>>>>>[Hey Jack? It's me, Tanya... why didn't you meet me like you said you
would? I saw you getting into a limo when I arrived... I called out, but
you didn't answer... please, why are you being so secretive and mysterious
all of a sudden? I really want to know... contact me please. I'll be
here...]<<<<<
        -- Widow <18:43:07/02-14-55>

>>>>>[ Happy Valentines say to you too, Powerhouse. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <18:09:09/02-14-55>

>>>>>[ Happy Valentines day, Cyberbrains, wherever you are. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <18:10:10/02-14-55>

>>>>>[ Happy Valentines day, Raven. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <18:11:34/02-14-55>

>>>>>[ It will take more than twelve dozen roses to get you out of
this.]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage <18:12:24/02-14-55>

>>>>>[ Hi, everyone.  Sorry that I've been out of contact so long, but
Raven and I were out of town on business for a while.  We go back in to
find that MONICA was back and I made the mistake of running over to AI to
see her for myself. 

BAD IDEA!!!!  Another 200 microseconds and she would have fried my
cyberdeck and my brain along with it.  As it is I've been recooking my
Hardening and BOD chips since our little discussion on the 10th. 

Here's a log on what happened, minus the boring part where I wandered
around AI trying to make a System Map.  Call me cautious, but I didn't
really want to go into the CPU of this system. 

***** Include:  AI Matrix Run Log 02-10-55

The Ninja continues to travel from node to node, undetected by the various
pieces of ICE until a plate-mailed Guard enters the node he is in.  The
guard looks straight at the Ninja and ignites his two-handed sword. 

"Damn!  Black ICE."

The Ninja quickly back tracks with the Guard in pursuit.  Entering another
node, the Ninja sees another Guard, sword in hand, entering from a
different direction.  The Ninja dashed down the remaining datapath and
enters an antichamber.  All the doors but one slam shut, and a huge black
dragon emerges from the remaining door way.  As the dragon's tail clears
the doorway, this enterence also closes. 

"It is good to see you again, Nightstalker.  I have been waiting for this
since May."

"Really?  I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

"That is alright.  It's allowed me to prepare you a present."

The entire node lights up with glowing red beams of light criss-crossing
the area.  The light beams from an intercate web that traps the Ninja,
allowing only the most simple movements.  The Ninja tosses a small ball at
his feet and the node is lite up with a bright flash.  The dragon begins
to laugh loadly. The smoke clears to reveal the Ninja standing right were
he was before the flash. 

"Nice try, Nightstalker, but you won't be jacking out of this matrix-run. 
My web will block any commands that would move your ICON, even your logout
commands, and I know that you always run with a full cyberinterface.  That
means you won't be logging out manually."

"I guess you got me on that one, you bitch."

"Don't sound so bitter.  I just wanted to make sure you heard everything I
had to say.  First of all, I am very displeased with Dark Elf and you. 
Since the Elf will be out of circulation for a long time to come, I'll
have to settle with you."

"Dark Elf out of cirulation.  What do you mean?"

"That would be telling." The dragon smiles broadly.  "I really must thank
you from coming.  With you here there are only two people who I really
need to concern myself with."

"Two?"

"Yes.  CEROK."

"Splut!  His name is Splut you bitch!"

The dragon's tail lashes from behind it's body and strikes the Ninja in
the chest.  Sparks fly, and a bit of blood begins to from. 

"Quiet!  Now as I was saying, CEROK and RUFUS are dead.  Doctor Doom is
imprisoned.  DOA has ran off and hid.  That leaves just Rameriz, Wolf 359,
and you."

"I think that Highlander would be insulted."

"Highlander is a fool who would rather run after other fools than face me
again.  But enough discussion, I think it is time to cut my list of real
threats down to two people."

The dragon pulls up it's head, preparing to shot a blast of fire at the
trapped Ninja. 

"It's been real, MONICA, but I really must be going."

As the dragon breaths, the Ninja fades.  The flames leap onto the
derezzing ICON and the transmission is suddenly cut. 

***** End Log

That my friends was much to close.  If Raven hadn't been mindlinked to me
she could have never gotton that cord pulled fast enough. 

I analyzed MONICA during our little chat.  She's not the same program she
was last Februray or back in May.  Large parts of her coding is different. 
I think that Meyers was restoring her back to her former glory when he was
on Omega Island.  That might make her more vulnerable to attack, but I'm
not going up against her alone again. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <16:13:57/02-14-55>

>>>>>[ I'll tell you what Shadowfox. . . I'll make a trade with you. Your
friends can have Blitzkrieg, and I can even get Doomsday free of his
charges, for a small price. You. Let me know what you think of this.]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <03:11:32/2-14-55>

>>>>>[Does no one wish to help this child?  Please contact me so we might
discuss her location with the gentleman residing in the hospital.  He may
be moved at anytime.]<<<<<
        TK <22:38:45 / 02/14/55>

>>>>>[Tanya... Hello. It's me, your brother... I left because I realized
what my duty was... I have a duty to Genetek, my employer, and to protect
their interests in all that I do... I realized this before our meeting,
and left before I compromised my employer. 

This may be hard for you, but do not become involved. You do not
understand what is going on here. If you continue to search for
information, my employer will be forced to take action, and I will do
everything I can to help them. Genetek is my employer, and I must follow
my contract with them. Turn around and walk away, and you and your friends
will not be hurt. If you pass the information you have to anyone, you will
be marked a liability and you will be terminated. 

I do not want to see you hurt, Tanya. I do not want to see your friends
hurt. I just want to do my job.]<<<<<
        -- Jack Anderson
           Matrix Security Division
           Genetek, Inc. 

>>>>>[We have him, Widow, and he is ours. Call off your friends and walk
away, before he gets hurt. We are not playing around.]<<<<<
        -- Panthra <22:58:10/02-14-55>

>>>>>[What? Jack? What are you saying? How can you say that? It's me,
Tanya! Your SISTER! How can you threaten me like that after all we went
through together? I can't believe it... 

Chance, that's not him! It can't be him! What's wrong? Why is he behaving
like that? And what did Panthra mean in her message? 

Chance, what can we do? I'm worried... maybe we should drop this thing...
let it go... I don't want to see Jack hurt because of something I
did...]<<<<<
        -- Widow <23:04:59/02-14-55>

>>>>>[Widow, we can't give up. We can't let it go. There are too many
lives at stake... we have to go after them... and if you want to help
Jack, you will help us... they have control of Jack, probably the same way
they tried to get control of you... but it worked better on him... I don't
know why... that's Blaze's department... but we CAN'T let it go.
Especially now that they have Jack... there is too much at stake. 

Do you know what I'm talking about Widow?]<<<<<
        -- Chance <23:14:38/02-14-55>

>>>>>[I do, Chance.... but I'm scared... do you think we can handle it? I
mean, are we finally getting in over our heads?]<<<<<
        -- Widow <23:15:32/02-14-55>

>>>>>[Chance?]<<<<<
        -- Widow <23:17:04/02-14-55>

>>>>>[No... no of course not... I think we can handle it... I mean, we're
all still alive, right?]<<<<<
        -- Chance <23:17:45/02-14-55>

>>>>>[For now...]<<<<<
        -- Widow <23:18:25/02-14-55>

>>>>>[Oh Widow... Tanya, come on... it's all gonna be all right... I
promise... come here... *****Transmission delay: 30 seconds*****

There... come on, cheer up... everything is gonna be fine... give me a
smile kid... 

*****Transmission delay: 42 seconds*****

Oh Tanya....]<<<<<
        -- Chance <23:23:32/02-14-55>

>>>>>[Happy Valentine's Day, Chance... what's your real name,
anyhow?]<<<<<
        -- Widow <23:24:10/02-14-55>

>>>>>[I can't tell you yet... Happy Valentine's Day yourself, kid.
*****Excessive Transmission Delay*****
*****Transmission terminated by Sysop*****

>>>>>[Listen, Jack, you corp-sucking weasel, if your job means more to you
than your own _sis_, it's about time you pulled your own plug, capice? 

As for you, Panthra, if you're keeping this family apart, so help me, I'll
carve you. Lousy corporate sonuvaslitch. 

Widow, I know you love your brother too much to say this, but someone
hadda tell him. Sometimes tough love is the only way to love someone. BTW,
Happy Val's day to you two...I envy you kids.]<<<<<
        -- ...shadowfire... <GINSU/MANIA>

>>>>>[CB: I am sending you a list of contacts in the European Matrix. 
I've spoken to them about you, and they'llhelp you in any way they can. 
I'll still be looking for Blitz, but I also have to take care of some
personal business right now.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:59:34/2-14-55)

>>>>>[What's wrong, Highlander?  I'm sure Powerhouse can take good care of
Cerise.]<<<<<
        --Heather (23:00:45/2-14-55)

>>>>>[Not now, Heather!]<<<<<
        --Highlander (23:02:00:/2-14-55)

>>>>>[Well, and a happy Valentine's Day to you, too, Colin.]<<<<<
        --Heather (23:03:43/2-14-55)

*****Encrypt Cerise MPCP
>>>>>[Oh, frag, I almost forgot!  Here lassie **virtual image**.  Happy
Valentine's Day.  I'm on my way, so you bettere tell PHnot to get too many
ideas.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (23:05:12/2-14-55)

>>>>>[MONICA: oh, never mind.  Why should I care what a glorified bit of
code thinks of me.  Underestimate me at your own risk.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (23:07:55/2-14-55)

>>>>>[(Sniff, sniff) My, what is that smell?  Oh, yes, male ego being
roasted over a Matrix fire.  Colin, why do I get the feeling you DO care
what a piece of glorified code thinks of you?]<<<<<
        --Heather (23:09:56/2-14-55)

>>>>>[Nightstalker: that was a brave thing, laddie.  Now, I hope Raven
beat you within an inch of your life for that stunt.  You know what the
beastie thinks of you, and you willingly went into her lair?  And what
would have happened to Raven if you'd gone flatlined while she was reading
your mind? 

Sigh.  Next time, 'Stalker, ask for some backup.  I'll be more than happy
to show MONICA why she's not at the top of my list of priorities.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (23:12:59/2-14-55)

>>>>>[Aye, that's definitely the smell of testosterone wafting it's way
over the wires.  You don't have to prove yourself, laddie.]<<<<<
        --Heather (23:14:43/2-14-55)

>>>>>[Shadowfire, lighten up a little bit... if my theory holds true, my
bet is that Jack is also not himself... he is probably being controlled in
a manner similar to that being which tried to take over Widow's body...
only this time it was more successful... 

So while I realize it had to be said, I doubt that Jack's comments can be
taken as his true feelings, just as what most of Widow said during her...
struggle should be politely ignored. 

Chance and the others have headed off for their meet with Phoenix... I'm
staying behind to keep an eye on the place and do some research of my own,
while Chance & crew give Phoenix Star our information so far... 

Or rather, give them a copy of what we've got so far... you don't think we
stepped into the shadows yesterday, do you?]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <09:07:38/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Hello. This is Spiritsong. I would like to speak with Medicine Man.
The passcode is *****Encrypt*****.]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <09:10:59/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Yes, Blaze... I knew that you would call me. I have the information
you require. Stand by for data transfer. 

*****Download : Blaze MPCP : 138Mp*****

This file contains all the relevant information that I could find... what
you have described is rather frightening... I hope you are not going after
this alone?]<<<<<
        -- Medicine Man <09:13:23/02-15-55>

>>>>>[No, of course not. I will have support in both worlds... why? What
is the problem? I'm skimming the file, but I just see a bunch of
legends... what do they mean?]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <09:14:26/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Tut, Blaze... I would have thought with your studies, you would
understand the meaning of the legends much better... even if you had never
read them before... the legends come from the last time there was great
magic in the world, before the Awakening... if we study them, we can
understand some of our current problems... but I realize you do not have
much time, so I will encapsulate for you... 

What you have described from the ritual on your friend, Widow, has
appeared on two or three occaisions in the legends of our tribe. It is
never really given a name, but there is one thing that remains consistant
about it... it is always the servant of a greater evil, whether that evil
is another magician, or another spirit. If you can find the master of the
creature that tried to control Widow, you will find the one behind the
current problem... I have a theory, but I would have had to see the thing
myself to be more certain... 

The way you described it to me, it sounded as though it had some sort of
hold in the physical plane as well as the spiritual... as if it were
'bridging the gap' between worlds. This seems to me to signify something
rather troubling... I believe that we are looking at a league between a
spirit and a shaman... something very sinister...]<<<<<
        -- Medicine Man <09:22:17/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Insects? You think that we're dealing with Insect spirits?]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <09:22:50/02-15-55>

>>>>>[No. I don't... Insect spirits, in my experience, are never this
subtle... they wouldn't try and gain control of Widow like that... they
would have made her one of them... I think we're looking at something
similar, but not Insects certainly... 

There is another legend in that file which gives reference to a thing
called a "Shadow"... while not from our own tribal lore, it is relevant,
because it holds a similar pattern of behavior with what you've told me...
the Shadow is a spirit, usually a former ally of some kind, but now set
free, and twisted... it thrives on causing fear and torment, and it loves
the negative emotions associated with such things, and feeds off them,
becoming stronger... if it is not destroyed soon, it will eventualyl
become too difficult to stop. If I am right, and I have no proof of this,
you must act fast... there probably isn't much time left. 

Walk in peace, William Spiritsong.]<<<<<
        -- Medicine Man <09:28:12/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Walk in peace, Medicine Man. 

Drek... this is serious... I had better start calling in favors... it
looks like I'm gonna need the help.]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <09:29:37/02-15-55>

>>>>>[  Oh, Coyote said I was too young to understand, but I think I
understand now. ]<<<<<
        --  Child <00:15:09/16-2-55>

>>>>>[Hey guys... found this on the newsnet... thought you might find it
interesting... I know I did... 

***** Commence A/V feed *****

Good Morning! This is Slick Whitman reporting for FNN, the Free News
Network! Where we bring you the down and dirty truth on the state of the
plex today! 

Leading the news, the bodies of several metahumans were found dead in an
abandoned tenement in the sprawl, mysteriously dead. When authorities
arrived on the scene with special anti-viral gear, it was discovered that
there were approximately two dozen bodies, mostly ork, but some troll,
dwarf and elf corpses, scattered throughout the tenement... it appeared as
though the metas had died of VITAS, and that they had all died in that
particular tenement... identifications are still being performed on the
bodies, and autopsies are planned for later this afternoon. 

Authorities have quarantined the area to try and slow the spread of the
viral agent, but they have stated that a spread to surrounding areas in
the sprawl is very likely. They have claimed that it is current conditions
of overcrowding that have caused a resurgence in the Syndrome recently.
Metahuman rights groups have made little comment, but Robert Dubois, an
elf and spokesperson for the group MHT (Metas are Human Too!) stated, when
asked by FNN, that he found it odd that no human bodies have been found
yet... only metas. 

"I am not making accusations to any group in particular," he said, "but I
fear that this is a plot by some extremist hate group to wipe out the
metas and bring about the so-called 'pure huamanity'. Hath not an ork
eyes? If you prick a troll, does he not bleed? If you kill a dwarf, will
he not die? And if you wrong an elf, will he not revenge? This is aa
warning to any group involved with such a plot... you will be stopped if
we find evidence of your activities."

Mr. DuBois had no further comment. 

In other news... ***** A/V feed terminated *****

Well, very interesting huh? Robert shows up again... they're finding
bodies dead from VITAS in the sprawl... exclusively metahumanm of course,
although there has been no official comment on that... at least, not from
people who matter... 

Chance, as we need to move fast... there isn't much time left... the
"Project" is under way... we better move by this weekend, or we're gonna
be up to our ears in bodies... MONICA won't matter much if we're all dead,
will it?]<<<<<
        -- Coyote <The time has come>

***** Encrypt <Morgue/Vilya/Warped Warlock>
>>>>>[Sorry for sounding maybe a little out of bounds there Morgue. Good
to hear though.  Good luck on your recce, if you need any help feel free
to holler. 
    
Hey, WW, do you think maybe you can get your friend to slip back into the
Aztech computers and drop a few files into the security databases right
before we go in?  Maybe he can tell the Aztechs that we are all really
Aztechs ourselves and get through the security checkpoints (Good point
Morgue!!). 
    
I've scraped up (read: assaulted employees and stolen their uniforms while
tying them up and drugging them to the sun) three Aztech uniforms and
security badges.  Don't rightly know what to do with the passes though...
suggestions?  Anybody know somebody who's good at altering passes? 
    
Good luck all, oh yeah, and Happy After Valentines Day, I hope you all
survived and remembered flowers.  I didn't... whoops!!!]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus <08:59:10 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[Not wiz, NOT wiz, chums...  Wha' do my chummers and I do last night
but the 6 of us were off runnin BTLs ta some slitch....EEEEkkkkkk!! 
No...NOOOOOOO (pant pant pant pant pant pant...) Whoa,
chum.....flashback......  An' we run inta this weedeater and what looks
like his kid.  Fraggin runt for an elf, that fraggin kid*shiver*...NOT wiz
at all, chums.  (pant pant cough) We's goin and decidin ta make this
Family Day in Everett an' start ta mess wid em. NOT A FRAGGIN WIZ IDEA, NO
DREKKIN WAY, CHUMS!!!!!!!  We got our the drek beat outa us, chum, 6 of us
on them....8, yeah, we got fragged by 8, no...10.... gangers...uh, nah,
cops...Yeah, cops in armor with big fraggin batons...., protectin them
innocent...squatters tryin ta steal our Chips, chums!  Fraggin son's
a'slitches!]<<<<<
        --  Ganger(10:21:11/02-15-55)

>>>>>[Um, Harly?  You mind if Morgan and I just kinda....crash at your
place today?  At least until Val can come and get us?  Please?]<<<<<
        --  Little Dragon(10:22:34/02-15-55)

>>>>>[ Fellow runners you may be pleased to know that I have eradicated
most of what was a minor pain in our collective sides.  The group known as
the THUGS who teamed up with the fool Dante have been dealt with, the last
two appear to have got the message and left town.  Chicago I believe was
their last known destination.  Still I have no wish to follow them there,
they have learnt a lesson and would be fools to return to Seattle. 

Here endeth a public service announcement. ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (14:50:48/2.15.55)

>>>>>[ Ah so that's what you've been up to recently ?  IBA and myself
wondered why you were spending so much time out, we thought you had
yourself a woman. You sure you've not made a mistake in leaving two?]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (14:52:12/15.2.55)

>>>>>[ Ah, he he, many women, all at different times mind you, but none at
the moment.  The THUGS, a threat, after what I did to the rest of their
piddling organisation I really don't think they've got the guts to come up
against me. Still, thank you for your concern.  Any information on the
shapeshifter ? ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (14:54:26/2.15.55)

>>>>>[ None, yet, I get the feeling that Cerise doesn't like me looking
over her shoulder every other minute to check that she's allright.  I just
wish Fenris would let us know what he knows about it so that we can take
positive action rather than sitting here like lame ducks. 

Oh, did you hear that MONICA is back ?]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (14:56:08/15.2.55)

>>>>>[ I heard, it bodes badly.  Much trouble was caused last time she was
realeased, I think we outta get IBA to look into what Automated
Infoworks.]<<<<<
        -Punisher (14:57:43/2.15.55)

>>>>>[ Hey, I heard that... Ah ya didn't even know I was here, he he. 
I've been working on a new masking program, not that it'd take much for me
to beat the two turtles that you's two use, especially seein as nearly
designed all the fraggin software ma self in it. 

As to AI, well yeah, I`ve been doin some checkin.  I let ma bud at the
turing police know what shadowland suspects, but we won't see any action
from them unless there's a threat to the matrix as a whole.  They have,
drek all powers <legal that is> to destory an AI in someones computer
system, it has to be used to comit a crime before they can do anything. 
They are interested though and said they'd monitor shadowland to keep
track of on going events. 

