>>>>>[Everyone, it is time.  My agents have positively identified the
target's leaving the compound, and this will be an ideal time to aquire
the target(s). Please check in and begin to plan.]<<<<<
        --  Orca(18:14:03/03-28-55)

>>>>>[Uh, I need some help out there you guys.  After purchasing all my
new cyberdeck components, I find myself a little short of cash....If you
have a quick job I could do for about 10k Y, I would appreciate it.  Rent
is due in 3 days and it would be a _bad_ idea to stiff my landlord, who is
a closet missilophile <is that a word?>.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <21:48:35/03-28-55>

>>>>>[I'd help you, but the bar's been a little low since I had to beef up
security after She-Devil took a stroll through the mainframe.]<<<<<
        - Icepick <21:49:10/03-28-55>

>>>>>[Hey, not my fault you can't even fight off the dead.]<<<<<
        - She-Devil <21:49:21/03-28-55>

>>>>>[Har har har.]<<<<<
        - Icepick <21:50:11/03-28-55>

>>>>>[What?  Necromancer, you mean to say that you can't embezzle some
quick cash out of some corp, and give it back (if you want) when you're
done? 

I can't believe you don't have a job...great runner there. 

Anyway, what do you need exactly?  I might be able to help
(Muhahaha!!!)]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <07:44:40/03-29-55>

>>>>>[I could, but I am little too busy to leave the country right now,
weedeater.  Besides, I want a _real_ run, not some pansy cakewalk.  I've
been a little busy to do any runs until now. 
      
I don't need _your_ help, anyway.  I want to work for someone who has
money.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <08:13:45/03-29-55>

>>>>>[I am also looking for some form of employment.  Perhaps,
Necromancer, we ought to attempt to find something worth our whiles
floating around in the Matrix?]<<<<<
        -- Durandal <08:56:43/03-29-55>

>>>>>[Sorry I wasn't around yesterday, 'Wraith, had some things to take
care of. You can try me again today, same time, same place.  And the 8
MPCP will be fine; that's what I'm ruunning on now!{$% Damn*< here@ we go
ag~;n; ...]<<<<<
        --  FireJack  (10:27:32/05-29-55)

>>>>>[I have a hard time believing that you'd pass up a job that was easy. 
How have you survived so long if you don't? 

And I have money.  I can lend you some, if you'd like, and I can also get
it back if you DON'T give it back.  Do you want the money or not?]<<<<<
       --  Solonus <10:42:06/03-29-55>

>>>>>[Oh, one more thing, CyberWraith; the only thing that didn't get
cooked was my reality filter.  THink you could do something to help me out
in that depart*%^ment too? I'm getti_+{ tired of those friggin'
Aztechnology corporate )_*icons...]<<<<<
        FireJack  (12:23:32/05-29-55)

>>>>>[Got your message, Orca.  Mail me or get a hold of me with the
details of when it's happening... 

Meet you there.]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <11:41:29/03-29-55>

>>>>>[I'm considering running the Matrix for some funds of my own.  If
you'd care to join me, I can be reached at *Encrypted*.]<<<<<
          -- Dark Angel <11:46:32/03-29-55>

>>>>>[Has anybody heard how the Pope was killed?  I'm not deeply Catholic,
my parents sent me to parochial school but I got thrown out.  I was just
wondering. 

I'm thinkin' that killing the pope has to be one of the most difficult, if
not suicidal things that anybody could do. 

Now, I've never been a part of the Pope's security detail but I'd imagine
it ta be pretty heavy. 

The Physical Security would of course be provided by the Swiss Guard, the
Pope's personal army of extremely badassed Swiss mercs, which have
throughout history been considered one of the most elite paramilitary
units.  Because of these guys, there was a gentleman's agreement around
the world that nobody would hire Swiss mercs, if that's an indication of
just how nasty these guys (sorry, still no equal rights in the Swiss
Guard, ladies) really are. 

They never participate in the Desert Wars (for obvious reasons), but if
they did I'd have to bet heavy money on them, even against the Ares Pre-
Production Teams. 

Magically, he'd probably have locked Personal Spell, Anti-Bullet and
Physical Barriers on him at all times, an' they'd be pretty heavy. His
limo would have some pretty heavy Barriers put on it and maybe even a
ward.  The lay Catholic is forbidden to conjure, but you can bet yer hoop
that the Pope gives the nod to his personal combat mage bodyguards to whip
up a coupla Fire Elementals ta tag along and give the Pope extra security. 
Hell, outside o' the Vatican it gets even thicker. 

On the subject of the Vatican, this place has got ta be the world's worst
zero-zone.  Only those who are either escorted by Swiss Guard or close
personal friends of the Pope get audiences with him, and watchers tag
along with everybody else in the Vatican. 

On top of the level of security, I haven't seen that anybody has claimed
the killing.  The Church is pointing at the towel heads, the towel heads
are pointing at the Jews, the Jews are pointing at Irish Protestants (as
if they don't have enough problems on their own) and the Irish are still
looking for scapegoats because everybody else has already taken the good
ones.  I'm thinkin' that one of the cardinals is fellin' his oats and is
pushing for the Papacy. 

Look for fireworks in Rome. 

