast a machine whether it's natural or magical.
But accessing a system-you're talking about magic that can
manipulate the flow of electrons, which, while theoretically
possible, sounds to me like it would require control too fine for
current magical abilities. It'd be like gene splicing with tweezer
and Superglue.]<<<<< 
                        --Jaez<18:33:02/12-15-53>

>>>>>[I was having a chat with some of my buddies in  my
magical group about events down at Magna Tech. They seem to think
that Yoshida had some kind device that used both magicand state of
the art technology. They were only rumours mind, but it could be
the reason why Tirandor is so intrested. Any magic/tech device
could be developed into who knows what ? Very worrying for all us
magical types out here]<<<<< 
                           -The Powerhouse(16:57:50/16.12.92)

>>>>>[Powerhouse, don't you mean Magna Tech had some kind
of Magic/Tech thingy?  Yoshida Tech just got the company, I doubt
they had anythign to do with the going-ons prior to the start of
this takeover war.]<<<<< 
        -  Splut <Look out below>
 
>>>>>[All I know is that a mage friend of mine told me she's seen
it done...  Said that some mage friend of *hers* actually walked
into the matrix via astral.  And nearly got fried.  I dunno. 
Sounds pretty impossible to me.  Maybe walking into all that tech
fried her freind's brain.  I've never been able to do anything
weird like that. Course, my friend's a shaman...  Maybe old Iron
Eyes was hearing about a drug-induced meta-plane.  Tech nightmare
for a shaman.  Who knows.  Could have been some strange test for
her freind.  But I digress.]<<<<< 
                        -Brandywine <13:21:18/16.12.53>

>>>>>[ Well Dark Elf, sorry it took so long for me to reply.  My
Mr. J is a former MagnaTech stockholder.  One of the major ones I
might add.  He was on the Intrepid when Tommy tried to off the
MagnaTech guys.  He's pretty mad about that and wants Harada dead. 
Now I don't do wetwork, but I do supply info. ]<<<<< 
             -- Nightstalker <15:29:45/12-16-53>

>>>>[ Frag!  Harada has some powerful friends.  A bunch of local
Yaks, showed up at my door and advised me to drop the case.  They
were pretty adamant about it. Luckily I had a couple of friends
over.  Now I have to move.  Damn Yaks! ]<<<<< 
             -- Nightstalker <17:46:46/12-16-53>

>>>>>[ Brandywine, I think your shaman friend had a little to
much to drink and was seeing things.  Either that or he likes to
pass false info for fun.  Now, once I did go into an experimental
Virtual Reality that tried to mimic astral space, but I was only a
so-so job. It was however one of the few times I've ever enjoyed
SimSense Technology. ]<<<<< 
                   -- Raven the Mage <17:57:56/12-16-53>

>>>>>[ Whoops, I hope Jaez never sees that last post.  I'll never
be able to live it down. ]<<<<< 
                   -- Raven the Mage <18:01:32/12-16-53>

>>>>>[ Hey guys, I got a look at some interesting MagnaTech
files and found out this juicy little tidbit of info.  One of the
major MagnaTech stockholders always voted by proxy!  Even on the
Intrepid this mystery stockholder didn't reveal his identity.  I'm
doing some research to find out who this man is.  It might answer
those questions about how MagnaTech operated with its computer off
line for so long. ]<<<<< 
             -- Nightstalker <20:02:30/12-16-53>

*****  Hi

well, your all probably wondering why i have that strange '*****'
at the begining and end of my messages,   the reason it is there is
magic.   Now many of you are going to say that you CAN NOT access the
matrix by using magic 
        
I'm going to have to agree with you on that point.  Matrix and
Magic just do mix   sort of like trying to mix a metal and air at
room temprature (thanks for the analogy Spirit)   they will both be
there but they won't be combined (like dye and water). 
        
What I do can not be explaned by normal hermatic means ( and
the spiritually of the shamanic  won't help either according to
Claw). 
        
My way about hermatic tradition is slightly different then
most.  when most mages create a spell they start off making the long
and complicated formula for the spell.  First they decide what they
want to have happen then they work it from their. 

With me its different, really fragging different.  When I think up
of the idea I "KNOW" what has to be done, the only thing that i
really need to do is fine tune it,  ie as Spirit would say 'keep on
adjusting and tweeking the sucker it until you get the level of
output that you want'. (i think she means that you keep on working
of the formula until you've go the force out of it that you want,  
i never really have gotten to understand this technology stuff
yet). 
        
The best anology I can think of, of how to explain how it works
is that I know the basics by instinct.  I  didn't just start
noticing my magic like everyone else.  They would start doing
things without knowing what they were doing,  they would summon
spirits or spells to help them only in times of need, then they
would not be able to do anymore for a long time.  This was instinct
for them.    With me I knew that their was magic, and I knew that I
WAS magic, it was a part of me and me a part of it,  the rest just
came along. It like a person who has never had music lessons but
can play the song they just heard on the piano.  The basis was
already there and all there was left to do was to build. 

Now back to the matrix, the way i do it is realy simple and
really hard.  The actual formal is not complex at all, in fact it
really doesn't exist all in one place.  Normally i'll get the idea
and the basic instinct and then work from there on the force and
power of the spell.  With this one all i have is the basic concept
that i want use the matrix to talk to people, thats all. 
Everything else that I do comes in the casting of the spell, 

(the drain is like combinig a month of drunken hangovers into
one day),  and then I just think about what I want to say.  Not the
actual specific words as such (because i don't think in anything
but Sperethiel) but the concept of what i want to say and how I
want to say it. 