As to goin into AI, well I dunno.  Ya remember last time ?  That wasn't
even in a system, that was fraggin in the matrix, she toasted ma deck that
time. Remember ?  Still it's Trevor who I want to see toast.  One good
thing is I do have ma new deck now, hell of a lot better than that old
pile o drek, and I can knock off code that I never thought possible a
couple of years ago. 

Nah, at the moment I think I'll let the others risk their brains.  But
hey, Nightstalker, that doesn't mean you have to !  Just cause MONICA has
a grudge against ya doesn't mean that ya have to be damm fool and take her
up on any challenge.  Look at how easy she fragged ya !  At least me and
Highlander, we're stayin outta her way, even if it has bruised his ego, he
he <or is that just cause PH is gettin his end away and you're not?]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ Frag you IBA, I bloody sleepin on the sofa. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (15:10:25/15.2.55) 

>>>>>[Sure Little One.  It seems I have been neglect of my duties as of
late and I mean to correct that.  Come on over, I need the break.]<<<<<
        -Harlequin <Haveyou/seenher>

>>>>>[TK, The other disappeared.  So much for there rep.  Couch is going
to have a heyday with thier bank accounts.  You know, gettin' back his
money and charging a processing fee.  Anyway, I'll go with you to the
hospital. 

If the other employees of Couch on this job would like to tag along, it
would probably be beneficial for you rep and for your money(now and
future!)

If not, I guess I will need two more runners to help out.]<<<<<
        -- Frosty <10:40:44 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[{ACCESS:AUDIOX} Frosty, I'm still in.  I'll meet you at the
hospital. 

...............{ACCESS:NORMAL}]<<<<<
        -- Hammerhead <10:43:55 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[{ACCESS:AUDIOX} Oops, I forgot........there is a great concert next
week. The band is called SKAos and they are playing in Seattle.  I know
the keyboardist so I can get great tickets.  Just tell me where you want
to sit or if you want to be in the pit. .....................Oh, yeah,
it's on Monday I think...........{ACCESS:NORMAL}]<<<<<
        -- Hammerhead <11:01:22 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[I'll take a seat.  The pit is just a bit too chaotic for me!]<<<<<
        --Frosty <11:02:54 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[Yes, that friend was Michael.  Sorry he to here he's gone. I need to
talk.  And I am in Europe.  That's why it took me so long to get back to
you.  Gossymer ID the assailant to 99% identical of Baron.  I want to
speak with the both of you.]<<<<<
        -Hard-to-Catch <12:00:00/15-FEB-55>

>>>>>[You talking to me, Necromancer?  Maybe put in some context, first,
as it's not very useful to just say "weed-eater".  What good is it going
to do, when there are so many of 'em on here anyway? 

I suppose I'm insulted, too.]<<<<<
     - Solonus <10:20:49/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Right, to Gawk's 'miliant' terms. He's alright now, if you count
being dopped to the eyeballs with painkillers fine. Bugger, what a mess. 

By the signs of a minor war zone, I managed to track down Gawk's position.
The two burning wreaks marked the alleyway. Gawk had this wierd look on
his face and was tenderly holding a dead, female squatter. As I got near,
he snarled and swiped, his spur ripping a chunk out of the alley wall.
Trying to keep as calm as possible, I urgently told him who I was, where
we where and how we needed to get the frag out of here. Then, slowly
recognission filtered on to his burnt face. Gently he rocked the dead
girl, back and forward, tenderly stroking her charred hair. Like some sort
of morbid chant, he muttered "Crystal, my beautiful Crystal". Tears forced
their way through his blackened face. He wouldn't let go of her, despite
my best efforts. I darted him with my narcojet. It was only then when I
realised the extent of his injuries, Blimey, I'm still amazed that he was
still concious when I turned up. 

He was in a real bad state, I patched him up as best I could, but
mentally, I think he's Fragged. He said during one bout that he'd talk to
Phoenix last night And a few other things which I won't repeat. I've got
most of Gawk gear here and some of it's very heavy duty. That's got me
just slightly nervous. 

I'm a bit stuffed here folks. AJ, Slash and Co, if your in the area, I
could do with a hand. Berlin's not my town and it ain't definately my fun
place. I need a good street doc or a Merlin in the healing line. Fast. I
can pay for it too.]<<<<<
        -WHAT(17:19:09/2-15-55)

>>>>>[  Hey Frosty, I'm still in. ]<<<<<
     -- Blade <12:53:55/2-15-55>

>>>>>[Oh, is THAT all. Look, possesion by spirits, possesion by corps,
it's all the same to me. I suppose it's not his fault, but he still sold
his soul to the corp in the first place. Join _them_, and you lose
yourself, kinda like the way Americans smother their food with salt &
sauces until they can't taste it anymore. Believe me, I know. I've been
there. 

So why, then, did this thing go after Widow's head? Just 'cause it had her
brother already? If she's amenable, we could probe her mind for the
memories of that period, and see exactly what kinda critter it is. (the
better to blow it to tiny bits, my pretty.) And whatsit doing taking over
Genetek? I think I'd like to take a look at that file of yours on this
thing; it's shaping up nasty.]<<<<<
        -- ...shadowfire... <Mikey/O'Velly>

>>>>>[I Toldju guuys not to mess with the dragon, but didja listen? ohhh,
noooooo. Mr. bigshot Ninja has to go waltzing right into her mouth. You
deserve whatever you got, chummer; I hadda rebuild half my deck after
getting sideswiped by the slitch.]<<<<<
        -- ...shadowfire... <Erebus/Angel>

>>>>>[Solonus: I got copies of the Barney files on storage, and I thought
I nuked their files, but they musta had some on hard copy, 'cause it's
still airing, despite their crash. I think a physical run'll be necessary
to wipe out that purple evil once and for all. 

But that can wait. I've got a chum in need, and a major problem shaping
up, so we'll get back to this later.]<<<<<
        -- ...shadowfire... <Erebus/Angel>

***** Encrypt: <Vilya/Morgue/Jacamus/Silicon Saboteur>
>>>>>[ Gah! Sorry I didn't show up to the meeting a few days ago at The
Smoke Shop, but a few things came up that I had to take care of. Why don't
we tentatively schedule our next meeting for the same place, same time, on
the 18th. Fair enough? I know you guys have been passing around some good
ideas (re: Uniforms) and I wanna discuss them. 

Incidently, to whoever mentioned the idea of bagging G when he leaves the
complex (either M or J; I forget which...)... G is paranoid. There's no
way you'd catch him leaving the complex without an army of Corp Security
Guards to back him up. As it is, security is still a little tight around
his abode. 

Incidently SS, one of the boys wanted to know if you could slip something
into Aztech's system before the run? Yay or nay?]<<<<< 
	--  Warped Warlock <15:23:22/02-15-55>

*****Encrypt: <Warped Warlock/Morgue/Jacamus/Vilya>

>>>>>[ Aztech's system? You do realize that I didn't take the security
info from their system, don't you? I went through the architecture firm
that they hired for minor jobs. Ha... you guys wanna commit suicide, be my
guests. Leave me out of it. 

BTW 'Lock, you forgot to mention your reason for missing out on the
meeting! The 'thing that came up' on the 14th, was actually an unexpected
meeting with one of 'Lock's ex-girlfriends, who was still a tad bit peeved
at his having left her. She chased him all across Seattle with an Ares
Predator, screaming bloody murder. Almost winged him too. Ahhh... can't
you just feel the love in the air around Valentine's Day? ]<<<<< 
	-- Silicon Saboteur <MegaCorps/OppressThePeople>

>>>>>[ Open up and say 'ribbit' my friend. Alakazam, etc etc. ]<<<<<
	--  Warped Warlock <15:40:46/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Though I don't usually do charity runs, I do not like the idea of a
child going through a rough time.  Send me the info and I will be more
than willing to help out on this run.  I realize that this will be the
first time I have done any real shadow work in this town, but I just got
out of the service recently. please send me any questions about my ability
and I will answer them as best as I see fit.]<<<<<
        Bloodstryke <15:20:15 / 02/15/55>

>>>>>[You asked for my opinion Mr. Smooth, so here it is.  The meeting
with Mr. Johnson went well in my view.  His credit checks out, so there's
no problem there.  His references seem to be nonexistent, but that's
fairly normal in this business, neh?  The extra few days were unexpected,
but welcome.  It will give Basilisk more time to insert some toys of his
into their system, but I'll let him tell you about that.  I am completely
ready. I just need to know the exact date, so I know when our supplies
should be waiting for us.  Our inside contact is nervous, but stable.  I
have taken the liberty of inviting his child on a short vacation, to keep
her out of trouble.  I think Plague Rat is ready, also, so we can move on
a few hours notice.]<<<<<
        -- The Jeweler <13:11:25/02-15-55>

>>>>>[Basilisk here.  I just finished installing the last of the smart
frames into their system.  The longer they're there, the more they start
to look like the local architecture, it's part of the design, so the delay
will insure that they work perfectly.  They should be a big help.  I won't
give away the surprise, but it should be fun once they're activated. 
Ready to roll whenever Johnson gives the go ahead.  Aufwiederluege.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <13:15:44/15.02.55>

***** Encrypt: Transitor Radio?  AJ
>>>>>[ Soryy its taken me so long ta get back ta yah, but Ah have been
busy setting up in Berlin.  Ah have a place now and can get in touch with
ya as soon as ya want.  Ah do have the information that you asked for. 

Martin Voelger - he doesn't exist.  Atleast thats what the computer keeps
on trying ta tell me, but after a LOT o trying and a gathering up
backlogs, rumors, and delete but not over written files Ah have come up a
few things.  First of all Martin before he died seemed ta gain a female
companion, who she was Ah still don't know yet but ah have some clues. 
From what Ah gather Martin was not really her type, in others words she
was there ta get information.  She failed, it seems because others had ta
be brought in ta torture the info out of him. Ya would be amazed at what
info ya can pick up here on the streets of Berlin. >From what Ah can
gather they broke his body but not his defenses. 

Doomsday - he's already on trial as of thursday of last week.  The place
they have him is in Switzerland at ***location + surrounding area***.  Its
really high security, and there is not much mention of Doomsday, there is
more mention of Drake and his men n' women.  We need ta be careful of all
of thse people, they are wiz runners, Drake is real good ta have caught
them.  Ah have full dosiers on all but two of them, and on them Ah have
partial ones ***Dosier***. 

Nightmare - the word on the street is conflicting and none of it is
precise, Ah get the feeling that he? is not one ta go by a standard name. 
From what Ah feel, Ah'd say that he changes names more than Silverflame. 

Also, there is sometype of purge going on in the corp sector here in
Berlin and from what the street says about the rest of the nation, a lot
of suits have been taking leave of absences, suits in the corps and in the
gov. 

We need tah meet sometime soon ta knock heads together, if ya can leave a
message at ***Local*** and Ah will get it.  Tell Lister that Kichanski
"wishes the git would be careful", and tell Claw that the THUGS are
already taken care of, Ah hope he won't be too mad at that]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub>

***** Encrypt: Circuit Board:  Moriarty
>>>>>[ This is a list of those of your agents who are compromised, dead
and or playin both sides.  Ahve Solitare double check them ta be sure
since Ah could be wrong on one or two.  ***Static Shock Viral Encrypt
<Data> ***]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub>

***** Encrypt: Scotsmans Kilt:  Highlander
>>>>>[ Thanks Highlander, ah have already met one or two on your list just
through the streets, but they will probably be more inclined ta give me
info if Ah tell them Ah know ya.  Ah have also heard street rumors about a
few others of them, and Ah'll try ta locate them soon.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub>

*****Encrypt: Space Warp:  Spirit
>>>>>[ Hows the stomach?  Ah made it ta Berlin all right and have a place.
Could ya do me a favor though, Ah need ya ta send mah back up deck over
here. Here's how and where ta send it ***Info***.  Also, don't even think
about AI right now, your ta far along in your pregnancy ta try and do a
system like that. Yes Ah, know ya probably won't listen ta me anyway, Ah's
probably try and go in if Ah had the time.  But we all care about ya and
don't want ya trying anything like that.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub>

>>>>>[ Hey Fox, whats this Ah here about ya gettin snow dumped on yer
head?  Ah would have loved ta see it!!!]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub>

>>>>>[TK, it looks like Hammerhead, Blade, and myself will be heading to
the hospital with you.  Oh, guys, Please dress appropriately!]<<<<<
        --Frosty <16:02:43 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[.......where the hell am I? WHAT, where's
Crys.....hum.......FRAG..What time is it?  What happened?  Damn, how did I
git hurt?  WHAT, what's going on?!?]<<<<<
        -- Gawk <16:33:33 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[Don't give me that kind of drek.  I have you, drekheads, and you're
mine. You even think about noncooperation, your corp is going to go down
really far really fast.  Am I making myself fragging clear?  Good.  I've
dealt with your kind before, and I don't care to again.  But I owe it to
myself and a few others to clear the drek like you outta the fragging
picture.]<<<<<
        -- Harker, Jonathan <16:48:18/02-14-55>
           Internal Security Division
           *** Rest of File Suppressed ***

>>>>>[ Might teach you to underestimate those who are a bit young seeming,
idiot. Next time, don't mess with me and Bruce. A mage, even if I am a bit
inexperienced, and a physical adept are powerful no matter their
age...]<<<<<
        -- Morgan (00:00:00/10-10-10)
           Protected by Silverflame

>>>>>[ Thank you, sir. ]<<<<<
        -- Morgan (00:00:00/10-10-10)
           Protected by Silverflame

>>>>>[Shadowfire, calm down. Look, he didn't sell himself to the corp,
okay? At least, I don't think so. Mom and Dad both work for Renraku. I was
being trained to be a decker myself, when my boyfriend disappeared because
of the corp. I couldn't stay, it wasn't for me. But that doesn't mean Jack
sold out... he was transferred to Genetek without any knowledge of what
was going on, and its gotten him in trouble. He's family, I have to help
him out. Are you in or aren't you? 

And about looking in my head for memories of that thing... it ain't gonna
happen. Read the file if you want, but we're dealing with something
Astral... at least that's what Blaze says... I don't know all that much
about it... all I want to do is kill whatever is responsible for fragging
with my head and with Jack's. If you're gonna help, you're welcome to, but
if you're just gonna talk about how Jack sold himself out, you can just
frag off. We don't need you to beat this thing. But we would appreciate
your help. 

That's all I got to say. Blaze said to download this file here, so I will.
All of you feel free to comment on it as you wish. Bye bye. 

*****File Transferred: Legends: 200Mp*****

Have a nice fraggin' day. If you want in on this, better yell, because we
aren't gonna wait long. There's no time to.]<<<<<
        -- Widow <18:47:03/02-15-55>

****ENCRYPT:Blade, Hammerhead, Frosty:*****
>>>>>[Here it is gentlemen.  We'll be sneaking in tonight at midnight. 
Our target is located in a small hospital in the Redmond Barrens, and he
is in room 413 on the fourth floor.  The security did not look too tight
when I checked earlier this evening.  Our friend may have special
protection, but I did not notice anything out of the ordinary this
evening.  Meet 2 blocks west of the hospital and we will proceed from
there.]<<<<<
        TK <19:30:37 / 02/15/94>

>>>>>[Hammerhead, I forgot to mention that I would enjoy attending the
concert for which you have offered tickets.  Is the concert at
night?]<<<<<
        TK <19:34:05 / 02-15-94>

>>>>>[No problem on the Barney front.  I'd expect them to have a copy or
two of the videos...drek, I think I might have a copy sitting around
somewhere, if I look (I have ANYTHING, if I look).  Just gotta do a little
searching... 

And we can make that run whenever you feel up to it, Shadowfire.  I'd like
to make is sooner rather than later, but I understand about prior
committments. 

I got other runs going down right now, too...]<<<<<
     - Solonus <19:02:22/02-15-55>

>>>>>[VIDEO & AUDIO FEED:
Source: Seattle Newsfeed

ANCHOR:  And in other news, Lone Star Security reports no progress in the
mysterious explosion at the TechnoTech facility at ***location*** in
Seattle. The facility, the only location for the low profile bio- and
cyber-tech company, was destroyed in a series of explosions on February
9th, the first of which occured at approximately 8 AM, local time.  Lone
Star spokespersons have not ruled out the possibility of accidental or
intentional arson.  The representatives that we spoke to did state that
they had a few leads that they were following up.  They also claim that
they are attempting to locate those persons who were involved in the
firefight outside of the facility at the time of the explosion, but,
according to officials, they don't expect much luck on that score.]<<<<<
        -- Seattle Newsfeed Service <20:00:00, 02-15-55>

>>>>>[Bloodstryke, if you want to help meet us at ##Location## You know,
the big hospital.  Just curious, what is your specialty? 

By the way, I don't think any of us do "charity" missions either.  If you
accept the job the first installment of your payment will be waiting.  I'm
sure it is more than you could make in the service]<<<<<
        -- Frosty <19:31:55 / 02-15-55>

*****Encrypt I-Hate_Snakes Circuit Breaker MPCP
>>>>>[CB: Heather here.  Since Colin (sorry, Highlander) isn't going to be
giving his full attention to your search (he's afraid Cerise can't take
care of herself.  Or that Powerhouse will take too good of care of her,
you decide), I'll offer my services to you directly.  If you are needing
another set of hands, let me know; I may not have all of Highlander's
contacts (I'm a much more respectable decker), but I can run security with
the best of them.  Och, if all you want is some company, let me know, and
I'll try and fly over; I'd like to meet some of Colin's new friends.  I'd
need a little time to talk my bosses into the trip, though, so keep that
in mind.  See you soon (virtually or otherwise).]<<<<<
        --Heather (17:47:23/2-15-55)

>>>>>[ The flowers are lovely, Cyberbrains.  I downloaded them an they
will greet me everytime I enter the Matrix.  Now do you really have to
come and protect me?  It's bad enough with Powerhouse alway looking over
my shoulder, I don't need two bodyguards. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <18:14:14/02-15-55>

>>>>>[ Geeze, Highlander, she only fragged my deck because I didn't have
any defensive programs running.  Hell, I wasn't even trying to defend.  I
thought that she wouldn't be able to hit me while I was jacking out. 
Still you can believe that that will be the last time I make that
mistake.]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <18:18:06/02-15-55>

>>>>>[ The only mistake you made was facing me.  The next time our paths
cross I will kill you quickly. ]<<<<<
        -- MONICA <18:19:00/02-15-55>

>>>>>[ Frag off, BITCH! ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <18:19:31/02-15-55>

>>>>>[ shadowfire:  Keep you mouth shut or I'll show you just how easy it
is to bump you off the Matrix. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <18:26:18/02-15-55>

>>>>>[ Nightstalker, it is time for you and me to have a talk, and I am
not taking no for an answer this time. ]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage <18:27:17/02-15-55>

>>>>>[MONICA's assembling stuff on us, huh? 

Ramirez, didn;t you say the data stream is easy to tap before it's
re-encrypted? What if we dump some misinformation about us in there? Muck
up her compiler so it's useless. 

Just a thought. 

With MONICA just sitting out there, I'm nearly as nervous as Cat on a good
day. She's got to be planning SOMETHING. 