Hey, waitaminnit.... nahhhh.]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus (10:55:34 / 03-29-55)

***** PRIVATE To: Durandal
>>>>>[Fine by me, Durandal, but when are you gonna be in town next?  Are
you and Lauri still hiding out in St. Kitts?]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <13:08:34/03-29-55>

>>>>>[I've been on a job for a high-placed friend, doing some research on
this papal assassination, and I haven't been able to dig up anything. If
anyone out there could come up with _any_ leads I'd be willing to pay,
because Mr. Mancuso don' like it when youse comes up wit' dead ends, he
wants results, capice? It's a personal matter to him, and he can afford
it, so let me know asap, K?]<<<<<
        -- ...shadowfire... <Erebus/Angel>

>>>>>['ello out there, chummers.  My name's Shadowdragon and I am looking
for gainful employment.  I am somewhat of an expert with physical
penetration, and I can provide a resume of sorts for anyone interested in
my services.]<<<<<
        - Shadowdragon <13:43:34/03-29-55>

***** PRIVATE TO: FireJack
>>>>>['Jack, if I ever find you at home, I may just give you a swift kick
in the pants for running me around for so long.  I need to know what kind
of filter, and other chips you need.  Send it to me private. 

In other news, you have been selected to "audition" for the posse.  I hope
you have a good gun and a quick wit.  Being that you were formerly of
Aztech, we think you could be an admirable (read: cost effective) member
of the team.  I'll bring you more info when you stop by
*****Encrypted***** tomorrow at *****Encrypted*****.  Don't be late, the
boss doesn't like tardiness.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith (14:43.51/03.29.55)

***** PRIVATE TO: The Posse
>>>>>[OK guys, the message is sent, if he shows up tomorrow, we test
him.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith (14:45.20/03.29.55)

***** PRIVATE TO: The Posse
>>>>>[Not a problem.  He looks promising, gutsy, etc.  We can always hope
he has some decent contacts.  We'll talk about this more after we meet
him.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav (14:51.43/03.29.55)

>>>>>[This is Nexus, again.  Sorry, but I just heard that my street name
is a very popular one.  So, to prevent any confusion in the future, you
may refer to me as LONGSHOT.  This name was given to me by a dwarf named
Iron Hands who is a member of the shadowrun group I normally hang out
with.  Although LONGSHOT doesn't roll off of the tongue as easily as
Nexus, I can live with it.  Again, sorry about the confusion.  Anyway,
I've just been informed that my latest run has been cancelled.  If anyone
out there needs the services of a decking/"track you to your grave" bounty
hunter, then let me know.  I need a job, preferably dangerous.]<<<<<
	-- LONGSHOT <18:04:10/MAR-29-55>

>>>>>[I... am ready.]<<<<<
        --Caine (19:10:35/03-29-55)

>>>>>[Hey Longshot, you want help finding Hain, I'm your man. Lemme know
if you're interested. ]<<<<<
        --  Tracker < 07:27:51 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[Give it up Tracker, your wastin' bandwidth. ]<<<<<
        --  Sybre < 07:29:34 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[Is it just me or are things getting pretty green around here? An' I
don't mean the grass.  Lotsa new people have shown up lately. Has the
Seattle Chamber of Commerce started recruiting new blood? 

Anyway, my point:
I've noticed a lot of the new arrivals are horning in on other people's
specialties.  Namely, this ShadowDragon character sounds like he's tryin'
ta imitate Morgue.  An' some sniper that showed up a coupla weeks ago
sounds like maybe he idolizes Durandal.  Maybe we need to introduce the
First Annual Shadow Olympics.  That way runners with similar specialties
can pit themselves in contest that relate to the specialty.  Then we can
set up a rating system that our Johnsons and Fixers can use to gague
ability.  This might just improve everybody's employablity. 

Comments, flames?]<<<<<
       -- Jacamus (07:17:34 (Omigod is really that early?) / 03-30-55)

>>>>>[I am not trying to emulate this Morgue guy.  (Don't even know who he
is.) On the other hand, a "Shadow Olympics" opf some sort seems to be a
little.... interesting?  And I think gague is spelled gauge, actually. 
(English isn't my first language, I just slot it.)]<<<<<
        - ShadowDragon <09:48:223/03-30-55>

>>>>>[Hey Longshot, you want help finding Hain, I'm your man. Lemme know
if you're interested. ]<<<<<
        --  Tracker < 07:27:51 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[Give it up Tracker, your wastin' bandwidth. ]<<<<<
        --  Sybre < 07:29:34 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[Thanks for the offer Tracker.  Any info I can dig up is worth...
let's just say, a small fortune.  Saim Hain is an extremely sneaky fellow
from what I've discove red so far.  It appears that the "RESEARCH"
facility is actually a small military installation.

Who's military?  It all belongs to him.  Recently, I tried getting some
aerial photos with a couple members of my team.  Things didn't go so well. 
Right before our aircraft was shredded, I picked up a massive embankment
of anti-aircraft artillery (say that ten times real fast.) Anyway, the
mage that was with us picked up a fragging huge source of magical energy
around the area.  Personnally, I don't know what that means, but he said
it was bad.  If you can think of any alternatives to getting in, I'll
gladly take them.]<<<<<
        --  Longshot < 11:28:07/ 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[Longshot, your post was very unpleasing to the eye.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <11:45:34/03-30-55>

>>>>>[A shadow olympics. That is the stupidest idea I've ever heard. What
would snipers do? Compete in corpses? Get a fraggin life, Jac, or at least
find something useful to do.]<<<<<
        -- Raven <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[Probably just some line noise, Necromancer.  Don't worry about how
it looks, as long as you can read it. 