As you can see the concept of the spell and what I actually
do during it are fairly easy to understand ( well atleast to me) 
staying conscious after doing it is the hard part. 

By the way for all you deckers out there, no I can't
effect Personas, ICE, Systems, Commands, Programs, Data, Files,
Accounts and all of those other multitude.

To simply put it,  THEY DON'T EXIST, they are just a made up thing
with no connection to mother earth, only through technology and the
mind can they ever become a CONCEPT/THOUGHT  that could effect
people.  (ie you are made to believe that you are the image and you
are if it gets fragged so do you)

if you have read down this far and are still confused,  your not
the only one.  AND I WROTE THIS ESSAY!!!!!! 

sorry about the length   I didn't realize i would take this
long ***** 
        -Nightfox  
        (is goning to be hurting because of this tommorrow when he
         wakes up) 

>>>>>[ I'm sorry you had to move Nightstalker, that seems to
be happening a lot to people who get involved with MagnaTech these
days. ]<<<<< 
               ---Dark Elf <15:46:57/12-17-53>

>>>>>[ No offense to Dulcimer and the BodyCount Crew, but I think
we'd better handle this one ourselves.  We're probably the only ones
on the net who have the majority of intelligence on Magna, still we
don't know what we're gonna find down there... ]<<<<<
               ---Big Jake <15:49:01/12-17-53>

>>>>>[ By we, Jake means himself, myself and Dark Elf, plus whoever
else we can find for the job.  We won't take just anyone, but DE's
got someone we can trust in mind. ]<<<<< 
               ---OddBall <15:51:30/12-17-53>

>>>>>[ We won't be pulling that run for a while, the Yaks are all
over the fraggin place.  Don't worry about Tirandor getting there
first, Yoshida has the site sealed, and I'll know when he and
Lincoln Howe get back from their holiday.  In the meantime I want
to follow some leads I have on Harada, I have a feeling that
whatever Tirandor is after has something to do with him. Well, this
is going to be my last posting for a while, at least until I get
some more info.  So have a good holiday, and try not to kill too
many people on christmas eve BodyCount! ]<<<<< 
                 ---Dark Elf <15:58:18/12-17-53>

>>>>>[ Yes, Happy holidays Dark Elf.  Be warned, do not try to
doublecross me, you may be doing my work without even knowing
it.]<<<<< 
                 ---Tirandor <From the Dragon's Desk>

>>>>>[ By the way, MagnaTech has been a victim of a serious
virus lately.  It probably came either from Tirandor, the Yaks or
Harada's friends.  It's managed to wipe just about all information
concerning the MagnaTech office in New York (well, the FORMER
MagnaTech office). If Yoshida's people can't kill the damm thing
soon, I may have to go in and get it myself!  C ya ]<<<<< 
               ---Dark Elf <16:06:56/12-17-53>

>>>>>[ Hey, Doom, I thought you said you were leaving a few
days ago, what about these recent posts? ]<<<<< 
                -- Darkwatch <18:22:46/12-18-53>

>>>>>[ There was some unfinished business to attend to that came up
at the last minute--my traveling companion had a few obligations to
fill.  However, we are ready now.  Until January, meine Kamaraden! 
Froehliche Weilnachten! ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <18:26:57/12-18-53>

>>>>>[ Just checking in to see what's up.  I'm busy at work on
the MagnaTech road.  I'll see you all next week.  Happy New Years
everybody. ]<<<<< 
               -- Nightstalker <15:19:29/12-28-53>

>>>>>[ I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and wish you all a
Happy and less violent New Year. ]<<<<< 
               -- Raven the Mage <15:20:45/12-28-53>

>>>>>[Hey guys...  (This is a long one...) I wouldn't believe
this, but I've seen it with my own eyes.  Found a young girl living
in the streets, wires in and out of her head.  She was sixteen,
max.  Taking care of a bunch of orphans and the like.  Real tear
jerker, this one. Had an edge to her though.  Not someone I want to
cross when she gets older.  Anyway, she said that when she was real
young she lived inside a corp with her folks.  She wouldn't say
which one.  The corp decided to prime her and a few other young
kids to be "super deckers".  Started putting whatever they could
into her, and as she got older, they put more in, and trained the
hapless little kids to be breathing computers.  I guess they put
some nasty stuff into some of the kids, trying to make them into
some sort of living IC or something...  Like I said, I don't know a
whole lot about this... ask me anything about astral, but this... 
This weirds me out bad. Anyway, the kid blitzed when she was about
14.  Took off.  I guess the corp had tried to make her do one too
many nasty things or something.  She told me about it, and it
seemed to weird and horrible to be made up.  The corp had managed
to put a good deal in her head by this time, and I guess she's real
good.  She's got all kinds of beautiful gear in head, very
advanced, very expensive. 
        
She said she knows a few deckers, that they've kinda helped her out
at times...  called herself a 'decker mascot', and a decker friend
of mine said she is pretty talented, plus she's got equipment that
he's been trying to lay his hands on, along with some stuff he's
never seen.  He's met her in the Matrix, and he says there are some
really strange things about how she runs.  Like I said, If I
understood it, I'd give more info.  The kid's pretty quiet, and
seems genuine enough, but a little messed in the head, y'know? 

She's staying in the streets cuz she's afraid that the corp is
still looking for her.  My decker freind and I have both tried to
talk her into coming with us so we can help her, but she feels
safer in the street. Anyway, does anyone know anything about this? 
How (if?) I can help her, or if she's way too much trouble?  Or if
this is some major hoax?  Thanks.]>>>>> 
                - Brandywine <16:28:35/28.12.53>