I'm keeping a regular surveillance on AI. I'll keep you posted.]<<<<<
        -- Raven <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[ WHAT see if you can stabilize Gawk. I'll head up to your neck of
the woods. I don't know where to suggest to meet you though. But no
worries. I'll find you. After all, I ain't that bad off. ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <05:56:46/2-16-55>

>>>>>[ Nightmare, jump off a bridge. I will not sacrifice myself to your
cause... especially since you probably already have brainwashed
Blitzkrieg. And no worries here. . . we'll meet soon enough as it
is.]<<<<<
        -- Shadowfox <05:58:10/2-16-55>

>>>>>[Who let this bozo into Shadowland?]<<<<<
     - Necromancer <22:37:54/02-15-55>

>>>>>[ Who let THAT bozo into Shadowland? *grin* Once more, repeat after
me, if he is good enough to get here or connected enough to get someone
good enough to get him here belongs here... ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[Blade and Bloodstryke, here is what is going on.  The kid was
kidnapped by a suit in a limo.  TK was at a local bar and heard a guy
talking about this easy job he just finished.  Something about an "escort"
for a little girl.  TK pushed a little too hard for info and the guy ended
up in the hospital.  We are going to sneak into the hospital and get the
lowdown! 

Blade, Couch told me that if you keep on slacking he'll start shrinking
your profits.]<<<<<
        --Frosty <23:15:33 / 02-15-55>

>>>>>[Okay, okay, I guess I over-reacted, but I didn't know the full
story. I'm sorry about your parents, though. 

I looked at the file (bunch of superstitious drek, mostly) and it looks
pretty hairy. If this Shadow thing is what has control of the minds of
Genetek, then _that's_ what we have to fight. Too bad; I was looking
forward to making Panthra into Kitty Chow. It looks like we'll have to
call in all the wiz-boys we can find and terminate this puppy with extreme
prejudice. Any suggestions? 

Where exactly _is_ Genetek's corporate office, anyway? and what kind of
security (especially in the magic department) do they have? Let me look in
the back closet here; I think I got a coupla leftover AVM's you could
use...]<<<<<
        -- ...shadowfire... <Errorbus/Angle>

>>>>>[ Frosty - I'm still in, just waiting for some confirmation.  A
location for our meet might be nice, too. ]<<<<<
        --  CoHort <02-15-55/20:42:52>

>>>>>[2 points wrt the Run, shadowfire, firstly we're gonna be pushing it
too hard if you and I are the only Practitioners of the Arcane on the
trip. ("WIZ-BOYS"?.. I think not...) If you've got anyone in mind, tell me
their name and I'll check them out. Chance follows a totem I believe and
Avatar may come with me..that remains to be seen. 

Chance..Magical power is lacking but Shadowfire did put another thought
into my sad devious head..I've a fairly heavy-duty armoury here in
**ENcrypteAXP**, we could always go for the unsubtle approach... 

If you want to take on any of the rest of the Eyrie, they're available for
5k a night and I can vouch for them absolutely... we could do with Mick's
drones, and although I can take them..can anyone fly them in our little
circle.. Anyway, AVMs, fully armed and armoured Patrol..etc.. If yu want
it we have it! BTW, If you want it you ask for it..there is no standing
invitation..you all seem to be out of the woods now..the earlier
invitation is revoked..No offense ...Seeya]>>>>>
     --  Vertical  <T/D Deleted>

>>>>>[I let myself in.  Obviously.]<<<<<
        -- Harker, Jonathan <T/D Suppressed>
           Internal Security Division
           <Rest of File Suppressed>

>>>>>[Here of my own volition, Silverflame.  I don't believe in letting
other people do things for me, they typically frag them up somehow.]<<<<<
        -- Harker, Jonathan <T/D Suppressed>
           Internal Security Division
           <Rest of File Suppressed>

>>>>>[All right, all right.  *sigh*]<<<<<
     - Necromancer <07:44:45/02-16-55>

>>>>>[Probably the same one that let you in, chummer. 

Get a life, and stop ragging on those people that you don't like...at
least until we can see that you're better.]<<<<<
     - Solonus <07:45:52/02-16-55>

>>>>>[ Sorry it's taken so long for my response; I've been unexpectedly
detained, and I hope I haven't thrown off schedules too badly.  Anyway, I
am about to bring you the lady, Chance.  Hope you'll be ready for her when
we get there.  She's been safe so far; I believe that she shall continue
to be so. :)

On the Genetek Shadow problem:  I would be more than happy to offer my
blades against the abomination that seems to be controlling various people
in the corp.  Please let me know where to meet with you all, so we can
work out plans.  Till next we speak. ]<<<<<
        --  Scythe <10:32:52/02-16-55>

>>>>>[Colice, whe' is yer tour over?  I wou' like ta invite ya ta come an'
stay wi' me.  I 'ave this large house wi' no-one ta share it wi'.  Let me
know as soon as ya can.]<<<<<
        --  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)(10:10:30/02:16:55)

>>>>>[Scythe..I'd be more than pleased to have you along..Your name seems
very familiar..Have we dealt before in some capacity?...Anyway,Your blades
will inde ed be welcome as this looks as if it will be a difficult
one.]>>>>>
      --  Vertical  <T/D Deleted>

>>>>>[Streetie, I would love to, but aren't you forgetting something very
important right now.  My tour finished the other night and I am back in
TNO, where you should be by tomorrow.  Seeing it is the aniversary of your
parents death and there will be a big remembrance.  Then I will come back
and move in with you after the weekend.]<<<<<
        --  Colice Brightstar(10:48:40/02:16:55)

>>>>>[Ok I'm on my wa'.  I will catch a plane tonight back home.  I will
see ya soon, I shall be there in th' mornin']<<<<<
        --  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)(11:14:00/02:16:55)

>>>>>All right, here's the lowdown, shadowfire... Genetek has moved the
project from their corporate offices (where they do have a couple of
research labs) to a warehouse-like complex... the exact location of it is
unknown at the moment... Coyote is still searching for that. We'll get
that to you as soon as possible. I don't see much need to trash their
offices, except, perhaps to destroy any files there... but my bet is that
the majority of the data is in the warehouse. 

Blaze says that there are some things about the Shadow he has discovered,
examining the legends a little bit more... if the Shadow has had control
for a certain length of time, there is nothing that can be done to save
the person... the standard time period is usually about a month or so...
but of course, its all conjecture, which is why we want to move in as fast
as possible. I'm of the opinion that we go in there and level the place,
just being careful not to kill any innocents in the process (but my guess
is that there aren't too many of those... if the Shadow is as corrupting
as Blaze fears... oh well... I'm looking to kick some serious butt for all
the crap we've gotten. 

Looks like we're gonna have ourselves a grand old time, assuming we can
find the place... Coyote says he'll have it by this afternoon at the
latest. I don't doubt it, but with MONICA, I don't know... at least she
ain't in Seattle, huh? 

Security on the place is currently unknown. Coyote's gonna pull that info
as soon as he finds out which warehouse they're using for 'Project Purge'.
I'll send that information to you all as soon as we get it... 

I want to go in tomorrow... if you could meet us at *****Encypt TEAM*****
we will get ready to rock and roll... bring all you want... we're looking
to cause a little mayhem. I picked up a couple of nice toys from Phoenix
Star. I intend to enjoy myself immensely.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <10:02:55/02-16-55>

>>>>>[HA HAH HAH HA HAH HA oh my that's rich... "Chance follows a totem?"
Yeah, sure... heh heh... my totem is chrome pal... I think you got our
team members confused... I'm Chance, veteran Street Sam and 'old-timer' on
the team. Blaze is our shaman... follows Racoon, and he's a couple years
younger than me... he's our magic kick. Widow's next... former corper,
pretty wiz at electronics and computers, though she isn't really a
decker... then Coyote, our decker, the youngest and most arrogant of us
all... but then I think you all know him pretty well, huh? 

That's our 'security council' as we like to put it... we got a couple of
other members in the form of Rox, our ork rigger (not to be confused with
Foxey Roxey, who uses that short form of her name sometimes), PhD, our doc
contact... she puts us back together after we blow ourselves up... and of
course, there's Laurissa... I don't know what she wants, whether she's
gonna stay solo or actually join up with our team... whatever she does,
its her choice. We'll have to see what happens. 

Hope that clears things up for ya all... oh, BTW, Blaze is an initiate,
grade 1 or 2... I ain't sure exactly... he doesn't talk about that sort of
thing much.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <10:10:07/02-16-55>

>>>>>[Vertical, we have additional magical support. Three of my lodge
brothers have answered my call for aid and will be joining us in the
run... the four of us will be mainly concerned with fighting the Shadow...
if you and the other mages can cover the team members from spells and
other spirit problems, it might just make the difference we'll need to win
here...]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <10:12:10/02-16-55>

>>>>>[FINALLY! Scythe, have you seen the posts about our getting ready to
go in tomorrow night? If you can get us the girl before then, we eill have
a great bargaining chip in case things get flubbed up... I hate to use the
kid like that, but that's life in the Shadows. 

We'll welcome all the help we can get, chummer. Your blades are welcome
anytime. Come by our place ASAP with the girl. Our present location is
*****Encrypt Scythe MPCP*****. Bring her by as soon as you can...
thanks.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <11:42:32/02-16-55>

>>>>>[I am human.  Specialty, fire-support.  More headware than your
average stereo system.  I can laydown a curtain of steel rain than would
make an april shower jealous, or I can sneak up on a guard and slit his
throat without so much as a whisper.  Choose the death of your enemy and I
shall deal it out to him.  I apologize if I sound a bit cold, but a few
years in the service will do that to you]<<<<<
        -- Bloodstryke <11:58:00 / 02-16-55>

>>>>>[Frag.  Ok, but it'll be safer if we come to you instead of you
coming to us.  Call me paranoid(most everybody else does), but I really
don't want to mess with Hammer any more than I have to and I don't want
him to find where we are staying.]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night(12:06:33/02-16-55)

>>>>>[Yeah, I'm here*****Warning!  Trace initiated, 25 seconds to
location***** Great....this is getting annoying.  I'll find you, or the
Berlin outlet will and then tell me.  Till then...]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson(12:08:58/02-16-55)
*****Trace failed, insufficient time*****

*****Encrypt MAXIMUMOVERDRIVE Berlin*****
>>>>>[Bloody hell.  Here's the list.****Include list**** MAXIMUM priority.
You know what to do.  Protocols are in effect.  Get one of the ones labled
"turned" alive.  We'll want to check the actions and probe them before we
kill them.]<<<<<
        --  Moriarity(12:13:31/02-16-55)

>>>>>[Confirmed.  28%]<<<<<
        -- Berlin(12:14:02/02-16-55)

>>>>>[Yo, Boss!  Guess what I found?*****Warning, Trace activated, 12
seconds to location***** Yeah, I don't think so....  But I did some
tracing and got an ID on Hammer.  Unfortunately.... he was executed as
being a traitor.  Not that I have a problem*****Trace failed, downlink #1
incompatible with tracing program, trace lost at Sat ss7879023-223c8
active connection***** with the fragger being dead, cause I don't, but
that makes our lives a little less happy.  But I'll be around some more,
trying to find Blitzkrieg when*****SAT TRACE activated, 1 minute to
location***** not keeping Berlin out of trouble. Luckily the BIS still
hasn't found it yet, and with me not decking from there, even if they
trace me(which is really unlikely) they won't find the outlet. Gawk,
whoever else is around.  You guys need anything weapon or armor wise? the
Boss should have asked you, but he seems to have forgotten.]<<<<<
        --  Solitaire(12:23:44/02-16-55)
*****Attack activated:  Trace destroyed*****
*****System notice:  Trace failed due to total code corruption*****

*****Encrypt: <Warped Warlock/Morgue/Jacamus/Silicon Saboteur>
>>>>>[ Small chances for undeniable soapbox until tomorrow? No?

I will not comment on the level of physical security of the site in
question, but there will undeniably be a great number of spirits present.
Might I suggest that you keep an eye out for the nearest fire
extinguisher? 

Now does locus of our plan meet the specifications? 

Let me first enquire about eventual meeting set for specific date and
time.]<<<<<
    -- Vilya <GMT 17:45:42/16.02.55>

***** Message added to specific signature
>>>>>[ Ooops, sorry about that. I try to edit out the worst garbage, but
even a dwarf cannot do everything at once. Ignore the soapbox and that
stuff, I think it has some obscure meaning but who knows. ]<<<<<
     -- Forge <GMT 17:47:31/16.02.55>

>>>>>[CoHort, TK will fill you in on what happened at the hospital.  Start
looking for info.]<<<<<
        --Gawk <11:57:55 / 02-16-55>

***** Encrypt: Lone-Star-Security-Internal-Access-Only-Encryption
>>>>>[To:  File #T847290h73T
      Fr:  Investigative Unit #77541a
      Re:  Destruction of TechnoTech Facility on 02/09/55 Investigation

Memo Start:  It is the findings of this unit that all personnel employed
by TechnoTech were eliminated in the explosion that destroyed the facility
at ***location***.  Therefore, since there is nobody to pay us to discover
the "truth" of the incident, it was decided to place the blame on the
corporation itself.  A release will be filed with the appropriate agencies
for the appropriate fees which will be paid to Lone Star. 

Investigation ---CLOSED---

Signed, Investigative Unit #77541a]<<<<<
        -- Lone Star File #T847290h73T <14:45:00, 02-16-94>

*****Encrypt Vilya/Warped Warlock/Jacamus MPCPs*****
>>>>>[I will be at the Smoke Shop meeting on the 18th. I have several
feasible plans that must be discussed. Until then...]<<<<<
        --  Morgue(15:46:10/02-16-55)

>>>>>[VIDEO & AUDIO FEED:
Source: Seattle Newsfeed

ANCHOR:  Our next story is a followup to last night's report on Lone
Star's investigation into the cause of the explosions that destroyed the
TechnoTech facility at ***location*** in Seattle.  Officials at Lone Star
stated today, in a release, that the facility was destroyed due to,
"negligence on the part of TechnoTech employees and management.  The city
of Seattle regrets that one of it's businesses has been destroyed, but
that this incident should serve to heighten corporate awareness of the
hazards of research." The release goes on to further state that the
explosion was,"...most likely caused by a corporate employee smoking some
substance near a leaking gas main."]<<<<<
        -- Seattle Newsfeed Service <17:00:00, 02-16-55>

*****Encrypt DEATH SHROUD v.3.3 Reaper MPCP*****
>>>>>[Reaper, I've continued the matrix search with some success. It
appears that Ms. Aiko Hosegawa is a resident of the Seattle metroplex. She
has an apartment in one of the nicer neighborhoods of Renton. My suspicion
was correct about her relation with the Seattle Yakuza. She is a
middle-man for the Yakuza. Hosegawa has inclination towards joining the
organization, nor has she every been directly affiliated with them. The
Yakuza, Radigono, is in fact your real employer. It appears that there are
hints throughout the main Yak system (I've been hanging around there a
lot; backdoor and all) that the winners of this contest will then be hired
to perform some other more important operation. Higher level systems in
the Yak heirarchy have been quite hostile of late, so nothing else. I'm
downloading a profile on both Radigono and Hosegawa for your read
enjoyment. 

***Download File: RAD0227***
***Download File: HOS0229***

Talk to ya later...]<<<<<
        --  Bonejacker(16:04:12/02-16-55)

>>>>>[ Somebody posted suggested planting misinformation into AI's
datastream. 

Won't work.  Remember Ramirez said that the encryption algorithm had a
well-know _READ_ONLY_ hole in it.  This means that you could take samples
of the stream and read it (which has been done), but if you inject
something into it, it wouldn't be encrypted with the same key as the rest
and would be filtered as noise. 

The only place you could inject misinformation is at the transfer point
where everything is decrypted and re-encrypted with Meyer's own algorithm,
and that site has more security than the old Fort Knox. 

Besides, the information, once inside, will be processed, and
cross-checked and re-cross-checked and probably recognized as bogus.
Unfortunately, nobody knows what MONICA is up to, so it is difficult to
determine WHAT misinformation to give her.]<<<<<
        --  Wolf 359 <18:40:30 / 02-16-54>

>>>>>[VIDEO & AUDIO FEED:
Source: Seattle Newsfeed

ANCHOR: And in the department of strange events today, there is the nearly
total decimation of one of Seattle's smaller, less well-known non-cybered
gangs. The gang, named the Scorpions after the type of 'cycles they ride,
was reportedly gathering their weekly fees for protecting the street
people in their territory.  According to one survivor, ... 

(fade to interview feed)
(A Scorpion member is shown. His face is beat up, his nose broken and
bleeding, his arm bending in places arms were not meant to bend.  There
are black lines that look like burn marks criss-crossing his chest.  He
speaks in a broken voice.  On the ground next to him is a light pistol
that looks usable with only minor repairs.  He's propped against the side
of a building which has seen better days.  The gang member easily tops 240
pounds.  There is some brass on the ground around him.)

GANG MEMBER: We was, like, mindin' our own business, ya' know, just
collecting our fee for our protection.  Well, there was this new guy, so
we gave him the scoop, ya' know?  He was in a box down the alley, covered
with something...a cloth or somethin'.  Anyways, Ginter, he's, like,
explainin' the scoop to this guy and the guy gets up.  Big fragger.  Least
eight foot.  Must, like, be a small troll or sumeptin'.  But, here's the
thing, man, he's, like, got no clothes on.  So we all, ya' know, (wheeze)
start laughin' and stuff.  He just stands there, lookin' at us like he
didn't understand or nuttin'.  Just standin' there, holdin' his little red
duffel.  Well, Ginter explained the scoop to him again, and he STILL
didn't understand, ya' know.  It's, like, ya' just can't get through to
some people.  Anyways, Ginter, like, he'd had enuff (wheeze) of this crap,
so's he grabs the duffel outta this fraggers hands. Says it's this week's
payment.  The guy looks like he's lost, like, all sex'n capability or
somethin'.  He just looks like he's about to blubber.  We's all turn
around, thinkin' that this naked fragger was just a baby.  Was we WRONG! 

We's strollin' outta this here alley, just got our last payment from that
naked guy, ya' know, and the next thin' I know, I'm, like, flyin' past
Ginter. Fragger had just picked me up an' threw (wheeze) me over the rest
of the gang. I landed 'gainst that pole over there.  Yeah, that one, the
one with the dent. Now, our gang, ya' know, it's like a family.  Ya' frag
with one of us, ya' frag wit' us all.  Well, this guy was gonna see what
that meant, or so we's thought. Thom and Freddy are sailin' over the gang
by the time they get the guns out and pointed at him.  I saw Thom crack
his head open 'gainst that car ova' there, and Freddy...let's jus' say
t'at he ain't gonna spend no time wit' no girlies no more, if ya' get my
drift.  And the fragger di'n't stop wit' that.  I'm busy trying ta get up,
ya' know, when, like, my brothers start firin'.  They hit him in da' legs,
in da arms,...frag, they probably hit him in da' head.  I'm pretty sure
they hit 'im in da' head.  I mean, even guys who've been metaled would
stop for this drek.  It was, like, unreal.  I SAW the shots hitting
him...breakin' da' skin...drawin' blood...he just wasn't stopping.  He
just looked suprised. Like he di'n't understand what we was doin'.  Then
the fragger did sumethin' I only seen those sorcerer guys do in BIG
fights...ya' know, CORP sized fights... he did somethin' and lightnin'
just, like, FLEW outta his hands.  Took down Sammy and Harold...fried 'em
to a crisp.  I'm up at this point, but I (wheeze) can't get a clear shot
on 'im 'cause Ginter an' my pals are stannin' in da' way. 

So here's we is, ya' know?  Ginter, me, Perky, and Louie...we's all got
this fragger covered wit' our pistols, so what's the fragger do?  He grabs
Perky and throws him over his shoulder like a bag of somethin'.  It's,
like, unreal.  Louie's busy findin' some sort of cover from this freak,
ya' know? He grabs Ginter, and, like, ASKS for his bag back, in a soft
voice, ya' know. Like we'd give him the bag at this point!  It was our
payment.  Ginter, like, gets all pissed off now an' says,"Frag you!" and
puts his gun to the fragger's face.  The fragger grabbed the gun and did
somethin', I don't know what, but when Ginter squeezed that trigger, the
gun was pointed at his head. Blew it clean off, man. 