At least don't send it PUBLICLY that it looked bad.  Privately mail him,
if need be, about line noise or deck problems.]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <12:24:38/03-30-55>

>>>>>>>[Necromancer is right, that was an unpleasing format to send your
message in.  But that is purely acedemic.  The matter at hand is how to
get inside.  What does the net security look like, Longshot?]<<<
	-- Null

>>>>>[Well, in a lucrative sense the last month and a half has been
wonderful.  In a personal sense, I've been busier than a Troll trying to
hide in a crowd of dwarves.  All in all, it's great to be back in the
sprawl.  I'm ready to work again, and have a number of contacts that need
some good runners.  I made lots of money with this Johnson, and there's
lots more to be made.  Anyone interested, let me know.  Don't worry about
your experience in the street.  There's nothing like learning through
emersion.  'Nuff Said.]<<<<<
    -- Jasmine [11:00:00/03-30-55]

>>>>>[My point is that there should be some way for runners to get
ratings, so somebody can't do like I'm doing and move into another city
and claim to be somebody who knows what the hell is going on. With a
rating system, a history can be established, and as long as it stays in
the shadows, anyone can be qualitatively compared to anyone else. 

Oh, yeah, and what kind of a stupid suggestion was rating snipers by the
corpse count?  You don't train snipers by indiscriminately sniping into
crowds (unless of course you learned how to snipe in Europe).  You shoot
at designated targets, which may or may not be paper targets, but if they
aren't, the shot is a necessity of the job.  Deckers could be rated by
penetrating systems and transfering data or cash into another system, from
which it would be moved by another decker getting his rating back into the
origonal system.  Intrusion specialists could be tested by breaking into
comparable facilities.  Sams in non-lethal combat.  Riggers in races or
simulated actions.  Magicians could compete in spell design (yeah, yeah,
not necessarily a good comparison of magicians, but its justa suggestion). 

And if I wanted grammar lessons I'd get an encephalon installed and slot
Grammar 101, but I don't so I won't.]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus (11:02:34 / 03-30-55)

****PRIVATE To: Dark Angel
>>>>>[Ok....I'll tell you what.  I understand you are....detained....at
the moment, so I'll meet you more than half-way.  Meet me at *stifled
laugh* the Slippery *more stifled laughter* in Berlin tomorrow night. 
Bring your friend if you want, if your friend is still with you.  I want
to know what is going on and I want to know anythign else you haven't told
me.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <13:18:32/03-30-55>

****PRIVATE To: She-Devil
>>>>>[Alex, I need a semiballistic to Berlin in 12 hours.  Can you pull it
for me?  I've gotta work on some stuff tonight and I won't have
time.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <13:20:34/03-30-55>

>>>>>[Yes, Jer....I don't know why you keep protecting your travel plans. 
I assume first class, correct?]<<<<<
        - She-Devil <13:21:27/03-30-55>

>>>>>[Of course, madame.  Also, you might want to familiarize yourself
with the German Matrix.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <13:22:34/03-30-55>

>>>>>[Shadowdragon:  Physical penetration?  I hope the ladies on this
board don't get offended!]<<<<<
        -- Black Dog (The Resident Smart Alek)

>>>>>[Jacamus:  I often wonder why so many people who are established
think that it is they who are the idols.  I personally do not idolize
anyone, although I do respect those who can get the job done right. 

I have this feeling that you were talking about my decker with that
comment about the sniper.  He also does enjoy watching a craftsman at
work, but as with all of us, he is an entity of his own with his own
personality, and his own ability to survive any trial and not end up
pushing up green. 

It would be wiser to have the newer blood on your side than behind your
back. 

And, finally, as to your idea for a Shadow Olympics, it sounds like a
really great way to call down the heat.  If it happens don't expect us to
be there.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav (15:21.52/03.30.55)

>>>>>[Solonus and Necromancer:  I really don't mean to be rude, but you
two are blowing a lot of bandwidth on completely useless drivel.  And
Necro, I hate to say it but you can get really boring with those
posts.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith (15:27.49/03.30.55)

>>>>>[Sorry about the interference, but it couldn't be avoided.  I tried
to hack my way into their system and got caught.  You have to understand,
that normally doesn't happen to me.  Anyway, I had a friend standing by to
pull the plug; it saved my life.  I don't know what kind of IC it was, but
it sure fried my deck.  From this encounter, I'd say their system starts
at a RED 5 and works its way up from there (NOTE:  I didn't even step into
the well-guarded files or nodes, i.e. Research and Development). (If there
are any more problems with my deck, I'll cease transmitting until I can
get it fixed.  O.K.?) Now, I'm going to go soak my head in some battery
acid.  Later.]<<<<<
        --  Longshot < 14:36:58 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[Well, that isn't exactly what I meant....but I'm told I'm pretty
good at that too....*snicker*]<<<<<
        - Shadowdragon <15:14:35/03-30-55>

>>>>>[No comment.]<<<<<
        -- Dark Angel <15:19:43/03-30-55>

>>>>>[ DragonEyes, I'm monitorin' target's site. I've got a beat on their
pattern they be usin' to guard the site. Also got a confirmation that
primary target is at the site. It seems to be a no go on getting secondary
target. ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <14:24:07/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ Great. When can we go in? ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <14:25:05/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ Not until you get a full night's sleep. ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <14:26:03/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ But there isn't time! ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <14:26:45/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ There's even less time if you get yourself killed. We aren't going
in until you are restsed enough to not get all of us killed. What's the
plan 'bout aquiring our secondary target. ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <14:27:59/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ He'll have to free himself. He's done it once. I'm sure he can do
it again. Albeit it will be harder. Don't know what it will take for that
though. He never talked to me about his days with them. I take it, he
hasn't shared it with you either? ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <14:31:13/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ No. He never talked about his past with them Wildcats. I assume it
was for everyone's safety. ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <14:32:16/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ Oh drek! Almost for got. . . A few things I have to mention. 