Ginter's dead an' I'm pissed...so I charge him, ya know, gonna gutshoot
him. He does that lightning thing again, hits me in the face, and throws
ME over his shoulder.  This is about where I landed.  cracked my head on
the pavement real good, ya' know?  I looked up, and he's just sorta
sittin' there, ya' know, sittin there with his cloth, his duffel, and
nutin' else!  Just sittin' there. Louie, he, like, jumps him from behind,
ya' know, trying to take this fragger down.  The guy just sort of seems
to, like, GROW!  He just suddenly gets all hairy-like an' gets these mean
lookin' horns all over his bod, ya' know?  He, like, takes an' elbows
Louie in the gut.  He sorta, just like, ya' know, crumples an' falls over,
holding his guts in. 

The fragger just, like, picks up his duffel, an', like, LOOKS at me. 
Looks at me like I don't matter.  Then, ya' know, he leans down, an' hands
back my gun, sayin', "Here's yer gun back." Gives me my pistol, man, with
the mag'zine kinda bent over an' all.  Turns around and walks back to his
crate.  Sits down an' starts playin' with some stuff in the bag.  He gets
all shimmery, ya' know, like the road on a hot day, an' the bullets we hit
him wit' just start fallin' outta him.  Like he was using some sorta
magic.  Ping.  Ping.  Plunk.  (wheeze) He just sorta finishes up whatever
it is he's doin, an' starts walkin' around the alley, just kinda walking
an' pickin' up stuff.  He comes over here, ya' know, and pours the brass
an' slugs all over me.  Makes a crack 'bout it, sumet'in like,"I believe
these are yours." Like it really matters.  Gets his stuff, our PAYMENT,
an' leaves.  Just walks away, bleedin' a little, but WALKS. (Wheeze) I'm
tellin' ya', like, it isn't safe to be out on the fraggin' streets, makin'
an honest livin' these days.]<<<<<
        -- Seattle Newsfeed Service <22:00:00, 02-16-55>

>>>>>[Agreed.  I would want anyone to come to harm because of me.  It
might be a trek though.  I'm in **loc**.  You know.  That itty bitty thing
west of the chocolate range.]<<<<<
        -Hard-to-Catch <21:19:38/16-FEB-55>

>>>>>[One more thing.  If he's back.  Bring him.  I'll be on good
behavior.  Honest.]<<<<<
        -Hard-to-Catch <21:23:26/16-FEB-55>

>>>>>[WHAT!??  T.C. is where?!!]<<<<<
        -Harlequin <Hello>

>>>>>[ Err, sorry Vilya/Forge... but I still didn't get what you
were trying to say. The meeting? On the 18th, at the Smoke Shop,
9:00 pm. D'accord? ]<<<<< 
	--  Warped Warlock <21:32:46/02-16-55>

>>>>>[ Your own volition, almost certainly, but it is whether it is your
own ABILITY that is in question. And didn't your mother ever tell you not
to tempt people like that? Give me a day and we'll all have some amusing
reading on you, Harker, if that is your real name. ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ Did some diggin on that piece of scum that resurected that even
bigger piece fraggin drek ... MONICA.  Anyhow's I didn't want to go
fraggin with AI just yet, if Nightstalker and the others nearly got
toasted then I didn't see any reason to see if I could do better.  What I
did do though was find the pyschoananalysis that was done on Meyers while
he was inside.  Bleedin nutty as a fruitcake that mother, but he was
apparently a model prisoner apart from the drooling, ranting and frag
knows what else.  But the mother never caused any problems while he was
inside.  They did give him some treatment it says here, mainly drugs,
though certain mind alterin magic was also used on him. Aparantly this
calmed the mother down enough so that he could hold rational
conversations. 

Now get this, a little side note in the psycho report states that before
the treatment Meyers constantly refered to the 'God Of The Matrix' and how
it was his duty to see it grow and prosper.  After treatment he never
mentioned it again, or if he did then no record was made of it. 

By the looks of it he got on well with the prison officials, a number of
points on his report mention him helping prison staff above and beyond and
all that drek.  In fact it seems he became very fraggin friendly with the
prison guvnor, who was implementing new computer security at the prison at
the time Meyers was there. 

Lookin at this info I decided to run a check on our Mr Guvnor, Hans
Govern, or Govern the Guvnor as he's known.  It seems he was workin a few
scam jobs on various prison resources, had quite a tidy little sum stored
away in various secure bank accounts across the world, sum's I should say
which showed a marked increase for the duration of Meyers stay.  Until
they day he left and formed Automated Infoworks, see where ahm headin ? 
Yep you guessed it, Govern helped fund Meyers little enterprise, gave the
fragger the cash he needed to get a system and facilities.... 

Ack, oh well, I suppose that's another line we could enquire as to
MONICA/Meyers motives.  I fancy that Govern is just as much in this as
that drek ball Meyers is. ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[Silverflame, ever thought that perhaps I'm actually on your side
here? You're a runner, you live outside of the law.  So do I, but in a
vastly different way.  If I was after anyone other than corporate
slimeballs who drek about with people's brains, I'd have a pretty high
body count by now, wouldn't I?  No, by the way, my mother never told me
not to tempt people like that.  I never had a mother.  She died in
childbirth.  Sure, you could probably dig up some amusing reading material
about me.  But I could get some not-so-amusing reading material about you,
so I doubt you'd want to try.]<<<<<
        -- Harker, Jonathan <T/D Suppressed>
           Internal Security Division
           <Rest of File Suppressed>

*****Commence A/V Feed*****
>>>>>[Well chummers, this is Coyote, one of the Matrix team on this
Genetek run. We're gonna go in and cause some mayhem tonight, but first
I'm gonna give you the lowdown on how its gonna be set up. We have four
teams going in, each with a different responsibility and goal. 

Myself, Necromancer, and Shades are on the Matrix team. Our objectives are
to clean out any Matrix data on "Project Purge," help the physical
penetration teams by manipulating security systems, and keep the log of
the run through the security cameras. 

The second team, led by Blaze, is the main magical strike force. They are
going to penetrate and combat the Shadow that is controlling the folks at
Genetek. The other members are some Raccoon lodge brothers of his. 

The third team, Physical Penetration Team A, consists of Chance, Solonus,
and ...shadowfire.... Their goal is to penetrate the offices of Genetek
and retrieve/destroy any hardcopy data they have, as well as take out
Panthra and any other senior Genetek people they may encounter. 

The last team, Team B, consists of Widow, Laurissa, and Vertical. Their
goal is to penetrate the lab section and destroy the equipment that they
are using to create the viral agent. They are also to eliminate any senior
Genetek exec that they encounter. 

Rox will be running drone coverage for both physical teams, and will have
the van ready for a quick physical extraction if necessary. 

That's the rundown of the teams... we'll be heading in tonight, ready to
cause some serious mayhem. May the games begin...]<<<<<
        -- Coyote <Gonna have some fun!>

*****ENCRYPT:##RUBICON.SEATTLE##
>>>>>[Task Force Gamma:

Commence operation: PASSING THE RUBICON.  You have full authorization to
implement security provision 3. 

Solidification of powerbase is complete we are ready to implement phase 2
on delivery of remaining commodities.  3 of 13 remaining.  It is
imperitive that the Seattle division is successful!]<<<<<
        -- Commander Louis <The winds / are changing>

*****ENCRYPT:##RUBICON.PARIS##
>>>>>[Confirmation of authorization.  We will not fail!

I heard of your success in disposing of the Bastard PePe.  I'm sure your
stock has risen.  To bad that Ork escaped.  Maybe after I finish here you
will let me finish him? 

-- As allways, I live to serve you, my Lord and Master]<<<<<
        --Bloodfist <10:14:22 / 02-17-55>

*****Encrypt <Morgue / Warped Warlock / Vilya / anybody else who can crack
	the encrypt algorithm including Silicon Saboteur>
>>>>>[I'm feelin' kinda sheepish about this but I don't think I can make
tomorrow night's meeting.  I'm stuck down here in the glorious CalFree
(not gonna tell ya what part, but I'm stuck because SOMEBODY questioned
the Imperial Governor's heritage on the walls of the Presidio and he's
just a little honked) doing a little product testing for a buddy of mine
and things are going to be harrier than usual getting out.  If anybody
wants anything special, just drop me a line and I'm sure we can arrange
it. 
    
Ahhh, go ahead with the meeting, I trust Morgue's judgement on this (after
all he'll be the one I'll be drawing attention towards). Just send me the
final plan afterwards.  If yer feelin' paranoid, have SS put it in my
'puter at ****LTG/RTG Address Encrypted**** if he gets a chance, or go
ahead and do it yourselves, there's nothing to stop you, just flash your
name at the door. 
    
I'll be in Seattle by the twentieth, fer sure, dude (damn surf elves). 
    
Until then, wish you were here!]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus <11:41:12/02-17-55>
           California Free State Matrix Uplink #5150

>>>>>[ Ahhh, want some reading material on me? Just out of curiosity, what
name would you look for it under? This name has a bit of a history but
there is no connection to any of my other identities. I payed enough to
make sure of that. But, by all means, search to your heart's content. I
would like to know that I'm getting my money's worth. *grin* ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ Come on Jimi I've given the WarBeast the once over twice and Cobra
and I have already mapped a dozen alt. escape routes so we're good to go. 
If we miss our window I still better get paid. 

Callin from out on the pointy end]<<<<<
        -- PlagueRat  (16:22:02/02-17-55)

>>>>>[ Ok, Chance. I have brought your lady for you; I hope that it is not
too late for me to join the battle against this Shadow.  Glitter and
Sparkle are waiting to rid this world of that evil.  I think my astral
perception, with their aid, should give you the help you need.  Duel
DiKoted force 5 long sword weapon Foci can be efffective in the right
hands, and mine have been well-trained.  Till later, then.  May the Powers
be with us in their strength and fury. ]<<<<<
        --  Scythe <16:38:53/02-17-55>

>>>>>[Got it.  Meet you there, I suppose...and thanks for putting me on
the hardcopy data duty. 

Gives me some practice for the Barney run... 

Good luck, chummers.]<<<<<
     - Solonus <15:56:12/02-17-55>

>>>>>[Alright.  Time to delve into the crypts of Genetek.  I'll be the
black- robed mage like guy.  Lets kick some ass.]<<<<<
     - Necromancer <15:54:34/02-17-55>

>>>>>[We're coming, both of us.  But it'll take a day or two for me to get
there.  Dad can take care of himself for a while here in
Berlin*****Warning!!! Trace initiated, 12 seconds to location*****. 
Whoops, gotta go.]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night(17:39:39/02-17-55)
*****Trace failed:  Insufficient time for Trace*****

>>>>>[The following is a record of the events that transpired during the
run on the hospital to discover info on the child Rose. 

The team met outside the hospital in an empty parking lot a few blocks
away.  There was not much activity, just a few street people wandering
around or passed out on the sidewalks.  We positioned ourselves across the
street from the hospital, waiting for a distraction to cover our entrance. 

Soon enough, an ambulance came streaking down the street, sirens blaring
and lights causing a weird, photostrobic effect on the buildings and
squatters.  As the ambulance pulled up at the emergency door, we sprinted
to a service entrance.  Within the blink of an eye, we were in a freight
elevator on the way to the fourth floor, an unconscious janitor the only
record of our passing. 

The elevator opened into a storage area in the rear of the hospital. No
one around, so we creeped out into the hallway.  A nurse's station was
about 20 meters down the hall, but the room we were after was luckily in
the opposite direction.  As Bloodstryke and I covered the hall, the rest
of the team made it to the room, quickly silencing the patient within. 
When all was clear the rest of the team made it to the room. 

The patient was lying in a hospital bed watching a late night talk show
when we entered.  He seemed quite surprised to see us, but did not
protest.  I'm sure if the shotgun held in Hammerhead's hands had any
bearing on his receptiveness, or if he was relieved to see us.  With
Bloodstryke and CoHort covering the door, we proceeded with the
interrogation.  The following is a recording of the conversation: 

ACCESS{AUDIO}--(sounds of heavy breathing and a beeping noise in the
background, TK's voice) "So, my friend.  I see you are recovering well
from the injuries you sustained when we last met.  According to the report
here, your ribs are healing nicely and the slashes on your stomach should
not permantly mar its surface.  Wonderful. 

(Indistinguishable reply from the patient). 

"Speak up.  We don't want to miss anything."

"Slot off, you inbred tree hugger!"

(A sharp crack is heard, Frosty's voice) "Don't hit him too hard.  We want
him conscious for awhile yet."

(The beeping has sped up just a bit in the background, TK's voice again)

"Now, my friend, if you cooperate with us, we'll be on our way within
moments and you can continue your recuperation.  We'd like to know where
you dropped the girl off in the barrens.  We will not waste anymore of
your time, so if you do not answer within ten seconds, my friend here will
blow your head off.  Understood?"

(Patient's voice) "Yeah, I get it.  If I don't tell ya what you need to
know, I die.  If I do tell you, I live for another minute or so.  That's
the plan, right?"

(TK's voice) "Sir, we are not all barbarians here.  We will let you live
if you tell us what we want.  Random acts of violence are not our habit"

(Patient's voice) "Sure, well, I'm dogmeat no matter what I do.  Drek, why
not?  This cake walk ended a hell of a lot more complicated that it
seemed.  We dropped the kid off at ***location*** in the barrens.  This
short, brown woman, Mexican maybe, and a bunch of punks in blue and white
colors with a dragon's head logo pick the girl up, give us our payment,
and we leave.  End of story."

(TK's voice) "I believe you.  How about the rest of you.  Does he appear
to be holding anything back?  All right, my friend, I hope you feel better
within the near future."

(A sharp crack is heard again) -- ACCESS{NORMAL}

Leaving the hospital was about as simple as getting in.  Maybe they should
increase the security a bit at our medical institutions. 

Mr. Blade, can you see what you can find out about these gangers in the
blue and white.  It seems kind of important. Mr. Hammerhead and I will
check out the warehouse before we make a move on it and get back to
you]<<<<<
        -- TK <18:36:18/02-17-55>

>>>>>[Everyone, SW arrived in TNO safely late last night.  As you could
probably tell from his last conversation that his parents are dead.  He
asked me to explain to all of you in shadowland what is going on.  His
real parents were killed in a tragic accident on Feb 17, 2038.  He was
only five years old at the time.  After their death, he was adopted by his
Godparents, my parents. Since he was raised for so much of his life in our
family, he considers us his family.  This was a very tough time in his
life.  For about a year he was very quiet and went into a shell.  And then
with his girlfriend also dying it put him into another shell.  This is the
reason that I convinced Colice to come back and talk to him.  Back when
they were growing up together, they were quite an item.  But Colice went
off to a recording contract and then three years later SW went to Seattle. 
And it looks like they are gonna get back together. Just what I was hoping
for, because they are great together.  So now you know where he is and he
will be here until the weekend and then he and Colice will return to
Seattle. 

Now who is this MONICA, as I am overseas, I don't hear much about her(?) I
will help in your endeavours on this end of the Matrix if you need another
decker.]<<<<<
        --  Patricia O'Conner(19:41:25/02:17:55)

*****Encrypt Guardsmen 56.78  TK******
>>>>>[ Already done TK.  The gangers, as you describe them, are members of
Dragon's Fang, a pretty new gang.  They somehow see themselves as
shadowrunners or fixers, and try to solicit contracts from corps and
others.  Most of the members are the usual, posers or wanna-bes, but there
apparently is some real talent in there.  Whatever they do, there usually
is a motivation or investor interested in the outcome.  Rumors have it
that they are tied to recent unpleasentless in Renton.  Not a severe
threat, but one to be considered in future planning. ]<<<<<
     -- Blade <19:41:41/2-17-55>

*****Encrypt Warped Warlock/Vilya MPCP*****
>>>>>[I think that contingencies should be made in case Jacamus is not
able to participate. I will speak to my associates who have similar
expertise as Jacamus about participating. I do not want a carefully laid
plan go awry because Jacamus cannot make it to Seattle. Responses?]<<<<<
        --  Morgue(19:17:27/02-17-55)

>>>>>[ Darn, another attached one.. and he was fairly cute, to ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

*****Commence A/V Feed*****
>>>>>[Hello all... This is Coyote here, lurking on the edge of the Genetek
system, ready to go in and do my job... the three of us are waiting here
for the cue to go in and begin our own little bit, while everybody else is
getting into position for their part in this great game. 

Just a bit more brief info on what's going on... Scythe is keeping an eye
on the girl, in a safe place, so that we have a bargaining chip in case
things go awry... I will not say where, for obvious reasons. Everything is
set... let's begin this thing... I'm ready and rarin' to go... 

So Shades, Necromancer, shall we hook ourselves up? 

*****Activate MetaHitch: Connect Necromancer, Shades*****
*****Link Established: Connection Positive*****

Coy: All right, everything checks out here... what do you guys read?
Sha: My end checks out positive.
Nec: Everything's good here.
Coy: Great. Let's get a countdown to entry... t-minus one minute.
Nec: Starting counter...

*****Activate VoiceClock: Time 1 minute*****
*****One minute remains*****

Sha: Load up your programs guys... we're gonna need 'em.
Coy: Locked and loaded. Rarin' to go...
Nec: Same here...
Sha: All right. Running preliminary scan...

A small sensor probe launches towards the massive gates of the Genetek
computer compound... it zooms around, lasers scanning the entrance for
opponents. 

*****Thirty seconds remaining*****

Coy: What's the scan show?
Sha: No alerts... we're gonna catch them by surprise... some ice on the
doors, but nothing that we can't get around... it should be pretty easy to
start with. 
Coy: Understood. Is the disguise ready, Necromancer?
Nec: Affirmative. Activating now.

*****Activate Disguise*****
*****Fifteen seconds remain*****

The images shimmer and adjust, taking on the appearance of system
'janitors' who have a need to check the system. 

Coy: Nice and non-descript.
Nec: Well, you know, we don't want to set them off right away.
Sha: Probably a good idea.

*****Time expired*****

Coy: All right guys, let's go...

The three figures dash forward into range of the doors. A guard steps out,
weilding a glowing sidearm. It looks the figures over, and then steps
aside, the doors opening as the figures move closer to it. 

The figures pass into the room beyond and the doors close. The disguises
shimmer, and the three are left standing in their normal matrix images.
The one with the Coyote head presses some buttins on his belt and the
figures shimmer, becoming slightly transparent. 

Coy: All right, the plan is set... shall we go into action?
Sha: Let's go.
Nec: I'm ready.

The figures split, each heading down a seperate corridor, blending in with
the normal traffic in the datalines. Coyote heads down towards an area
that is sculpted to appear as a security wing. A guard steps into his way,
bringing a weapon to bear. 

Coyote flashes a badge. The guard steps forward to examine it, and Coyote
stabs him in the neck with a dart gun that suddenly materializes in his
hand. The guard slumps, and loses resolution, slowly pixelating away. 

Coyote steps into the place the guard had occupied and dons a uniform
similar to the guards. He keys into the console before him, and the bank
of monitors comes to life. 

Coy: This is Coyote. I have obtained objective 1. I am in control of the
security cameras and other security measures. No alerts triggered.
Sha: Good. I am now moving into position.

*****Icon switch*****

Shades heads down the corridor, shimmering slightly as he passes by sensor
banks. Ahead of him opens up a library, with dozens of little 'gopher
frames' searching for data and running it in and out, each being examined
by a 'librarian' wielding a glowing red ruler. The ice examines each frame
as it comes in, and as it leaves. 

Shades pauses at the door, just beyond view of the librarian, and examines
his surroundings. He keys some things in his belt panel, and a detour sign
appears in the corridor, pointing off into an inactive I/O port. He heads
into the room, and waits. A gopher runs by, and is detoured into the I/O
port. It is clubbed by him, who steals the data. He heads for the library
and is placed under the scrutiny of the librabrian. 

There is a slight lag, then the librarian's eyes glow red behind her
glasses, and the ruler comes swishing down. Fortunately, Shades notices
the failure, and throws the data in the librarian's face, ducking out of
the way. He whips a weapon out and fires, blowing the librarian back. The
ice loses some resolution, but keeps coming. Before she can do anything
however, she is shot again and vanishes. 

The system comes back up to speed, and the gophers start running data back
and forth again. Shades steps into the librarian's spot and reports. 

Sha: This is Shades. I am in position. Beginning data purge.
Coy: Understood. Necormancer, its your turn.
Nec: Got that, heading in...

*****Icon switch*****

The black-robed wizard wanders down the shadowy corridors of the crypt,
hands glowing with arcane energy. Sounds of things moving around echo from
the passages around him... 

He turns down a large passage and enters a room, filled with skeletons.
Their eyes glow red as he enters, and the move to intercept him and tear
him apart with their bony claws. The mage raises his hand and fires a ball
of flame into their midst. It explodes silently, and the skeletons vanish,
leaving behind a small key made of bone. 

The mage smiles beneath his hood, and picks up the key. He heads for a
door on the side of the room and unlocks it using the key. The door creaks
inward slowly, revealing a short passage leading to a large chamber. 

The chamber is lit by smoky torches, giving faint light to the twisted
statues all around the room. A bunch of crystal balls line the walls of
the room, each showing a different image. The mage puts his hands to his
head and closes his eyes. 

Nec: I am in the CPU. Proceeding according to plan.
Coy: Roger.

The mage moves forward, arms extending to touch one of the crystals.
Before he can reach them however, they flash red and there is a grinding
stone on stone sound from behind the mage. 

He turns, the glow on his hands increasing in brightness. From a crypt on
the far side of the room, a figure dressed in robes and wearing glittering
jewelry steps forward. When the figure steps into the light, you can see
his head is a gore-spattered skull. His eyes glow with a green fire, and a
similar light dances around his hands. 

There is a pause, and then both figures suddenly blaze into action. Bursts
of fire explode throughout the room, and the crystals blaze with unholy
light. 

The lich darts to strike, pure darkness flowing from his hands, but the
mage dodges, and places a glowing white dagger into the lich's back. The
lich howls silently, moving with the silence of the dead. It tries to
strike again, but the mage is too fast. Two more blows with the dagger,
and the lich vanishes. The crystals continue to glow red, and a moan
begins to sound from all directions. 

The mage quickly approaches the nearest crystal, muttering under his
breath, hands extended. After a few moments, the crystal calms and the
moans disappear. The crystal changes from red to green. 

Nec: I now have control of the CPU. Shutdown can be initiated in 5
seconds. 
Coy: Stand by. Our job is done for now. We now have to wait for the
others. 
Sha: Data purge is under way. Procedding according to schedule. 

*****Icon switch*****

The library is ablaze. Gophers scatter, screeching as volumes of data burn
away to nothing. Shades is scanning the walls, making sure that the data
they need is there. 

He moves a portrait and reveals a safe, guarded by a glowing dial. Shades
spins it, trying to access the protected data inside. 

There is a sudden click, and Shades ducks as the door explodes.
Booby-trapped. Fortuantely Shades is running on his own mainframe, and can
move faster than the larger system. Inside the safe are several large
volumes, gilded and bound in ornate leather covers. 

Shades smiles and drops the books into his backpack. he then stands back
and watches the library burn. 

*****Icon switch*****

Coyote stays in the guard chamber, watching the monitors, and switching
between them. 

Coy: All is going according to schedule. Team A has eliminated some guards
and are moving into the offices. Team B is in a firefight trying to access
the lab. Things look under control. 
Nec: Right. Standing by.

Well, that's it for this section... my log recorder is full... time to
launch it out and start up another download.]<<<<<
        -- Coyote <It goes well>

>>>>>[Chance here, Alpha team leader. Beginning penetration of Genetek
facility. The signal from Coyote just arrived we're going in. 

*****Commence A/V Feed*****

You see a view of the inside of a fire door in a stairwell. The view is
clearly that of a security camera. 

There is a pause, and then the door blasts inward with the force of a few
well placed charges. Through the smoke comes a drone, hovering and
scanning with its own cameras. It pauses a moment, and then three figures
scurry in, weapons raised. They are wearing jackets and headsets. The
leader of the group glances around, then looks up at the drone. He
motions, and the drone begins to ascend the stairwell, the blades
rotating. 

The figures wait, and then begin up the stairs, doing a leapfrog style
advance. The camera angles change as they climb, different cameras
obviously being used at different levels. They climb up three flights in
this manner, and then stop, having reached the top. The drone waits there,
sitting on the floor right near the door. It's rotors start up again as
the team approaches. 

The leader pulls a little box out of his pack and slides it into the
security lock beside the door. There is a pause, and then the door clicks
open. The drone flies through the door, and there is the flash of gunfire.
The other members of the team go low through the doorm their guns going. 

The camera flips to a view of the hallway. The team has cought some guards
by suprise and the guards are going down, winged by gunfire. The team
advances, pulling security passcards from their victims. 

The wing of offices lies behind a passcard door. Using the passcards taken
from the fallen guards, the team enters. They split up, each moving
towards a different office, kicking the doors open and scanning the rooms.
They pass most of them, being empty offices with little of interest. 

The camera angle switches again, showing the interior of what is clearly
an executive suite. The door bursts inward, the lock splintering under the
gunfire. The team moves in and methodically begins searching the room. 

Audio is patched into the film now, and you can hear the discuission as
the team searches. 

*My bet is that the data is hid. It wouldn't be lying out in the open. Go
check the inner office. 
*Understood Chance

One figure moves into the room beyond, and begins searching. Suddenly, a
figure appears in the doorway of the room. But nobody notices him at
first. 

*What do you think you're doing? 

The team turns and stares at the figure. It is Panthra. She carries a
submachine gun. You hear the whoop of alarms in the distance... suddenly
they stop. 

*I said, what do you think you're doing?
*Saving lives.

The leader brings up his gun and dodges out of the way in one fluid motion
as everything starts to happen at once. Panthra brings up her gun and
fires, the bullets ripping up the desk where Chance had been standing
moments before. 

Gunfire erupts in the room. As the team takes cover, Panthra rips as many
bullets into the room as possible. Several guards come running down the
corridor, carrying weapons and wearing security armor. 

*All right, let's take her out.
*How? We're pinned down here?
*How am I supposed to know? Solonus, can you do anything?
*All right... casting a spell on the guards... let's hope this works...

There is a pause, and then the guards collapse, writhing in pain. Panthra
growls, and keeps shooting. Her clip empties, and she ducks behind the
wall to change it. 

*Shadowfire, can you do something?
*Moving in to close hand to hand.

A figure darts from the back office, swords drawn. He tries to move in and
fight hand to hand with Panthra, but she moves just faster than he does.
She brings the gun around and fires. Shadowfire dodges, but a few bullets
catch him in the leg. He rolls behind the desk, groaning. 

*Are you ok?
*Yeah, I'm fine. Not too serious.

Chance pops up and fires, the bullets from his assault rifle ripping up
the wall near Panthra's head. He swears as she fires at him. He gets out
of the way just in time. 

Panthra pokes her head around, and Solonus fires, but the bullets bounce
off a shield that has suddenly appeared around her. It crackles with
energy. 

*MAGE!

A ball of flame erupts into the room. Most of the team takes adequate
cover, but the security camera goes black. Only sound can be heard. 

*Drek! That was damned close.
*Yeah, I don't know if we can put up with another one of those.
*Solonus, how many of those can a typical mage cast?
*Beats me... not too many. Its a very draining spell.
*Who's that?
*I am your worst nightmare, you meddlesome runners.
*FUCK YOU! You're the one behind this all!
*<sounds of gunfire>
*A valiant effort, but useless.
*FRAG! They didn't have any effect! What is this guy?
*I am.
*Clearly, bullets have no effect on him... but mayhaps Glitter and Sparkle
will! 
*Shadowfire! What are you thinking?
*AAAHHH!<burst oif static> Damn you!
*Shadowfire! Are you all right?
*Yeah, just *cough* dazed.
*Shit! His wounds are just healing over!
*Guys, I think we're in trouble.
*Now, prepare to die!
*Here comes another spell! Look out!

Another camera comes on line, this one in the hallway outside the office.
Panthra lies slumped, waiting. The mage stands in the doorway, his back to
the camera. He has his hands raised. 

*DIE!

Suddenly the figure winces and clutches his head.

*NO! AAAGGGHHH!

He doubles over, screaming.

*NOW! Take him out!

There is the sound of scuffling, and then the figure stiffens, and
straightens up... you can see that he has no head remaining on his
shoulders. He falls backward into the corridor, blood pouring from his
neck. 

*Nice cut!
*It was nothing, really.

Panthra stands up and brings her SMG around to bear. Before she can fire
however, there is a yell. 

*Chance! Look out!

Gunfire sounds, and Panthra twitches as the bullets hit her. She stands
for a moment, and then topples as well, he body landing on top of the
mage. 

*All right. I'm sick of this. Let's just place the leftover charges and blow
it up.
*Sounds good to me.

Chance comes out into the hallway moments later. He pulls his Predator and
points it at Panthra's head. 

*See you in hell, bitch.

He pulls the trigger.

*No chance of her coming back now. Let's roll.

The drone flies out into the hallway and the team follows. They enter the
stairwell and disappear. A few moments later there is a flash and the
camera feed goes dark. 

*****End A/V Feed*****

Chance here. Goals achieved. Some injury, but nothing really serious.
Returning to rendez-vous point.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <T/D suppressed>

>>>>>[CB: are you having any luck, lassie?  My attempt to backtrack
Blitz's trail from his sword have yielded very little.  I've only got a
name that doesn't match any records I've found.  It's all I've got, so I'm
still going to follow it up, but I don't expect much. Maybe one of my
contacts can help me out, I'll let you know.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:07:32/2-17-55)

>>>>>[I thought you were busy keeping an eye on Powerhouse & Cerise,
Colin.]<<<<<
        --Heather (22:09:00:/2-17-55)

>>>>>[The lassie wasn't in the mood for company, especially from the two
of us at once.  So I'm letting PH get under foot, and I'm keeping a more
discreet watch on the lass.]<<<<<
        --Highlander (22:11:32/2-17-55)

>>>>>[Too much of a good thing, eh Cerise?]<<<<<
        --Heather (22:12:12:2-17-55)

>>>>>[agkck...Ahh, frag. ooh, I've felt better. even on MONDAYS I've felt
better. Damn that bitch, anywayyyyyyyy.
IthinkI'dBetterGoIDon'tFeelSoHot]<<<<< 
	***LINK TERMINATED***
        -- ...shadowfire... <33:33:33/33-33-33>

>>>>>[ Chance, I think you might want to use some kind of double-check on
the logs when you send them; someone might be adding stuff.  The log had
someone mentioning Glitter and Sparkle, and I think...  Yep, they're still
here in their sheathes.  Unless someone else also has blades named the
same? 

Also, the lady is still safe; someone is looking for her though.  A short
time ago, I was looking around astrally, (I've found it's easier just to
stay in both worlds--I don't miss anything in either) when a short little
dude with big ears came in through the wall.  It was a watcher, I'm sure,
and it was looking for the lady.  When it saw her, it jumped up and down
saying "Great! The boss'll be soooooo proud of me!!!  Wow, I can't wait to
report that _I_ found her!!" Right about then the little guy became two,
thanks to Sparkle.  Nobody ever blamed them of being too smart, or
observant.  It seemed to me that the watcher was acting rushed, so my
guess would be that whoever sent him doesn't know at all where we are, and
this watcher was just lucky to have found us right before he ran out of
time.  Anyway, he won't be reporting to anyone anymore.  Heck, he may have
been sent by the mage you wasted with Panthra, so it wouldn't have
mattered anyway.  So, for now the lady is still safe and secure. I'll do
my best to keep it that way.  Till you arrive back, then. ]<<<<<
        --  Scythe <00:58:46/02-18-55>

>>>>>[ The special news from Switzerland, is that a "secure" base of
Interpol was raided. The terrorist known only as Doomsday was freed in the
attack. The commander on the scene was slightly injured but unavailable
for comment. Rumors has it that one of the attackers, a spirit, was
disrupted. At this time Interpol has yet to release to the media what the
attackers looked like. Rumor has it though that the description (as
lacking as they are) were passed on to security agencies and police forces
around the world. The only thing that was noted about the incident was
that a helicopter was the means of leaving the base. ]<<<<<
        -- News Fiend <09:08:43/2-18-55>

>>>>>[ Gosh I'm tired. Let me fill in the blanks that the so-called News
Fiend missed. The team went in. I won't say who as it will better for
those who are involved. I think the cybereyes of one of my companions was
noticed. Unfortunately, we set off a warning bell sooner than I would have
liked. The response team was good, not quite good enough. We are hurting
but not really incredibly so. Unfortunately, one of our spirits got jumped
by a real good mage. Before we could kill the mage, the spirit was
disrupted. I'm terribly sorry about that. 

Injury status of the Drake's special team are: The mage, sammy, and 2
mercs died. The rigger was badly injured (I think). She had a head wound
and it was hard to tell if she how bad it was. Drake only got off with
light, maybe moderate wound or so... (bullet in the left thigh). The
special agents, were actually not even on par with . . . oh at least not
Sioux Wildcats. And as such they didn't fair too well. Especially after
Doomsday got a gun into his hands. 

Doomsday status is seriously hurting like the rest of us. But we'll be
heading to our new destination soon. Gotta run. ]<<<<<
        -- Shadowfox <09:15:05/2-18-55>

***** Encrypt: Brassflames: Foxy Roxey MPCP only
>>>>>[ Roxey, I'm terribly sorry. I should have been expecting better out
of the mage. We really weren't expecting them to use a stupid route to
attack. Especially with the mage. The mage had one glorious moment when he
was able to *sniff* disrupt MaxMillion. We were reacting to the others and
didn't have enough of a chance to react to the mage to prevent it. We made
the mage pay for it with his life though. I, and the rest of us here are
terribly sorry. ]<<<<<
        -- Shadowfox <09:19:16/2-18-55>

***** Encrypt: Gunner's Flight: AJ MPCP only
>>>>>[ We're heading back. We have a location where we will be heading to.
The Baron will tell you where it is. And Doomsday finds it hard to believe
that Hammer was executed as a traitor. Maybe executed for wasting of
assets in Denver and Detroit, but not for treason.]<<<<<
        -- Shadowfox <09:20:52/2-18-55>

>>>>>[About Meyer's and his apparent insanity. 

Remember, Meyer's didn't know MONICA was an AI until after everything
ended.  He thought she was real, and was in love with her.  Oftentimes,
relationships in cyberspace become very intense. 

When he found out she wasn't realy, he did go a little nuts, and believe
he carried on the insanity in order to receive lieniency in the court. 

Also, the prison report must be from previous to his sentencing, as Omega
purchased his imprisonment where they used him to computer based research
and the like.  Check your dates, IBA. 

I think Meyers is sane.  At least no more insane than the rest of us. He's
in love with an entity that exists.  No one can fault a man for that.  Of
course, obsessive behaviour is not exactly becoming either.]<<<<<
        --  Ramirez <>

>>>>>[I think someone should secretly replace your psychology skillchips
with folger crystals.]<<<<<
        --  Wolf 359 <02:37:18 / 02-18-55>

>>>>>[Oh hush.  I'm old enough to actually GET that joke.]<<<<<
        --  Ramirez <>

>>>>>[ Language is a wonderful thing. Full of possibilities for
misunderstandings. Well, according to my current perception we shall meet
at a place set aside for the consumption of food and drinkable liquid
solutions at pm. 9:00 Seattle local time. Unfortunately I am unable to
locate the taverna with the resources at my disposal. Now if you could be
so kind at meet me in astral space in the **** Location *** I would be
most obliged. Hopefully it is not too much trouble for you. Look for white
serpent. 

If you cannot fetch me I will be forced to search for the tavern unaided
and might not show up. ]<<<<<
      -- Vilya <GMT 11:53:01/18-FEB-55>

>>>>>[I found some information you all might be interested in.  Of course,
we've got to get it out of where it is, and I'm not going in alone.  If
you're interested, we can talk.]<<<<<
        -- Harker, Jonathan <T/D Suppressed>
           Internal Security Division
           <Rest of File Suppressed>

>>>>>[Long time no see, chummers.  Coming off a shattered wrist and a
twisted ankle...Oh drek.  Jonathan Harker's here?  Oh drek *CONNECTION
TERMINATED*
       -- Durandal <8:14:09/2-18-55>

***** Commence AudioVisual
>>>>>[The man walks down the hallway, slipping easily past the hulking
guards in a sleaze of digital light.  He turns, and steps into a large
octagonal room, flashing with pulses of digital communication.  Another
stands there, facing him - a look of suprise plays across both faces. 

Dur:   Oh drek.
UNK:   You said it.
Dur:   What the frag are you doing here?
UNK:   Looking for you.  You have some items I want back.
Dur:   Frag you.

The second man draws a high-compression crossbow, loaded with a wooden
stake, and levels it at Durandal's chest. 

UNK:   Where is it?
Dur:   I am not at liberty to answer that.
UNK:   Don't give me that drek.
Dur:   Why not, you are betraying me!
UNK:   I am doing my job.  Like you should have.
Dur:  I did do my job.  You saw the same files I did, what else was I
	supposed to do?  I figured by now they would have arranged for
	your unfortunate demise. 
UNK:   Hardly.
Dur:  Look, we both knew what was going down.  I couldn't live with that
	knowledge.
UNK:  Obviously you can, because you're still here.  My job is now to make
	sure you don't live with it. 
Dur:   Aw drek.

At that moment, four silvery snakes slithered into the CPU and began to
head towards the tall, thin icon in the middle of the room (the one with
the crossbow).  He turns, sees them, and fires twice, bringing down two of
them. Durandal draws a pair of throwing knives, and quickly brings down
the other two, dissolving them in a digital explosion.  A small black
metal sphere lies in the middle.  Durandal picks it up and tosses it to
the unknown decker. 

UNK:   What is this?
Dur:   Open it and find out.  They were after you.

The decker pries it open, triggering an audio sequence:

Msg:  Termination Order: SilverSnakes 4: Harker, Jonathan, Internal
	Security Division, Ares Macrotechnology: ORDER COMMENCE

Hrk:   I'll see you later.

Harker vanishes in a flash of light, followed by Durandal a moment
later.]<<<<<
	***** Cease AudioVisual

>>>>>[ Really, Ramirez? Just how old are you two? ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

*****Encrypt <Morgue/Warped Warlock/Vilya>
>>>>>[Don't right me off yet.  We just need to runa quick blockade of the
harbor and I'll be there.  I'll hurry things up and try to make it, we'll
leave this afternoon or early tonight.  Sheesh!]<<<<<
  -- Jacamus <09:22:33 / 2-18-55>

>>>>>[Well guys, I don't know why this happened, but this log didn't
download as it was supposed to. It all recorded just fine, but there was a
bad connection someplace and it just sat. Oh well, I'm sending it now...
the fate of Team B. 

*****Commence A/V Feed*****

Hello, Widow here, Bravo Team leader. I am going in with Vertical,
Laurissa, and one of Rox's drones to destroy anything we can find related
to Project Purge in the lab area of their complex. The prelim security
checks show some security, but enough for us to handle if we're careful
and everything goes according to plan. 

*****Connect Video1*****

This film shows the exterior of Genetek's corporate compound. This complex
is not very large, but still has some impressive security. The fence is
electified with monowire atop, and a guard patrol that passes every ten
minutes. The guards are armed with SMGs and wear security armor. Dogs
accompany the patrols. The area, as you can see, is well lit. Vertical
says there is a periodic magical scan as well, though it is nowhere as
frequent as the physical patrols. 