1) Doomsday did you hear that your friend Nodie, passed?
2) Diana, I won't be making our meeting. Couldn't make the schedual work
	out. 
3) Roxey, I would love to meet you soon. Once I have an idea of where and when
	I'll be free, I will definitely try and find you, and give you an
	examination. After that Diana, I wouldn't mind meeting your
	friends in New Orleans. 

4) What, somewhere in between all this I would gladly help you out with your
	wires problem. Finding time may be a little tricky. And lastly,
	Bruce, did you get to Chicago okay? and any idea on what ever
	happened to Firewraith? ]<<<<<
        -- DragonEyes <14:37:16/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ Yeah, I scanned the fact that he passed. After this, I may dedicate
some time as to why it happened. But at the very least, I'll mourn his
passing. He was a true friend. ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <14:38:50/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ Yes DragonEyes, I got to Chicago in one piece. Even found some
work. It isn't anything exciting though. Had a little welcome party from
MIT&M. It was a rather cold reception. 

As to Firewraith, well the spell in theory just banished her for some
time, but it's questionable as to if I wrote the spell right.
Unfortunately, seeing as the battle happened on her meta-plane, it would
have been far to easy . . . for it to have gone wrong. 

Diana, I would still like to meet you, but I really don't have the funds
to leave Chicago. *sigh* ]<<<<<
        -- Bruce <15:42:55/3-30-55>

>>>>>[ Jasmine, I am just out of a run, myself.  Let me know if you could
use me. ]<<<<<
        --  HellSpawn <13:55:24/03-30-55>

>>>>>[Black Dog: Ladies?  On this board???  Where?]<<<<<
        -- StJohn <14:59:15/03-30-55>

>>>>>[HellSpawn, the help would be much appreciated.  My Johnson's got a
thing about sending middlemen to set up a meet.  Invariably, he chooses a
secluded table in "Hell" at Dante's Inferno.  If we can get a few more
people together, we can raise his price.]<<<<<
   -- Jasmine (14:15:37/03-30-55)

>>>>>[ Hey, Jaz, you can count me in for any matrix cover you might need.
After that last run into the Tir, you could have used it. ]<<<<<
   -- Shields (14:20:00/03-30-55)

>>>>>[Shields, your presence in cyberspace is always a pleasure.  This
time, though, try not to shoot yourself in the arm!  Remember, jack out,
then fire the gun. :-) ]<<<<<
   -- Jasmine

>>>>>[Shadow olympics?  What a lark!  Where ya gonna fit us streetrats
who's only proficiency is tossing a lot of metal at high velocity in the
general direction of wherever we happen to be pointing our roomsweeper. 
And who'd judge it?  Frag this idea.  How bout we earn our reps in the
street rather than some damn arena.  But that's just my =Y=00.02
worth...]<<<<<
          --Gabriel <17:49:30/03.30.55>

>>>>>[ Well, I have one problem with the rating system. How is it
different from haveing a SIN? I don't know about you guys but that is why
I am running.]<<<<<
        --  Optimal(**:**:**/**/**/**)

>>>>>[A shadow olympics? Come on mate. What's next, a fraggin Shadow union
with benefits and wage negociations? Not to be overly critical, but just
because we're new 'round here please don't assume we're 'green'. BTW, has
anyone got any idea why so many shadow runners have started showing up in
the area? I'm back for personal reasons, but it seems to be more than what
I'd expect. Somwhere around five or six 'new' runners in a week? ]<<<<<
        --  Sybre < 18:32:51 / 03-30-55 >

*****PRIVATE TO: SYBRE
>>>>>[It's been way to long buddy. Hows about we get together tonight, say
'round 2100 at the Sports Bar? We DEFINITLY need to do some catching up.
You havn't heard from Kyle lately, have you? ]<<<<<
        --  Tracker < 18:38:22 / 03-30-55 >

*****PRIVATE TO: TRACKER
>>>>>[I'll be there chummer. We can down some Henry's and talk about all
the good times we've been having, right mate? As for Kyle, last I heard of
him he was still with the outfit, and they are still supposed to be in
Tunis.]<<<<<
        --  Sybre < 18:43:03 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[A LOT of bandwidth?  You should see down at some of the other
nodes... I can get worse.  Trust me. 

Sorry, I just try to combat annoyingness wherever I find it... 

I'll try to keep it down.]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <18:58:12/03-30-55>

>>>>>[Hey, you want ladies?  That'd be me, I suppose...of course, I'm not
from around Seattle, and I'm also quite happily married...]<<<<<
        --  Quickling <19:02:49/03-30-55>

>>>>>[I don't like the idea, and would not participate.  Sounds a lot like
a good way for Lone Star to pick up a lot of wanted runners, eh?]<<<<<
         -- Dark Angel <19:51:12/03-30-55>

>>>>>[I am in anytime you need someone to destroy the opposition and wax
the general neighborhood idiot.  My experience in the Seattle area amounts
to one run so far, as I am fairly new on the block.  I am very good at
what I do. If you need realiability and power then call the Sandman. 
Encrypt ****<LTG>****.  May your dreams always be pleasant
ones.......]<<<<<
     Sandman     <20:24:33--03/24/55>

>>>>>[If your trying to combat annoyingness where ever you find it, try
lookingin the mirror.]<<<<<
        - Necromancer <21:29:11/03-30-55>