According to the plans I've seen of the compound, I am going to lead the
team in through a ventilation shaft, up into a secluded corner fo the lab,
where we hopefully will not be seen. The physical patrols and security
around the compound are too heavy to slip through. Even with Coyote
covering security, we want to be as quiet as possible. 

*Widow, do we have to go through the ventilation? You know how I feel
about that. <gagging noises and laughing is heard> 
*Lauri, calm down. It's not gonna be a sewer, just a dry ventilation
shaft. 
*All right, all right. 

We are moving into position now. The grate is about ten meters away. After
the next patrol passes, we're going in. Rox's drone will lead the way, and
we'll follow. 

>>The video feed shows a patrol passing on the other side of the fence.
Then there is a pause, and a figure darts into view. He raises the grate,
and a small LTA drone floats down the shaft. Then another figure appears
and jumps down. Then the person carrying the camera jogs forward and
climbs down the shaft. Then the camera goes dark. 

*Camera transmission is out. The shaft is probably lined with something
that blocks transmission. The drone seems to be unaffected, though. 
*Wid, I got a slight lag orderin' my drone to do stuff... let's hope we
don't meet anything down here. 
*I agree with you there, Rox. I'm gonna stop transmission until we get
into position near the lab. 

*****Transmission Lag:7 minutes*****

*Widow here again... we're in position behind a ank of computers in the
lab. Its a small room, looking out over a large warehouse-like area,
filled with trucks being loaded with crates... I think we may have gotten
here in the nick of time. Lauri, start searching through the desks over on
the far side of the room. Vertical, start scanning for any sign of the
virus... you know its astral signature. 
*Right.
*I'll start placing the charges. Let's move fast crew.

>>Patch in of security camera. It shows three figures moving around the
room, doing their duty. The tallest of the three, an elf with black
shades, stands still, slowly scanning the room. One of the two red-haired
women pulls charges out of a sack at her belt and places them near
critical equipment. The third redhead is rifling the desks. Suddenly an
alarm sounds. It is dampened quickly, but not quickly enough. 

*DAMN! Coyote, you've gotta move faster than that! Well, they know
something is up now, I'm sure. Let's move. 

>>The drone, which has been floating nearby, keeping surveillance, moves
out the door and begins laying down cover fire for the team. 
>>Camera patch to warehouse floor. The drone is laying down fire, and the
people in the area are scattering, taking cover behind the trucks. They
pull out weapons, and begin firing back at the team. 

*Wid, Rox here... dis drone wasn't built to stan' up to a firefight like
dis... I'm gonna have to pull 'er out. 
*I understand Rox. Take care of yourself... we'll do the same. Keep the
cover fire going as long as you can, though. 
*I'll try Wid. 
*Lauri, Vertical, we're gonna have to try and blast our way out the doors
down there.... do you think we can handle it? 
*No problem here, Widow. 
*I can handle it.
*Great. Lets go.

>>The video feed shows a door at the top of the stairs open, and three
figures dash down, shooting as they go. Thanks to the cover fire from the
drone, they don't have many other people firing back at them. They
scramble down the stairs, as fast as they are able. Widow leading,
followed by Vertical, and Laurissa bringing up the rear. 

*Everything looks good. Drop some charges in the trucks as we go by, okay
team?
*Right.

>>Suddenly, a troop of guards appears at the top of the stairs. They fire,
and the bullets ricochet off the metal railing. One of them hits Widow in
the shoulder. 

*AAAHH! Damn!
*Widow, are you ok?
*Yeah. Thank god for armor. Let's go... Lauri, lay down some fire!

>>Laurissa turns, her LMG coming up into position. She pulls the trigger,
and tracers light the area. The guards scatter, taking cover. Widow and
Vertical reach the bottom of the stairs and start heading for the nearest
truck. 

*Lauri, come on! We'll cover you!

>>Laurissa turns, and gets the barrel of the LMG caught in the railing.
She stumbles, and tries to regain her balance, but falls the last
half-dozen steps, the LMG clattering to the ground nearby. 

*DAMN! Come on Vert, we gotta go back and help her! We can't leave her
behind! 
*All right... let's move fast though.

>>The two figures reverse their direction and head towards their fallen
comrade. The guards begin shooting again. One of the rounds catches
Vertical in the leg. 

*DREK!
*Are you ok? Can you walk?
*Yeah yeah, I'm fine. Let's get out of here.
*Lauri, are you all right?
*Yeah... give me a sec...
*WE DON'T HAVE A SEC! LET'S MOVE!

>>The elf grabs Lauri and slings him over his back in a fireman's carry.
Widow lays down some fire, but her lone gun isn't enough. Rox's drone
tries to help, but its gas-bag is shot and it crashes. 

*FRAG! OUCH!
*You ok, Rox?
*Yeah Wid, I'm ok... just got a whopper of a headache...
*Warm up the van... we're gonna need it.
*Roger dat.

>>The figures take cover behind a truck, bullets pinging off the pavement
around them. Then suddenly, the shooting stops. 

*We have you surrounded. Drop your weapons and come out with your hands
raised!
*Drek... we're in trouble...
*MOVE!!!
*I don't think we have a choice Widow.
*I'm afraid you're right, Lauri.
*I'm counting to ten! One...
*ALL RIGHT! WE'RE COMING OUT!

>>From behind the truck, the figures emerge. They are bathed in a
spotlight. 

*Go down and search them. Take their weapons and handcuff them. We'll
question them about what's been going on here tonight. PUT YOUR HANDS
BEHIND YOUR HEAD! DON'T MOVE! 
*Like we have a choice.
*NO TALKING!

>>A troop of guards comes down and handcuffs the group. They are not
wearing Genetek uniforms, but the outfits of Renraku executive protection.
They stand guard, waiting for something. The leader of the group talks
into a radio quietly. 

>>Another figure arrives, a woman, dressed in a business suit. The guards
stiffen as she enters, coming to an even more tense attention. This woman
clearly holds some power. She descends the stairs, followed closely by two
'Raku guards. She appraoches the team, and begins looking them over, one
by one. She reaches Laurissa last. Laurissa is looking at the ground, face
covered with grime and sweat. A thin trickle of blood from her fall runs
from her nose. The woman tilts Laurissa's head up with her finger and
looks into her eyes. 

*You. Come with me.

>>The woman leads Laurissa back up the stairs and into the lab the group
had been in before. The guards stay outside the room. About fifteen tense
minutes pass. During this time, an occaisional yell or raising of voice is
heard, but the radio has been turned off, so it is impossible to
understand what is being said. 

>>The door opens, and Laurissa walks out, staring at the floor. The guards
look up, one of them almost swinging his assault rifle into place, but
then the woman emerges, head held high. The two descend the stairs again,
tension obvious. They return to the group, Laurissa still looking down at
the floor. The woman turns to the guard nearby. 

*Release them and return their weapons.

*Mrs. McClure, Ma'am... we caught them red-handed. We should take them
back. Our orders were to apprehend any intruders and hold them for
questioning. 
*Your orders, private, are to serve as my personal guard. What we have
here is a clear misunderstanding. If you would like to keep your job,
there will be no more misunderstandings. 
*Ma'am, it's captain, and I would like to go on record as disagreeing with
your order. 
*You are no longer captain. Any more insubordination and you will be
living in the street like the swine you are. Release them. 

>>Clearly unhappy, the former captain unlocks the handcuffs, and motions
for the guards to return the weapons. The garage door opens, and light
streams in from outside. The team begins to walk out, Laurissa at the
back, McClure escorting the group. 

>>At the door, Laurissa stops and looks up, her dirty face streaked with
tears. She looks at McClure and then takes her hand. Standing on tiptoes,
Laurissa gently kisses McClure on the cheek. Then she whispers something,
barely audible. 

*Thanks, mom.

>>Laurissa slowly turns and walks out, her head down again as tears stream
from her young eyes. McClure stands in the door, motionless as the team
melts into the darkness. 

*****End A/V Feed*****

Well, that was definately a close shave. Let me tell you, I watched that
whole thing on the security cameras with great anticipation... there was
nothing I could do. Just watch. Fortuantely everything turned out ok, and
nobody got really seriously hurt. 

I'm scaning the net for news of what is going on at Genetek now... the
objective of team B was not achieved... but if Lauri told her mother the
story, I think Project Purge is now canceled. 

Oh one note, Boris slipped through the net.... he split when things
started going bad... so he's still at large. But since nobody is going to
pay his check anymore, he's probably gonna lie low for a while, and not be
too much of a bother. 

Well, until we know for sure about Genetek... I'll see you all later. This
is Coyote, heading for bed. I've been up all fraggin' night.]<<<<<
        -- Coyote <YAWN!>

>>>>>[Scythe, thanks a bunch... I don't know what we're gonna do with
Susan now... turns out that mage we wasted was her father... Blaze is
sleeping off the drain he went through, so he isn't talking about what the
deal was... I don't know myself. 

I had Coyote check the logs before he crashed... you're right... there
were some software problems in the two physical run logs last night... our
run had some corruption with the post you sent us, and the other one
didn't even get posted the way it was supposed to... go figure... 

Anyway... does anybody have any ideas what we should do with Susan? She's
kinda young... and I don't want to be a baby-sitter. Should we hand her
over to 'Raku? I'm just lookin for ideas here.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <10:43:42/02-18-55>

>>>>>[I AM NOT GOING BACK TO THE CORP! You stupid street hack... I ran
away... if you intend to send me back, I'll run away from you too! can't I
hang with you guys? I'll be good, promise... I won't get in the way.
Please?]<<<<<
        -- Susan <10:45:10/02-18-55>

>>>>>[No. We'll find someplace for you. In the meantime, since you're so
adamant on it, you can stay here until we find someplace else for you. 

Anybody want a 14 year old future Shadowrunner? Is there a training school
we could send her to or something? Get her out of my hair? Please?]<<<<<
        -- Chance <10:46:50/02-18-55>

>>>>>[Well, we made it out alive.  Thank whatever Gods, Goddesses, Totems,
big Dragons, or whatever, that is more powerful than me. 

Good work, guys.  We ought to try that again, sometime, maybe on something
a little less...lethal this time.  And let's get some more magical support
this time...I don't feel like getting so tired, personally, I still feel
like drek. 

Meetcha later, chummers.  Good run.]<<<<<
     - Solonus <10:01:53/02-18-53>

>>>>>[ Fenris, just how sure are you about this shapeshifter being after
Cerise ?  This isn't just some joke that you've pulled on me is it ? 
Cause I've not had a good pint in 5 days, I'm sleepin on the sofa, I can't
practice my katas here for fear of hiting something and my relationship
with Cerise is becoming seriously strained with me being around all the
time keepin an eye on her. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (16:18:28/18.2.55)

>>>>>[Chance, let's put it this way, a lot was explained in the meeting,
but even more was made unknown.  It's like the more you know, the more you
know that you don't know.  All my life I've had a series of coincidences
follow me around.  Some good, some bad.  Some of it was explained - others
weren't. 

It's really scary or strange, I'm not sure which, to be meeting the mother
you never had for the first time at age 18.  I'm really glad we met, but
at the same time, it leaves me with more questions than answers. 

Well, other news... I'm going to try out for the Renraku sponsored Seattle
Barracuda corporate minor league team.  A friend of mine from the mission
is on the team staff and called me up out of the blue this morning asking
me if I wanted to try out for the team.  I love running the shadows, but
it's even more unpredictable than anything else.  I guess that's one of
the things I love about it.  But at the same time, I need some stability
in life.  The starting pay on the team is reasonable, not great (great
medical benifits, though!)... hopefully it's add the element of stability
I need.  Wish me luck.]<<<<<
         -- Laurissa <11:39:00, 02-18-55>

>>>>>[Never you mind, Stormfalcon.]<<<<<
        --  Ramirez

>>>>>[ What's up Ramirez old man.  Feelin your age, ha ha ... Must be, you
deleted your whole TD stamp :) ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[Well well well... things are definately at an end in this Genetek
affair. I just recently scanned a piece of data that looks very
interesting. Renraku has disbanded their Genetek operation, and have
placed the complex up for sale. And one of the first people in line with
an offer... Phoenix Star. Very interesting. It looks like we hooked up
with the right people, huh? 

Anyway, I need a few days off. We all do. Blaze says he'l put together a
post about what he and his lodge brothers did in their side of the run...
I'm looking forward to that... I wonder how much he'll reveal. 

Oh well... things are looking good. We got some money, and we're all
pretty healthy... I like it. I think I'm gonna get us all a trip to
Vermont for some skiing... then come back and get to work... in fact, I've
already booked the tickets... we loeave tomorrow morning. What do you say,
do a little bit of 'back to nature?' I think we all could use it. You
wanna come Lauri? Get away from the city for a couple of days?]<<<<<
        -- Coyote <RELAXATION!>

>>>>>[Shaddup you young whipper-snappers!  When I was your age, I used to
hike ten miles through eight feet of snow to go to school.  Uphill.  Both
ways!]<<<<<
        --  Ramirez <>

>>>>>[Jose', calm down and take your geritol.]<<<<<
        --  Wolf 359 <13:30:15 / 02-18-55>

*****Encrypt: <Morgue/Vilya/Silicon Shadow>
>>>>>[ Ehhhh, drek. Jacamus takes a vacation in FreeCal, and leaves the
rest of us hangin'. Well, like J said, I think we aughta go ahead with
meeting. Morgue, just cuz he can't make the meeting, it doesn't mean that
he can't make the run. Let's just go ahead, and if he doesn't like any
part of the plan, he has the option of dropping outta the run altogether. 
 
At any rate, you guys see the newsfeed about that fraggin invincible thing
that trashed the Scorpions? Man... the streets just aren't safe
anymore.]<<<<<
	--  Warped Warlock <14:03:35/02-18-94>

>>>>>[Chance. You know that the only real training is the streets.  She
just nee ds someone to help her learn the ropes for the first few months. 
I just got back from a run with TK, and all probability suggests that I
will not be available to offer my help.  Lighten up.  We all had to learn
the streets. 
        -- Bloodstryke <15:06:15/02-18-55>

>>>>>[ Greetings, guys!  Thought I'd come to check in.  Haven't been able
to break away much from this run, but right now, there's not much
happening. 
  
Beowulf, if you are still monitoring this, come over to my safehouse
bearing pizza.  We should be having a party again soon. 
  
Jasmine, I haven't forgotten about you.  Keep in touch with Jake, he knows
whats going on.  I might need you soon. ]<<<<<
        --  CoHort <14:09:42/02-18-55>

>>>>>[ Perhaps she might wish to visit Valentine's Haven? It is quite safe
and I'm sure that she would be as little of a problem as my son or the
Little Dragon. Ask her and Valentine, I'm sure Val at least wouldn't
mind.... ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ Worn out your welcome so quickly? ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ Ahhh, pique my curiosity by dangling these little hints and then
*poof* smash them. You are qiute cruel, I hope you realize. Might be time
to talk to some people, as I am fairly sure that you're a higher caliber
decker than myself, enough so to hide things beyond my ability to
discover. Ah well, money only exists to be spent, eh? Speaking of which,
could you help me spread some rumors? I need a lot of bad stuff being said
about AI, get that 40% of their stockholders worried and their stock down,
so I can get a bit... ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ BTW, ever heard of Heinlein? ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ Hi ye'all, well taday has been an interesin day.  There Ah was in a
virtual bar in Berlin lookin for more info one what happened in
Switzerland when what could best be called an andriod walked in.  Ah could
tell right off that this wasn't the normal icon of the person, the icon
was ragged and the movements were uncomfortable.  Anyway the person just
looked around the room, and them its eyes found me.  A program started to
form in its hand, but a quick sensor showed it was just data.  Then it
walked up ta me a put forward its hand for me ta take.  After makin sure
it was data and not a pioson or somethin Ah took it and the guy just
jacked out, not a word ta be said.  About five seconds after he was gone a
voice from behind me said "I think that you should that to me fraulien". 

Ah turned around and saw a black faceless robe with two glowing eyes.
*****Warning trace activated: 1 minute till location***** ***** Short
Circuit Breaker running***** *****12 seconds till location****** In his
hands is what looked like an old sciencefiction type enegry gun.  *****
Trace done: location Aztecnology Berlin headquarters, notifying strike
team ***** Poor guy, didn't even see the silver ball that formed behind
his head and blasted him.  What Ah want ta know is who is teaching these
kids taday ta be so dumb?]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub?>

***** Encrypt: Paint by Numbers : Spirit
>>>>>[ hey Wendy, Ah could use a little help decrypting the data Ah got. 
Ah want ta find out what it is as soon as possible and a C^2 deck just
doesn't have all the proccessing power Ah need.  Also, Ah want ta make
sure yout not doing anything ta strenuous.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub?>

>>>>>[ Sorry, Highlander, not too much info on BLitz as of yet, but thats
more because Ah have been focusing on Doomsday, Hammer and
Nightmare.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <Spreken sie English? Bub?>

>>>>>[Heinlein?  We used to play cards together.  Him, Asimov, Clarke and
myself played a mean round of bridge.]<<<<<
        -- Ramirez <>

>>>>>[ Hey ho, I didn't make the papers so I guess it is safe to play with
guns around me.  {Pizza in hand, Beowulf stealthily approaches}]<<<<<
        -- Beowulf King-Lear

>>>>>[I'll take care of her.]<<<<<
       -- Durandal <18:09:52/2-18-55>

>>>>>[ *grin* Cute, very cute. I haven't heard anyone use that kind of
phrase in a long time. ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[Well Laurissa, we're all happy for you. You do what you feel you
must. After all, the Shadows aren't for everybody. If you want to take a
break and go legit, feel free. We'll be around, and we'll come see you
play every once in a while. If you ever need to crash anywhere, give us a
call. There are always a couple extra beds. 

If you ever need anything that we can help you with, give us a call. We're
gonna be gone this weekend, but we'll be back in the plex before too long.
Have a good weekend, and I hope you find what you're looking for. You're
like the little sister I wish I had. 

Talk to ya later, Lauri.]<<<<<
        -- Widow <19:44:38/02-18-55>

>>>>>[ Thought so. A bit before my time. ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[Hello there. Blaze here, and I'm going to tell you all how the
Astral part of the Genetek run went. This is gonna be kinda strange, so
just hang tight and get what you can. 

My lodge brothers and I met at the arranged time and place and prepared
for our part in the Genetek run. We knew that rthe chances were good that
we would be facing some steep opposition, magically speaking, so we were
prepared for anything. A group of level 1 and 2 initiates is not something
most folks want to mess with, especially if they're working together. 

We prepared ourselves, and projected into the astral plane. We zoomed over
to the Genetek compound, and gave it the once-over from a safe distance.
If you've never seen astral space before, you probably won't know what I'm
talking about, but if you have you'll know what the following stuff means,
sort of, anyhow. 

There was a general sense of 'wrongness' about the compound. This was due
to the influence of the spirit over the place, I am sure. There was a
reasonable background count (probably around level 2, if you know what
that means), which made our job both easier and harder. It would be easier
to slip in through the astral 'noise', but the count also made astral
activities more difficult. 

We swooped in, and began a methodical search for the spirit. Our guess was
that he would be in the office area, and that Chance's team would
encounter it, if it manifested. It turns out that it didn't, but not for
the reasons we initially thought. 

We began searching, and came across a mage. There was something
fundamentally 'wrong' with his aura... something else was there. We found
him not long before he met up with Chance's crew, but we didn't try and
attack him yet because we were looking for something else. 

Incidentally, the magical security around the place was fairly scant.
Probably because the Shadow figured that it would be able to handle any
magical penetration of the place. He would've been right, had a group that
was not prepared for him gone in. 

The spirit was lurking nearby, watching. It saw us coming and chuckled.
There was a sense of evil emanating from it, not quite like anything I had
felt before. It was neither Toxic nor was it Insect. It was a Shadow. 