*****PRIVATE TO: TRACKER
>>>>>[Tracker, I just got back to my place and found a message from, get
this- Kyle. Something big must've hit the fan for him to try and contact
me personally. His note didn't offer much in the way of explaination
either, just a single word. I KNOW his handwriting. The word?
AURORA.]<<<<<
        --  Sybre < 23:05:18 / 03-30-55 >

*****PRIVATE TO: SYBRE
>>>>>[What the drek is going on here man? Kyle is still with the team,
isn't he? Give me a while to work on AURORA. I'll see if I can dig up
anything on the teams current location as well. Back in 02:02.]<<<<<
        --  Tracker < 23:07:39 / 03-30-55 >

*****PRIVATE TO: SYBRE
>>>>>[Here's what I've got so far- according to SOCOM's TELCOM files, the
teams last know position was the Island of Diego Garcia. That was five
days ago. After that the IC just got way too thick. Somethings got SOCOM
all stirred up though. They're in the process of resetting ALL their
crypto schemes, not an easy thing to do with a setup the size of theirs.
AURORA drew a complete blank. There should be a KH-31 pass over Seattle in
another 6 hours, hopefully I'll be able to tap in by then and scan for
him. Kyles really in over his head this time isn't he? ] <<<<<
        --  Tracker < 23:09:41 / 03-30-55 >

*****PRIVATE TO: TRACKER 
>>>>>[get back to you tomorrow. Take it easy, and for God'd sake stay out
of the SOCOM net unless you absolutely have to. ]<<<<<
        --  Sybre < 23:12:05 / 03-30-55 >

>>>>>[ Olympics???  CRUSH want go to Olympics, CRUSH want to wrestle. 
CRUSH no wrestle in while.  CRUSH not find anyone CRUSH size.  CRUSH used
to wrestle good.  But CRUSH went through pain.  Now CRUSH not
wrestle.]<<<<<
        -- CRUSH <21:34:41/03-30-55>

>>>>>{Hey Cain!  I'm here!  And Ming may be soon also.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <09:44:30/03-30-55>

***** PRIVATE TO: CyberWraith
>>>>>[My sincere apologies for not making it *again*, but biz is biz, ya
know? Anyways, I've got most of the problems isolated and/or fixed with my
deck, but I could still use a better hand to give it a good look-over; the
hardware ain't really my thing.  And I don't even want to mess with the
reality filter!  This whole deck is Corp issue (well, the hardware, at any
rate)!  "Creative acquisitions", ya know?  }:)

Anyways, I will be at my previous location doubtless next P.M. after
sundown. I will also be jacked in about 11 A.M. Seattle time waitin' for a
feed from you, if you want to try meeting up online. 

And thanx for puttin' in the word!]<<<<<
        --FireJack  (23:45:45/03-30-55)

>>>>>[Now, would these be olympics, or a combo track meet / trade show /
swap meet?]<<<<<
        --  FireJack (23:52:33/03-30-55)

>>>>>[C'mon St.John.  There's definately ladies here.  'Sides, if any real
ladies did see that, I'd think they'd be busy hunting you down. *grin* I
know Sabre and Styx wanted too.  Now Cerise and the Ravens (mage and the
decker) would probably do it too.  Heh heh heh.  Off to work.]<<<<<
        -Harlequin <Ha-Ha-Ha>

>>>>>[Ok you guys, you explain to him why he can't wrestle in these
'olympics' you thought up.  Me?  I'm going to go hide in a bomb shelter
somewhere until it blows over. *grin*]<<<<<
        -Harlequin <Ha-Ha-Ha>

>>>>>[It looks like this will take some time...  Through the assistance of
a certain local decker who just happened to be in a sat as the following
trid data was flowing through, we have for your viewing pleasure the
Challenge of Valentine.  Enjoy, and we'll continue uploading it in peices
as we get it decrypted.  It's a long sucker... 

*****Include TNO Trid feed, decrypted and hijacked, Part 1*****

Security. 

LOTS of security. 

DREKLOADS of security. 

There are corp dead-zones and research facilities that have less security
than what you are seeing now. 

Guards, all elven and dressed in TNO/TRC uniforms, surround a very large
hill. It's an unspectacular hill, covered in green grass and small stones
with a rather large rock on the top of it.  Nothing really strange about
it, except that all the security you see seems to be there to keep
_everyone_ off the hill. 

Paranormals range about the hill, with their TRC keepers in tow.  Drones
buzz around the hill and surrounding trees and bush like angry hornets and
scour the underbrush like hungry rabbits looking for fresh buds.  Rabbits
with turret mounted LMGs, but still rabbits.  Spirits and elementals of
all types, mostly manifest but blinking in and out of the camera's view,
also range around the hill.  Guards are setting up platforms in the trees,
and several snipers with really big rifles are setting themselves up on
the platforms.  Facing outward.  Some of the guards even are wearing heavy
armor that seems to make them almost invisible.  Must be some magical
spells in the armor...  It'd be really pretty, if it wasn't so lethal to
anyone going up against it. 

And just as you are wondering where the frag this is, you notice a caption
in the lower right corner of the picture that says "Tara." So this is
Tara. Known to those in the know as the seat of the kings of old
Ireland/Eire/The Emerald Isle/Whatever else the place has been called over
time.  It's normally well guarded and access to the hill is severly
restricted, but the security is NOT this severe.  Something special must
be going on.  Maybe those two cars approaching have something to do with
it.  Make that three cars. 

And it's the last one that catches your attention.  Blatantly armored,
with machine guns sticking out of the paneling and a turret on the roof,
it crosses your mind that this car, should it want to, would easily wipe
out the first two.  Must be an escort.  And as the camera focuses in on
the two other cars, you see that the convoy actually needed one.  There
are bullet holes in the body panels of the two lead cars, with scorch
marks and chips out of the armor glass.  Not a pretty sight, but whoever
is inside was certainly safe from what you suspect were Ulster terrorists. 
You hope so, anyway.  The tailing car pulls off just after entering the
ring of guards and security, and the two others advance up the hill to a
couple of parking spaces.  At a position that the riders will need to hike
up to the crest of the hill and the Liagh Fal. 

The doors on the cars open, more or less simultaneously, and two TRC
uniformed soldiers step out of the front, opening the rear doors for the
passengers. And out steps several more elves.  A Japanese elf, dressed in
solid black.  He looks to be about 12 or 13, and you'd guess it's Little
Dragon, one of the kids who got kidnapped.  The other side opens up and an
older elf, but still looking young, gets out.  Blue jeans, a tee-shirt,
and an old jacket are what he's wearing, and this is Morgan.  The second
car, rather larger and probably a tight fit anyway, seems to have spit out
four people.  The first is an elf, pretty tall, with shoulder length hair
and emerald green cybereys, by the name of STREETWOLF.  At the other side
appears Stormfalcon, still dressed in his silver armor, although totally
unarmed and cloaked in black.  Hermit follows, in his grey suit that
doesn't even expose his hands(he must have had a backup for the burned
one...) and only his eyes.  And lastly is Valentine, carrying a brown
leather harp case and a dufflebag.  He appears to thank the guard and
thenlooks long and hard up at the crest of the hill. 

For a group of runners who are surrounded by enemies, they look remarkably
in control of themselves.  A little scared, perhaps(You'd add Hermit if
you could tell through the mask and hood), but still nothing radically
different from the people you know and love.  STREETWOLF himself unfolds a
small package that he had under his arm and dons a black, hooded cloak as
well, so that he and Stormfalcon are looking almost the exact same.  But
you are still too far away to hear thier conversation, until a camera
drone zips up and... 

----trid disjunction----

Ow.  The radical change in perspective from one camera off by the treeline
and in among the security to a small hover-camera makes you shake your
head, unless you are used to the CPU teleportation feeling in the Matrix. 
It's similar. 

But you are now not only getting the picture but the conversation too! 

"...sorry you have to wear the armor under the cloak, Stormfalcon, but
it's the only outfit that fits even remotly what I will be wearing.  And
the proper etiquette for the Challenge must be maintained or all of our
lives are in danger, instead of just mine.  You knew the risks."-Val. 

"I know, but it looks funny!"

"Hey, Stormfalcon, stop complaining.  I have the same problem.  The only
one who doesn't is Val and that's why we're here.  Wait a minute, what
about Hermit?"-SW

"He doesn't have to wear the cloak as his robes match mine close enough.
Besides, his Order won't let him wear anything else."-Val

"Humph...  Well, it is much warmer in the cloak..."-SW

While all this is going on, you notice that Val is walking over to a small
rock that is sticking out of the Hill.  He removes the case from his
shoulder and hands it to Hermit, who bows and takes it VERY carefully.  He
then begins to undress, stopping only when he is totally nude. 

If it wasn't for all the scars, he'd be really attractive.  He's good
looking but looks better with his clothing on.  He's got more scars and
old wounds on his youthful body than most people who have been through the
Desert Wars or palyplayed tag with the Red Samurai...and lost.  And still
lived to tell about it. Bullet wounds, sword slashes, knife wounds, burns,
and even discolored patches where chemical agents burned away some of his
life in war... 

And in silence, Valentine stands there, on the grass, with his eyes
closed. Probably meditating or astrally perceiving or something.  When he
opens his eyes again, he turns to Little Dragon who is carrying a large
bowl, almost a cauldron, full of steaming water.  And with help, he
up-ends the entire thing over himself.  It looks hot, but not scalding. 
Then you notice that his dufflebag has been opened and some clothing
inside layed out on the rock he had stopped by.  A white robe, hooded, and
made of heavy cotten.  A midnight black mantle/cloak trimmed with
moonlight grey.  A black belt and belt-pouch.  A silver waxing moon clasp
for the mantle, with the rest made of polished onyx. An oaken handled and
carved golden sickle, inlaied with silver ogams.  And a pair of black rope
sandles. 

Slowly, with great deliberation and in total silence, Val robes himself
with some ritualistic assistance from Stormfalcon and STREETWOLF.  Off,
away from the group helping Val sits Morgan, alone and seemingly
concentrating.  Eyes closed, he removes a single square of black silk from
his back pocket, stands and walks over to the group.  He comes before
Valentine, nods his head silently, and presents him the cloth.  Valentine
smiles, thanks him in Gaelic, and then the group of them walk in silence
to the Liagh Fal, the Stone of the Kings that cries out when touched by a
wrongful king.  At least, that's the symbology of the Stone. 

This is about when you notice that not only are the six people at the top
of Tara silent, but the TRC guards are observing a respectful silence as
well. Even the paranormal critters that are guarding are quiet.  It is
quite impressive, although you're not quite sure what is going on. 

*****End Trid feed, Part 1*****

Well, that's enough of that for the moment.  More later, as I've just been
informed that we've just finished decrypting part 2.]<<<<<
        --  Moriarity(00:43:08/03-31-55)

>>>>>[It needs no introduction, so I guess I'll give it none... 

*****Include TNO Trid feed, Decrypted and hijacked*****

A short spat of static and seemingly random data from the instants before
the decryption program actually started to work on the feed, and it's
begun again. 