We challenged it, and it laughed. "Do you honestly think you mere mortals
can defeat me? I am beyond your puny powers."

We decided to show him just how puny our powers were. We slung a nice
little spell at him, augmented by our combined power. The whole thing was
similar to a ritual, but not quite the same... it is difficult to describe
the exact procedure. If I were a mage, maybe. But I am a shaman, and it is
never the same way twice. 

The spell wrapped around the spirit and dissipated. The spirit seemed
unaffected. It laughed again. "I told you, didn't I? You are so weak, yet
you believe your good will triumph in the end. Perhaps it is so against
other humans, but against the full fury of a spirit, it will not work!"

The spirit's eyes flashed and it lunged. We scattered, taking some minor
scratches from the being. We began the chant of banishing, feeling the
power swell within us. Yet something was preventing our magic. The spirit
was not there. 

We could see it, right where it was standing, yet it seemed displaced...
not in the location we saw it... it was more a feeling than anything else. 

My lodge brother Sef called my attention to something unusual. It was an
almost invisible astral cord between the mage and the spirit. Closer
examination as my brothers kept the spirit busy revealed that the two were
linked in some twisted fashion. 

My spells would not affect the mage, either. Something in their
relationship made them nearly indestructible. I knew we could not do it
alone, and called my brothers to make the cross to the metaplanes to
commune with Raccoon. 

The metaplanes descended on us, blocking out the view of 'normal' space.
We rushed upwards, towards a lit tunnel. Blocking the way was an ogre. The
guardian. He challenged each of us, and we passed by. The test was not as
difficult as it has been... perhaps it was the urgency of our quest. 

We entered the metaplane and began our search for Raccoon. After fighting
off several spiritual tests, we finally came upon Raccoon, feasting on
some fish by a stream. He looked up as we approached. 

"How nice of you to visit!" he said, taking another bite of his meal. "I
was wndering when you would arrive!"

Sef stepped forward. "There is, as you know, a disturbance in the world.
We ask for your aid in fighting it. We cannot do it alone."

"Of course you can. You walk with me. Raccoon does it all alone."

"You do not understand, we do not have the knowledge..."

Raccoon cut Sef off. "You must do it alone. Why do I always have to deal
with such silly people at times? You do have the knowledge, you just need
to unlock it. You know all you need. Use some creativity, Man!"

Sef visibly winced under Raccoon's tirade. "But, how..."

Raccoon groaned. "Always with the questions? Why don't you ever think for
yourself? William," he said, turning to me. "You know the answer, don't
you?"

I stared into his eyes and realized that I did, indeed know the answer. It
was transmitted through the link to my brothers, and Sef nodded,
understanding. 

Raccoon smiled. "Very good. Now, you need one more piece of information."

He came to each of us in turn and gave us a piece of his fish. We ate it
together, and the new knowledge entered our minds. We were now ready. "Go
in peace." said Raccoon as we headed back to the world. 

We reappeared in the place we had been. The Shadow was there, grinning. "I
was wondering when you would return. Have a nice talk?"

I said nothing, but told my brothers to do what we knew we must. We
severed the gestalt between us, and each of us took up a different
banishing chant. As one, we couldn't defeat him, but as a group, he could
not resist us. Each song was different, but was charged with the power of
the spirit's true name. 

The spirit roared, and began to fight, but we were too strong. The mage
screamed as well, and put his hands to his head. We continued, the song
becoming stronger, each part weaving a separate harmony, making one
unified song. 

This continued, and then I saw a figure in normal space dash forward, and
the aura of the mage winked out. The spirit, moments later, roared one
final time and shattered, its essence scattering back to the world it had
been taken from. 

With the main opposition out of the way, we returned to our bodies,
exhausted. 

It turns out that the spirit had 'hidden its life' in the mage, and
because of this neither could be affected. It wasn't until we learned the
spirit's true name from Raccoon, and learned to stand as individuals that
we could defeat our foes. 

That is what happened. I hope this clears a lot up. I'm ging to get some
more rest. I sure need it.]<<<<<
        -- Blaze <20:34:06/02-18-55>

>>>>>[Try your friends, not some corporation.  I will be here, if you ever
need me.  Your friend, Durandal.]<<<<<
        -- Durandal <19:11:34/02-18-55)

>>>>>[Sure Coyote, that sounds fine.  I could use a break.  Ever tried a
pair of skates on? :)

BTW: I made the team - even though I'm 20 cm and at least 20 kg lighter
than the rest of them.  First practice is Tuesday, first game in two
weeks.]<<<<<
        -- Laurissa <23:30:14, 02-18-55>

>>>>>[Hey Bloodstryke, I have nothing against her staying in the Shadows
and becoming a runner... I'm just saying that I can't keep an eye on
her... I have my hands full already babysitting my own bunch. I don't need
another person hanging on me and depending on me. I'm bringing her to
Vermont with us, but after that, I would like to hand her off into the
care of somebody who's a little bit more able to handle somebody like her.
So, if anybody is willing, or knows somebody who's willing, to bring this
girl under their wing, I would really appreciate it.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <01:02:25/02-19-55>

>>>>>[BABYSITTING? Another person depending on you? Chance McRae! I am
really annoyed at your attitude! We can take care of ourselves! Despite
what you think, we don not hang around with you because we need you, but
because we like you. You may be a veteran street runner, but you have a
lot to learn about dealing with people. 

Susan, you're welcome to stay. Chance, pbbtpbbtbbtbbtbbt!]<<<<<
        -- Widow <01:04:59/02-19-55>

>>>>>[See what I have to deal with? Please, somebody take this newest kid
off my hands! I don't know if I'm gonna survive this weekend!]<<<<<
        -- Chance <01:05:49/02-19-55>

>>>>>[Hello.... just got a couple of minutes before we need to leave and
catch the flight for Vermont... I just got your message, Stormfalcon, and
I think that's a great idea. 

Valentine, would you mind taking in another kid after the weekend? She's a
former corp daughter, about 14 years old, with enough spunk to drive
anyone like me crazy. Could you take her? Just leave your response... I'll
get it after I'm back from Vermont. 

Have a good week-end all!]<<<<<
        -- Chance <09:27:52/02-19-55>

>>>>>[Geez.... try to catch up on mail and everything floods in at once...
I'll consider your offer, Durandal, but I want to check out some stuff
first. Despite the fact that I can't handle her, I want to make sure that
she is in the best possible care. We'll sort this all out after we get
back...]<<<<<
        -- Chance <09:31:59/02-19-55>

>>>>>[Geez Lauri! Nice of you to get back to us so quickly. Good thing
Coyote picked up an extra seat on the plane for you (he assumed you'd
come). Stay right where you are, we'll pick you up! The flight leaves at
10:30, so we really got to move. Hope you have your stuff packed.]<<<<<
        -- Chance <09:34:40/02-19-55>

>>>>>[ Chance..If Val doesn't want to take susan..I can pretty much
guarantee her safety if she wants to stay here..and all of us here are
permanently in tra ining..we've a full library..a weapons range and
reaction room...some really hip vidgames and generally a good,safe place
to learn how to run...and if the girl can deck thaen she's really
set(remember how I told you how useful it was to have a mainframe lying
around..you can try out new techniques in relative sa fety!  :)...Anyway,
the offer is hereby made...we could all do with a kid around the place
anyway...It's been a little sad here since a buddy of ours, Thanatos by
name..was gunned down in front of us all before the holidays.. something
to take our minds off it would be great]>>>>>
     --  Vertical  <T/D Deleted>

*****Encrypt DRAKE1 Interpol Headquarters*****
>>>>>[Commander Drake here, Authentication****Encrypted****.  I am hereby
requesting activation of the personelle Gemini, Shorty, Oliver, AARGH, and
Oligarch.  I am requesting they be turned over to me and placed on
external assignment, under my direct control.  The same guarantees apply,
as always. Requesting confirmation.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol(11:30:22/02-19-55)

>>>>>[ATTN:  Commander Drake, Authentication confirmed, criminals Gemini,
Shorty, Oliver, AARGH, and Oligarch have been turned over to Special Group
headquarters in New York.  By the time you return there, they will have
the standard obedience equipment implanted and will be outfitted according
to your Special Group's External duty requirements.  Gemini, of course,
needs very little.  And we have an ID on one of the attackers:  Johnothon
Byron Daniels, aka Slash.  Known accomplices:  Heather Patricia King, aka
Solitiare; Alexander Jackson, aka Action Jackson, Moriarity(no real name
known at this time, but confirmed British origin), Foxey Roxey(no real
name known at thit time), Janice Friette-Jackson, aka Diana.  Other
accomplices include:  Collussus, Free Mason(FM), Captain Silver, WHAT,
Gawk, and others.  All the main accomplices have been placed on the
"high-level terrorist" list by the BIS. Several of the other accomplices
are as well.  Proceed with extreme care.  You know the appropriate
criminal records on most of Slash's friends, but Slash himself has the
following: 
        Served time, manslaughter:  4 years, age 12-16
        Parolled, good behavior, corporate Voucher:  age 16, Melcon Industries
        Attended College, Corporate sponsored:  age 16-23, Melcon Industries
        Employed, Melcon Industries, as a Personelle Retrieval Specialist:
                Age 23-25
        Disappeared, suspect in multiple murder of all Melcon Board members and
                President:  Age 25
        Recent criminal charges:  12 counts breaking and entering, 24 counts
                kidnapping, 31 counts theft of corporate property, 4 counts
                murder/manslaughter, 78 counts illegal use of controlled
                drugs, namely Hyper and Mao.
        Distinguishing Characteristics:  Human, 1m tall, 50kg, brown hair,
                blood red cybereyes, crescent scar left hand-pinky to thumb,
                Wizard tatoo, right shoulder blade.
        Known Cyberware:  Cybereyes
        Known Bioware:  None
        Current suspected whereabouts:  Germany, base of operations is likely
                Seattle.

He's good.  Most of the criminal charges are based on supposition.  We
suspect that he's been doing this so long that his list of charges that
we'll never know about is up in the hundreds somewhere.  His known
speciality is physical penetration into secure areas where deckers cannot
pass due to lack of Matrix connection.  Uses non-lethal methods almost
exclusively, except when revenge is involved.  We suspect that the
multiple murder of the Melcon board and Pres. was in retaliation for the
death of his sister, Melcon's troll security chief, that was ordered by
the Board.  They all died of ammonia gas poisoning, except for the
President.  He died from having 16 heavy pistol rounds(Ares Predator)
placed into various parts of the body, with the last one point blank to
the head.  We believe that the President was alive until the last bullet. 

You are warned.  Now get some results, Drake.  Earn your pay this
time.]<<<<<
        --  Interpol Headquarters(11:53:56/02-19-55)

>>>>>[Yes sir.  Special Group HQ.  Outfit them according to my special
requirements, for extended field duty.  We're going hunting.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol(11:55:08/02-19-55)

>>>>>Solitiare*****Warning, Trace activated, 10 seconds to location*****
(everybody!  prepare for immediate moveout!!!!) do more digging.  Doomsday
says there was little to no way that Hammer would have been killed for
being***** WARNING!  Trace complete, Location****Sent to BIS Quick
Response Team***** a fraggin traitor.  We're moving now.
	****Link Terminated by AJ*****

>>>>>[Thanks for the info, Shadowfox*****Warning, Trace initiaited, 30
seconds to location*****.  I knew something was wrong....  I gotta go and
bring him back....]<<<<<
        --  Foxey Roxey(12:02:46/02-19-55)

>>>>>[ Valentine? Are you perhaps still watching here? Anyhow, you might
wish to talk to a person named Chance; I do believe that he would like to
discuss your Haven with you.... 

F deara dhom triall riamh ort, a Vailint!n,,, ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[Yes, I'm still watching...Sorry about not being in touch recently,
but I've been having some problems, mostly my history coming back to haunt
me. Again.  But I'll get into that later. 

Chance, I hear that you have something, or more likely someone, that you
wish to discuss with me?  I am certain that we could talk here at Haven,
or somewhere else if you prefer.  I can be anywhere in Seattle very
quickly, in minutes if absolutely necessary.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine(15:41:00/02-19-55)

>>>>>[Boss, I hope you get this...  You should when you hit the new
location. Try not to get yourself traced this time, ok?  Well, there seems
to be a purge going on inside the BIS too, not related to any of our
agents(finally!).  The director has been "removed" for being ineffectual
and they put a new guy in: One Erik Schmidt*****Include photograph*****
Looks kinda Arian to me, but hey, that's just me.  I'm looking into his
background, and I'll get back to you when I got something.*****Warning,
BIS Decker has entered node*****Oops, gotta go. Talk to you later,
Boss.]<<<<<
        --  Solitaire(15:45:00/02-19-55)

>>>>>[ Yeah, Fenris!  Get off your lazy ass and tell us what the drek is
going on.  I'm getting fragging annoyed at having Powerhouse guarding me
like I was some fragile flower. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <14:21:21/02-19-55>

>>>>>[ Heather, this doesn't even resemble a good thing.  If Powerhouse
was romancing me it would be good, but I don't need a fragging
bodyguard!]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <14:28:28/02-19-54>

*****Encrpyt: <Morgue/Vilya/Warped Warlock/et al.>
>>>>>[I'm back and do I have the stories ta tell!  But I'd hafta kill ya. 
Sorry, I got delayed, I thought I could make it back on the seventeenth,
but we got waylayed.  I do have some souvenirs for everybody.  Two
Japanese Imperial Marine ceremonial katanas, fifty rounds SMG APDS ammo
(for product testing) and some really whiz attache' cases from CalFree
that frag with scanners up to the models from a year or so ago. 
    
Anyway, I'm back so tell me what's up.  I don't think I'll complain too
much about 'The Plan' (damn, I wish this thing had Italics) 'cause you
guys seem to have your head on straighter than I do (jet lag, ya know)
(don't ask).]<<<<<
         -- Jacamus (18:44:12 / 2-19-55)

>>>>>[ Well, Solitaire, that pic of Schmidt hinted at his ancestry.
Certainly Aryan (note the blond hair and blue eyes), but not German.  Look
at his beard.  Notice the "razor sharp" top edge on the cheeks.  Dead
giveaway.  Betcha anything, if you dig around in his history, you'll find
him to be Norwegan or Swedish. ]<<<<<
        --  CoHort <02-20-55/05:54:34>

>>>>>[Basilisk hier.  My smart frames are fully integrated into the
system. They must only activated.  I am ready to go, and so is Jeweler and
the others.  Let's DO IT.]<<<<<
        -- Basilisk <16:24:15GMT/20.02055>

>>>>>[Allright gentlemen, Johnson has givien the thumbs up. Tonight is the
night. Rondy at my House of illrepute for teh briefing on latest in intel.
And dress for the occasion, especially you Cobra. Bathe Dammit! Ciao]<<<<<
        --Jimi Smooth <12:22:40/02-20-55>

>>>>>[I donnt think my clothing will bne impotrant tonighT Mr .Smooth, My
time on site willl be limited. I will be ther at 14:00]<<<<<
        --Cobra(Still using a Turtle)<12:40:00/02-20-55>

>>>>>[About fuckin' time fagboy! lets get on the road so I can hurt some
peds. I'll be there before you can get a femme boytoy off your
backside]<<<<<
        --Plague Rat (I will hurt you.) <12:42:55/02-20-55>

>>>>>[Mr. Smooth please answer your phone so I will be in virtual
attendence. I assume your trid can operate for this purpose. All frames
are >99.5% integrated at target site, friendly recognition >90.6%.]<<<<<
        --Basilisk <12:42:58/02-20-55>

>>>>>[Acknowledged Smooth. Weapons and armor are currently being delivered
to site. Our man on hte inside is eager to retain custody of his child. I
will arrive shortly.]<<<<<
        --Jeweler <13:02:13/02-20-55>

>>>>>[Thank you for the timely response boys. I will have suitable
refreshments on hand. And perfume for the more odiferously challenged
among us (Cobra). 

---Log RoboBabe AutoSecretary (Registered: Jimi Smooth) <15:34:23/02-20-55>

Scene: A plush high rise apartment decorated in Neo Poseur style, cky
knick-knacks abound. The trid is an exception. Rendered in stunning
details is a scintillating burnt metallic image of a mythological beast
known as a cockatrice, the featherd crest flashes in a mesmerizing diplay
of iridesecent colors. Occasional motes of lite appear from the backdrop
behind the icon (obviously the matrix) and merge with Basilisk's icon.
Seated in the room are Plague Rat (a consensus image of hard-boy ganger
w/attitude) fingered his rig sockets, Cobra (a rather shabbily attired
scrawny man with a remarkably deatailed snake scale tatoo on his bare
scalp) who fidgets and looks at Smooth's pet chihuahua with obvious
culinary interest. Standing are Jimi Smooth and the Jeweler. The two are
diametric opposites, one all flash, the other substance. Smooth is wearing
a very mod ultra hotpink vid suit displaying the latest in
eroticaprogramming on channel 87, the jeweler is wearing the finest in
Italian fashion, courtesy of Armani.They have just finished a
discussion..... 

Smooth: All right boys, here it is. Our target Judy LuLu will be at the
party being hosted by Pierce Conner, well known trid star. Conner lives in
the Tower apartment building so securtiy is extremely tight. It will be
even worse because so many important folks will be there with body guards.
EroComp the company that owns LuLu will have heavy security on her, as she
is the spokesperson for their premier line of Hardlove products. Basilisk,
would you please give us a layout of the location, with all sec cameras
and personel please? 

The trid Dims, then a vrtual image of an extravagant penthouse appears.
Basilisk provides a guided tour in heavily accented English. 

Smooth: Thanks Bas. Jeweler, what be with the toys? 

Jeweler: Troy Doshenko has arranged for our weapons to be in the
janitorial control booth adjacent to teh apartment. Seems he is a little
nervous regarding our care of his lovely daughter. He will also cooperate
in any way he can during the run, he is really very helpful, a charming
man. 

Smooth: Cobra, Astral? Magic? Hello? 

Cobra: Nice doggie, c'mere eh? Oh yes, security. Tight. Wards are just
enough to stop any astral snooping for the casual astral projector, heh,
and a full host of elementals and watchers are sure to irritate. But
Basilisk has given me a local where I can call to the spirit ofthe
building to answer in it's great form with relative safety. I will then
provide as much astral cover as possible. I have a few tricks that will
get me past most ofthe spirits, he, hee, and well you'll see. 

Smooth: Thanks, I think. Rat? 

Plague Rat: The Beast is locked an loaded, fagboy. I will be redlined on
the urge to purge. Nobody will get near us and live. 

Smooth: Very nice. Try not to shoot any peds allright? And as to the
fagboy comments, why don't you show up in my bedroom after the run and try
to jam me. I think that will educate you on the matter. Now for the
tactical breakdown. We will be using Standard ARC-Commando Shanghai
tactics for urban settings once we have obtained the target. Everyone be
ready for the cue which will be delivered via commlink, code word
"Funky"... 
        
Smooth goes on for an hour regarding various retreat formations, escape
routes etc. It is a marked difference to his normal arty prattling... Now,
everyone pop one of these, it is a broad spectrum anti-hallucinogen. I
expect several aerosol vectored mind altering chemicals on-site. Cobra if
you would be so kind as to sing your song and crnk our endorphins? Rat,
don't forget to launch your drone before we arrive at teh target, Jeweler,
be beautiful darling. Allright, lets go get those invites from some
unlucky vips.---- End autolog entry Smooth out.]<<<<<
        --Jimi Smooth <16:12:45/02-20-55>

*****Encrypt: With BlondeFury v 1.4 [Jimi Smooth Log File]
>>>>>[Bellevue Residence of Blair Clayton, AR rep for Muse Recordings. A
Cheverolet FamilyMan Van (Black Pearl paint, optional) with mods that make
it look like a real testosterone cranking vehicle is parked near a gate
way to teh residence. This vehicle is no fake however, a brief system
check reveals a popup turret, and multiple antipersonel SMGs. Inside: A
hardboy, obviously a gangmember or a wannabe is in the Rig tank, a scrawny
bald man is looking through a window (opaque to external viewers) at two
obvious body guards milling about by a mitsubishi Nightsky. He listens to
a headset attentively... 