Val, dressed in white under black and joined by three four others
similarly clothed and one not even close to similarly clothed, is
approaching the crest of the hill of Tara.  He turns to Hermit and opens
the case.  As you watch, Val removes one of the most beautiful instruments
you have ever seen.  If you like lyres, of course.  It is oak, with silver
inlay.  It looks hand-carved and antique.  And if you didn't know better,
you'd guess that the strings are orichalcum--braided.  And he holds it
before him and begins to play. 

The music...how to describe it.  Perhaps "haunting" is the best term, but
beautiful, and terrible, and even depressing fit it as well.  And the
notes and scales and chords are wonderfully discordant in a way that is
magical and alluring.  You suspect that even the soldiers, over a half a
km away, can hear the magical music as Valentine plays for an audience
only he knows and understands.  Perhaps it is his way of saying goodbye,
or of showing his resignation to fate and death, or of denying his clan
victory.  It is all of these things, and more.  And Valentine plays for 15
minutes, capturing the attention of all for the entire time, before ending
it as it seems to fade off into the background and the life of the world
around it.  And even the stones seem to mourn its passing.... 

Until a voice is heard, in Sperethiel:  "You have honored this place with
your music, and we are grateful.  State your buisness so we may be on our
way."

The voice itself is lilting, definately feminine, and bodyless. 

And in Gaelic, Val says:  "I wish to conduct myself and this in Gaelic,
the ancient language."

"Of course.  Gaelic it is."

"Thank you.  I come before the Hill of Kings to issue a Challenge."

"What do you know of the challenges of the people of Tir na n'Og?"

"As Lugh came before the gatekeeper of Tara before the war on the
Fomorians, so too do I come before the gatekeeper to issue my Challenge. 
As Lugh did, so too do I claim the use of Champions to gain my admission. 
And as He did, so too do I acknowledge that the final challenge is mine
and mine alone.  Before the Liagh Fal, the Stone of the Kings that Ogma
cast through the walls of Tara and Lugh returned to its rightful place, I
claim the right of Challenge."

"Do you have your Champions, and are they prepared?"

"I have chosen them, and they know of the dangers to themselves."

"Is this true, Streetwolf?"

"It is, Lady Deigh."

"Is this true, Stormfalcon?"

"It is, Lady Deigh."

"Is this true, oh cloaked and hidden one, Hermit and Kahn and more?"

And with a solomn bow of his head, Hermit says:  "It is, My Lady."

"Then proceed with the Issuance."

Valentine:  "Thank you, my Lady."

Little Dragon pulls a glass flask from his belt, and then a second one,
and holds them out for Val to take.  Valentine takes the first one, opens
it, and pours its contents into the center of the black silk, saying "And
the purity of water cleanses and rebirth comes." Then he removes his
sickle from his belt where it had been almost hidden by the mantle, turns
to the other three and nods.  STREETWOLF, first in line, holds out his
hand to the sickle.  And the blade, sharp and deadly if used as a weapon,
pricks his palm, drawing a single drop of blood that is absorbed by the
silk.  And with Stormfalcon and Hermit Val does the same, waiting after
the deeds are finished for Morgan, the only "uninvolved" person to heal
thier hands.  He then opens up his robe and cuts open his chest, followed
by his forehead.  His blood flows freely into the silk for about a minute
until Morgan heals him.  And not a single drop was missed or stains his
robes.  Turning again to Little Dragon, he takes the e second flask and
adds it to the silk as well, saying "By the blood of our lives, this
Challenge is issued." He turns to Morgan, who concentrates for an instant
and the silk begins to smoulder.  Then, as instantly as it can, the black
silk square bursts into flame around Val's hands, purifying it totally. 

"My Lady, I come before you to Issue my Challenge.  My intention is to
remove myself from my Clan and family, O'Kennedy.  I have decided to do
this so that I may live in peace for my days, so that those I love as my
own will never again fear for themselves or for me."

"You know what you ask.  State your name, and call your Champions."

"I am Patrick John O'Kennedy.  And I call upon STREETWOLF as my Champion."

"So begins the Challenge.  Step forward, Streetwolf, and face your Trials.
You face Strength, Combat, and Pain.  You must win 2 of 3 or else the
Challenge fails."

As STREETWOLF steps forward, he says:  "I understand, my Lady."

STREETWOLF, removing the cloak again, prepares himself for his Trial. 
After about 5 minutes of waiting, a large set of bodybuilding weights
appears and he begins.  And while he seems to be doing well, it appears
that there is a minumum weight that he must successfully lift to pass the
trial.  He fails it. 

Then a large cage is brought up the hill.  Within it is hidden something,
something dangerous and obviously large.  And STREETWOLF is motioned to
join it in the cage.  When the partition is removed, it is revealed to be
a Wyrd Mantis, a human sized paranormal insect.  Magically resistant, and
difficult to see under the best of situations, it is hungry.  And
STREETWOLF must kill it. The mana begins to fly off his fingertips, but
very little seems to be affecting it.  And all the while it closes with
him, trying to touch him, to corner him.  Finally, somehow, STREETWOLF
finds a weakness and the mantis seems to explode.  But he is tired from
all the spell drain, and must succeed in the final Trial. 

And it is Pain.  He is lain out on the grass about 5 minutes later, staked
as if to leave him there to die from exposure.  But he will not be so
lucky as to go so far.  Magic is brought to bear, along with the physical
tortures of chains and whips and needles.  Yet very little happens...until
his focus is lost and an overstimulation spell penetrates his mental
barriers to cause injury.  His face begins to turn red, his teeth grind
together, and his muscles begin to spasm.  And the odds are terribly
stacked against him, yet he does not cry out for any of the pain. 
STREETWOLF has succeeded, and he is sent off to Morgan and the Druid
healers who have joined the large group of supporting magicians for the
Challenge. 