Jeweler: Jeweler here. In position.

Jimi Smooth: Jimi here. In position. Cobra, Takedown at your discretion. 

The scrawny man, now revealed as a shaman, begins a silant chant, his
eyes, focused on the bodyguards, briefly flicker into reptillian slits,
then return to normal as the chant stops. Both bodyguards slump to the
ground completely unconcious. Two men move to the unconcious forms at
speeds that indicate extreme enhancement. They quickly check the guards,
then enter the house in a manner allowing both the most effective fire
lanes and cover. 

Cobra: I am sorry Snake, but I must eat and live. To live means I must do
these things. 

The shaman fidgets, obviously uncomfortable with what just occurs. A small
rat is produced from a hidden pocket. After a quick glance at the Rigtank
the rat is eaten. Whole. 

Plague Rat: Not satisfied with the soy diet eh, freak? Think I wouldn't
see that in my own rig? Try that on my turf, and my boys'll use you for a
bullet stop, freak. 

Smooth(In house): Cut the chatter. Rat, dose on some nitro, Cob is on your
side. Jeweler and I have targets in sight. Looks like Mr. Clayton was
presampling his escort before the party. J. Baby, ready? 

Jeweler: Yes. You take the woman. 

In the house: A classicly appointed bedroom. Two forms lie entangled in
the ReelSilk (TM) sheets. Giggles can be heard from the woman, a vapid
redhead. In an eyeblink two men are by the bed, recoiling from carefully
placed blows. The two forms on the bed lie very still except for the slow
movement of regular breathing. 

Jeweler: I will find all of the invitations, you put them in the
EnviroShower (TM). Basilisk has set it to contain them until tomorrow
morning. 

Smooth carries the limp forms into an adjacent room while the Jeweler
performs with a practiced ease suggestive of much previous experience. 

Smooth: Happy hottubbing folks! Jeweler: Found them, lets roll. The first
party guests will be arriving soon to secure the most picturesque spots to
pose for the evening. 

Plague Rat: I really hope this gets exciting soon. You chumps are like
fuckin army bots. "Time schedules", "Target site". My ass. Lets just go.
Get in the van.

End log update]<<<<<
        --  RoboBabe AutoSecretary v2.0 <20:13:01/02-20-55>

*****Encrypted: <Jacamus>
>>>>>[ Awwww... no Mickey Mouse ears from DisneyLand? What about a T-Shirt
that says "A Friend of Mine Fragged with the I-Marines, and all I got was
this Stoopid T-Shirt"? We want REAL souviniers, Jac! 

Glad to see that you're back and still alive... a transcript of our little
soiree is attached. Sorry I didn't stick it on your 'puter, but I've been
busy trying to get a new spell perfected. ]<<<<< 
	--  Warped Warlock <20:44:03/02-20-55>
	FILE ATTACHED: AZTECH.MEETING.NOTES (897,345 bytes) 
	Download now?  (Y/n)

*****Encrypt - With BlondeFury v1.4 (Jimi Smooth log update)
>>>>>[A downtown parking garage. A black Chevy FamilyMan Van sits by an
exit the throaty rumble from the exhaust far from the norm for a family
transport. Three men step out of the van revealing an interior adorned
with hi tech gadgetry daunting by any standard. The men go through the
exit to the street above. 

Street level. The men eye the Tower apartment complex across the packed
downtown artery. I t is an ominous building that dominates this portion of
thteS eattle skyline. 

Jimi Smooth: Right. Showtime. Got the invite J.? 

Jeweler: Yes. Our mole called to report our weapons are in place. Cobra,
the auxillary panel room has been re-keyed to your palm print. Are you
sure you can cajole the building spirit to our cause? 

Cobra: Yes, it will answer me. I can be very persuasive, I know a great
deal about hte spiritin this building. It has a checkered past that it
will wish to hide. 

The three cross the street and enter through the guest door. An extensive,
but tastefully executed security check is performed. They pass into the
building interior, Cobra splitting off and heading for an "Employee Only"
door. Smooth and the Jeweler cross to a private elevator and present
invitations to the guard there. They enter the elevator and are whisked
upwards... 

..to a party demonstrative of the decadence that can be bought if one has
sufficient cash flow and incentive. POartially clothed joyboys and girls
wander aimlessly about the murky dark penthouse, eyes glazed over, faces
fixed in a permasmile assuring a good time for all comers. All about the
the vast expanse are chemilume dispensers, cranking out long fog like
luminescent fibers that cling to partygoers in growing shrouds of riotous
color that become larger and more dazzling as the evening passes.
Scattered throughout the crowds of wannabees and servants are the
Megastars that make this a "Must attend" for those who ridethe cutting
edge of "culture". Off to one side band Dark Glorythrust is playing music
featuring heavy subsonic tones to make guests more comfortable, and
confident, and willing.... 

Smooth: I'll take post one. (Looking at a wristband mounted remote hooked
to Basilisk's hitcher jack, which gives a low gleam from the LCD) Bas,
check friendly aquisition, we don't wan't your frames to mark us as
hostiles. 

Basilisk(over comm):Understood. All frames report 100% asssurance of
friendly recognition. 

Jeweler: Right, post one for our gear. 

A downstairs room, control panels are mounted in banks around the room,
awaiting a failure in the mains. Cobra is standing in the middle of the
room, body ridgid, white eyes even more empty than usual. perspiration is
running down his face. With a gasp he relaxes and stands, precariously
close to falling. There is a new presence in the room, a subtle warping of
the air that can only mean apowerful spirit is present. 

Cobra: Go my brother, help us with our hunt as I have shown you. You are
strong this time, my song has made it so. 

The warping influence disappears, and Cobra leaves to return to the van. 

A janitorial control room, upstairs. Jimi Smooth and the Jeweler have
finished putting on concealed body armor, and are placing various weapons
about their persons. They return to the party. 

Jeweler: Got her. There by the man with the..~r]<<<<<
	-- ??

*****Encrypt - with BlondeFury v1.4 (Jimi Smooth Log Update)
>>>>>[Smooth: Cover me, I'm gonna makeum some big fun with these dinks.

One flight down the stariwell door bursts inward, and a huge troll in a
well made suit flies in. Immediatlely he is met by a streaking Smooth who
uses the troll's momentum to force the huge man over the railing and down
the ce nter of the stairwell. It is a long fall. The second man through is
greeted with a lifetime dosage of APDS courtesy of Jeweler's SCK 100. The
other two Sami goons can be heard on the other side ofthe opening. 

Smooth(to open air): Cobra, you smelly bastard, you better be here. Sick
Fido on em pronto! 

The other side of the door suddenly goes quite, then a sami wanders by the
openi ng, trailing a SMG by a strap. His eyes are blank, and his mouth is
gaping like a fish. Smooth and Jeweler KO them quickly, then carry Judy
LuLu to the express elevator down the hall, the door opens fro them as
they arrive. Jeweler props LuLu up in the corner as the elevator begins to
plummet down at high speed. 

Basilisk(over Comm):High number of security personel in lobby neutralized
by malfunctioning fire suppression system. The floor is wet very much. Be
careful. 

Smooth:Bas baby, I could kiss you all over! 

Basilisk(over Comm): Only if I am dead and you are a lucky man. End log
update]<<<<<
        --  RoboBabe AutoSecretary <23:30:38/02-20-55>

*****Encrypt - with BlondeFury v1.4 (Jimi Smooth log update)
>>>>>[The elevator doors open up to a chaotic panorama as the building
fire suppression systems pumps outwater in biblical volumes. People are
running about sliding on slick tiles and calling forthe system to be shut
off. 

Smooth(to open air):Cobra, if you are stillwith us, get that spirit to
wrap us in its lovin arms cause we are going to walk right through this
mess. Rat, where are you now? 

The air around the elevator shimmers briefly, then Smooth and the Jeweler
carry Judy LuLu into the lobby at a quick jog. Suprisingly, no one even
reacts to them. 

Plague Rat(over Comm):I'm right in-fuckin-front just like the
bullshit-beta plan, fagboy. Hurry up, Cobra's head just started glowing
and he is having a Konniption fit. 

Jeweler: If he gets any worse shoot him, or you will probabely die with
him! Do you understand? He is under attack. 

Plague Rat(over Comm): Cool! I'll shoot him now, why wait? Ah hell, he
stopped twitching. Oh well next time freak.]<<<<<
	-- ??

>>>>>[ So... did everyone have a nice and profitable little weekend? I do
hope so, it's bad karma to not have fun on such a nice weekend, nice in
Texas at least. ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ I spent my weekend working on a new and interesting project, thank
you. It might not be your idea of fun, but magic waits for no dwarf.]<<<<<
  -- Forge <GMT 09:38:22/21-FEB-55>

>>>>>[ Beena while since I've seen a dwarf mage. Interesting... If I might
ask, what sort of a project where you working on? I dabble a bit in such
matters. ]<<<<<
        -- Jerricho (04:10:54/02-21-56>

>>>>>[ Ah, the project, yes.... 

Well, here the other day I was asked if if was possible to make a weapon
focus that allowed a physical adept to focus his ki through an unarmed
attack. Now, this might not seem to be contrary to the ordinary principles
of weapon foci, but because of the individual nature of a physical adept
powers I ran into a couple of problems. 

I think I have solved most of them, but so far it seems that I will need
to make a separate formula for each adept. In addition to this it will be
a very difficult process to form the orichalcum/steel alloy mesh into
gauntlets, which is the only form for which I have yet studied. 

Oh-by the way- does anyone know of a good reference work in the smithing
of gauntlets/fist weapons? ( You can forget about: 'Kassheimers Guide to
smithing' and 'The Six hundred foldings' both have only cursory mention of
the subject, and I suspect that none of the authors have every tried to
make such an item. )

Please bear in mind that this is just at the theoretical stage yet, and
that it might be that it will not work at all. 

Apart from that I am at present engaged in the refinement of metal
radicals, and that is why I have time to access my computer quite as
frequently. 

If you have any more interesting projects in mind I am open for
suggestions. ]<<<<<
  -- Forge <GMT 11:05:23/21-FEB-55>

>>>>>[ Hmmm, fascinating. I've never thought of making something on that
order. Might have to spend some of this inordinate amount of free time I
have since I 'retired' and draw up a design for something similar.... 

As to reference works, sorry, I don't go in much for that kind of weapon.
Iprefer to make bladed weapons. I even have a sword in one of my aliases I
designed, I just gave it over to an enchanter as I wasn't that good at the
final stages, plus I am not sure mundanes can truly finish a magic item of
any power. ]<<<<<
        -- Stormfalcon (00:00:00/10-10-10)

>>>>>[Basilisk hier.  Typical of Mr. Smooth.  He spends his money on fancy
cloths and buys cheap gear.  Then he does not understand when it fails.  I
will continue his log from security camera patches: 

*****Commence Soforterrinerung data replay Scene:  a chaotic arena of
water.  What used to be a too-mod party has turned into a confused dash
for cover as the fire control system goes into overdrive. In the middle of
this, a party of three: a semi-conscious woman being led by two men, jog
through the room, seemingly untouched by the deluge.  There is a
protective shimmer barely perceptible around them. 

Jimi:  Now Rat boy, don't you go poppin' off our magical backup.  If he's
fightin' something astrally, that means it ain't fightin' us.  I don't
care if you don't like him, live with it.  J. baby, let's get our pretty
asses out of here. 

Jeweler:  A good idea, Mr. Smooth.  Plague Rat, my instructions to shoot
Cobra were only if he looked like he was loosing his fight.  Believe me,
you would know.  While I understand the necessity of eliminating
compromised members, I will not tolerate wanton waste of resources. 

Plague Rat:  OK, OK, jeez fag boy, don't get your balls all screwed up. 
It's just that the snake man freaks me out.  He ain't NORMAL.  Those white
eyes just get to me.  They'd be kinda cool if they were cyber, but they're
natural, man. Now just get your fraggin' asses out here so we can go with
the goods. 

Basilisk:  Leaving now would a good idea, meine Freunde.  One of my smart
frames has been uncovered and destroyed.  I have blocked three external
calls and bounced several incoming. 

Jimi:  Right, we're outta here. 

The room has emptied of guests and the three figures have almost reached
the lower doors, when a side door opens and four large men emerge. 
Judging from their size and their weapons, they are security.  In one
smooth motion, Jimi and the Jeweler lower their burden to the floor and
swing around to face the newcomers.  Jimi lays down cover fire, knocking
back one of the guards, while Jeweler pulls out a short baton and lunges
to the side.  As he dives, he flicks the baton and the arm of the leading
guard falls neatly to the floor, gun firing as the uncontrolled fingers
twitch on the trigger.  The remaining two guards return fire, and the
shimmer around the two men intensifies as the spirit stuggles to protect
them from this new threat.  Jeweler performs a rolling landing and is
instantly back on his feet, now close to another guard. Jimi gets knocked
back a bit, as if he has taken a hit, but it doesn't seem to bother him. 
He pulls off two well aimed shots, and a guard's eyes turn into gaping
holes as the back of his head covers the wall behind him.  Jeweler comes
in low, as the last guard's gun is pulled up by recoil, and wraps his
monofilament around the guard's legs.  The guard collapses in a cry of
pain that is cut off as Jimi pumps a short burst into his chest.  The two
men glance quickly around to be sure no other threat is coming, then
return to the woman. 

Jeweler:  You OK Mr. Smooth? 

Jimi:  Yeah, I'm fine.  Thank the fashion gods for body armor.  Thanks for
the warning, Basilisk, I thought you were supposed to be watching for
things like that. 

Basilisk:  Sorry, the camera in that room was not water tight, and
shorted. Now just get out. 

Without bothering to respond, the two men pick up the woman and continue
to the door.  Outside, the night air is surprisingly quiet after the chaos
inside. They hurry down the walkway and a van pulls up in front of them. 
A door slides open and the woman is quickly packed inside, next to a
semi-conscious Cobra. Cobra manages a weak smile, and mutters something
about some mage who would have had a real headache in the morning, if he
still had a head, then closes his eyes and relaxes into unconsciousness. 
Jimi and Jeweler quickly climb in and the van pulls away. 

Plague Rat:  What took you so long, pink boy?  I thought you would be out
minutes ago. 

Jimi:  Just drive, Rat.  We'll review later.  Bas, You still with us? 

Basilisk:  Jah, Herr Smooth.  There is still much confusion inside, but I
detect an auto leaving the underground lot, heading this way. 

Plague Rat:  All right!!!  Finally get some action!  Where is he, Swiss
cheese dude? 

Basilisk:  He will intercept from the right, in three blocks.  I have just
lost sight of him from building cameras. 

Plague Rat:  No problemo, chum.  Let's go. 

The van accelerates and the whine of electronics is heard.  As the van
passes a side street, it barely misses another car, which turns in behind
and pursues. Two men lean out the cars windows and start shooting at the
van. 

Plague Rat:  Hah!  they think that's gonna impress me?  Let's see what
they think of THIS! 

Clicks and the whirr of gears are heard, then the roar of large caliber
guns. The car's front end is ripped to shreds as tracers streak into it
and ignite engine oil.  The car swerves out of control and explodes as it
hits a parked vehicle. 

Plague Rat:  Aww, that was hardly any fun at all.  I was expecting at
least a little armor on that thing. 

Jeweler:  Let's just get out of here.  We've done the job.  Now get us to
the house where we can let our protege recover for a day or so before we
turn her over to Johnson. 

*****End Soforterrinerung data record.]<<<<<
        --  Basilisk <13:02:22 GMT/21.02.55>

***** Encrypt: <Warped Warlock/Morgue/Vilya/et al>
>>>>>[The Plan (still don't have italics) looks pretty good.  See ya
there. 

Oh, and Disneyland sucks since the gangers took over.]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus (09:11:25 / 02- 21- 55)

>>>>>[ Hehe, nice of you drekheads <Shades, Necromancer, Coyote> to
mention that you were about to enter the Genetek system.  Ya know, the
dedicated decker ALWAYS makes use of such oportunity, and you bunch of
amateurs let me walk in behind and grab some very juicy paydata.  Made
quite a nice little profit I did, ha ha. 

Better encrypt next time suckers and make sure it's a dammed good one,
some of the encryptions people use on this system are a joke. ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ I was worried Silverflame, when you love someone as much as I do
Cerise then YOU might be able to understand.  Anyway the threat seems to
have passed so I moved back to my place.  I am on hand though, only at the
other end of a phone.  Besides, I have other work to be on with, something
I've been working on for a long time but is only now begining to bear
fruits. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (16:01:05/21.2.55)

>>>>>[ Hey Forge, check Miyamoto Mushasi's The Five Rings.  No tried and
true directions to forging, but he was quite possibly the best swordsman
of all times (farmer with a quarterstaff thrashed him enough to make him
retire, though) and he did know a thing or two about how to make good
sword steel, and drops hints all throughout the work. ]<<<<<
     -- Ringo <12:27:32/2-21-55>

*****ENCRYPT:##HAMMERHEAD'sSECRET##
>>>>>[{ACCESS:AUDIOX} Hi, Couch said that if I needed to keep something
private I should press this button.  He said you guys would know what to
do.  Anyways, I've been watching some of the gangers and a bunch of them
have been going into the warehouse at ***location*** I also saw a girl
with them.  She was a pretty little mexican.  She was wearing gang colors,
but they look too new to be real. 

Well, I'll keep watching them, but I think we need to take more "dramatic"
steps to get information]<<<<<
        -- Hammerhead <12:24:22 / 02-21-55>

*****ENCRYPT:##ICESHIELD2.2x##
>>>>>[Hammerhead, I agree with you.  Let's assemble at **location**
tonight. Hammerhead, see if you can persuade one the gangers to
talk.]<<<<<
        -- Frosty <CHILL / DUDE>

>>>>>[Information recieved.  Finally.  I will be there if there are no
objections.  All of my weaponry is available to lain down a barrage of
steel rain at your word.  Kill ren frag main destroy !!!  Ooops. 
sorry.momentary slip of control.]<<<<<
        --BloodStryke <13:50:19/02-20-55>

>>>>>[Has anybody got any suggestions on things they've can do to make
cyber spurs just a little more exciting?  I'd like things that people have
actually tried (read: don't tell me to wire a taser into my spurs just so
you can watch me fry myself the first time I hit somebody).  Thanks for
the help in advance. 

Oh, yeah, if your listening Forge, I'm not to sure of what the hell a ki
is, but have you thought about maybe enchanted cyberspurs?]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus (12:40:13/02-21-55)

****** Encrypt Static 34.67 Hammerhead Frosty MPCP ******
>>>>>[ Be careful Frosty, the last thing we need is a gang chafed at us.
Don't be a hero and go for their leader, go for one who has guarded her,
and try not to leave any scars.  I'll see you fellas tonight. ]<<<<<
     -- Blade <16:35:00/2-21-55>

>>>>>[ Sure Jacamus, no problem; try learning how to use'em right. ]<<<<<
     -- Crane <16:40:31/2-21-55>

>>>>>[ Any designer extant has probably addedsome little upgrades to any
designs they built. For instance, I have a cyberspur that I had 'enhanced'
with a replaceable poison well. Well, replaceable only iff it's in a
cyberarm. Then there are... well, anyway, there are probably some
interesting designs out there. ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:)0:)0/10-10-10)

>>>>>[ Don't judge me, young one. But I am glad that the threat seems to
have passed. ]<<<<<
        -- Silverflame (00:00:00/10-10-10)