"Stormfalcon, you are next.  You face the trials of Skill, Knowledge, and
the Future."

Quietly, Stormfalcon steps forward and faces Skill.  He is beset with a
weapon, totally disassembled but within his skill, that he has never seen
nor knows the use of.  And he must reassemble it and test it without it
killing him.  He finds all the traps and charges and fake parts and
gradually, over an hour, it takes on the form of a rifle.  Then, a sniping
rifle.  Then a morph-seeking rifle.  And when tested, it works without
blowing up and killing him as it should. 

And the Trial of Knowledge comes, based in History.  But again they have
tried to make the trial difficult.  But this time they have succeeded, as
it is TNO history that he must show his expertise in.  Ancient history, of
the Touatha de Danaan, the Celts, and the early Christians he successfully
navigates, but the new world order and recent events in the world of
TNO...well, his limited interest costs him a win. 

Finally, The Future is set.  A simple game, 16 peices per player on a
board of 64 alternating color squares.  The chessboard; battleground of
the mind and only the military master will come out of it winning.  And
Stormfalcon is Black, playing to Stalemate.  But he wins!  The second
Champion has won as well. 

*****End Trideo Feed****

Sorry, but we're taking the system off-line temporarily for some down
time.  We'll finish this later.]<<<<<
        --  Moriarity(01:47:32/03-31-55)

>>>>>[ That's it Jac... rehash old news <grin>. Do you know what _I_ think
happened to the guy in the funny hat? I think he was the victim of a
contained blast radius nuke... not much will stand up against those.
Granted, almost nobody on the fragging planet has enough resources to buy
one of these miraculous war devices, apart from perhaps the megacorps.
(Not that I'm suggesting a megacorp did it...) Not only that, but at the
VERY least, everything within a 20 foot radius of him would've been
vaporized as well. 
  
If the Vatican would be a little more liberal with their information on
HOW he was killed, maybe someone with some brains could piece together
this thing. What's the IC like around the Vatican LTG? Maybe one of you
deckheads could sneak in and take a look around?  ]<<<<<
                --  Warped Warlock <Playing/SherlockHolmes>

>>>>>[ Matt, I don't even WANT to know how you managed to change my
time/date stamp... ]<<<<<
                --  Warped Warlock <11:43:06/03-30-55>

>>>>>[ Good, because I wasn't planning on telling you. "Deckheads"? Hmmph.
Just be happy I don't fry your pathetic little tortoise, for that insult
to my profession... ]<<<<<
                -- Silicon Saboteur <I'mNot/ADeckhead>

>>>>>[ Yup, HellSpawn's definitely one who deals with Johnsons who like
liasons... ]<<<<<
        --  Crazy Jake <00:19:42/03-31-55>

>>>>>[ Oh, knock it off, Jake. ]<<<<<
        --  HellSpawn <00:20:23/03-31-55>

>>>>>[ Hey, Beowulf, look out...  I hear tell Dreadnaught is back in
action.  Don't want your head to end up on my porch. ]<<<<<
        --  Crazy Jake <00:24:42/03-31-55>

*****Open Freaquency Usage Surveilance Report*****
VOICE 1: [35% of being identified as 'Edge'];"Ok Flatliner, go ahead and
pull in all of our intel assets and prepare for a briefing for tonight."

VOICE 2: [No ID-from conversation presumed to be 'Flatliner'] "Roger that
Edge, rsvp at StormHaven in SQAWK ....... 

*****WARNING:BEING JAMED!*****
*****WARNING:JAMMED*****
        -End Of Feed-

>>>>>[Sandman, with the this job there should be very little destruction
of opposition.  First of all, this is a TRUE Shadowrun.  We get in, we get
out.  No one sees us or hears us if at all possible.  WE ARE A SHADOW.
However, like I said in my "call to arms" there is nothing like learning
by emersion.  Welcome aboard.]<<<<<
   -- Jasmine (8:20:00/03-31-55)

>>>>>[Last message on this front, I'm stopping the flame war as soon as
it's begun. 

Necromancer, go away.  Let's not waste bandwidth HERE...you want fight,
we'll take it to the Flame Node.]<<<<<
         --  Solonus <11:54:33/03-31-55>

>>>>>[I was just trying to find some way of separating out the worthless
runners.  The ones who give the business a bad name by doing things that
are just a little to obvious.  Of course, attrition usually takes out the
real losers. 

(And I'm still here so keep the comments to a minimum.)]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus (10:12:34 / 03-31-55)

*****PRIVATE TO: Solonus
>>>>>[Solonus: We are currently in need of some serious undercover work.
If you know of anything that is available, please pass the word
along.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav (13:38.32/03.31.55)

PRIVATE TO: Necromancer
>>>>>[I don't know if that was in reference to me or Solonus, but I don't
take kindly to it either way.  We don't need a third flame war in the
space of two weeks.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith (13:50.00/03.31.55)

>>>>>[Boy, you are really starting to try my patience.  I will meet you
tonight, at your doss, and you had better be there!]<<<<<
        --CyberWraith (13:53.13/03.31.55)

>>>>>[Solonus, please refrain from accosting Necromancer.]<<<<<
         -- Dark Angel <13:24:32/03-31-55>

>>>>>[Harlequin:  Oh, I don't doubt that there are ladies on this board. 
My comment was directed in sincere interest in the location of these
ladies, not to suggest that the women on this board weren't ladies.  I
appolgize for any mis- understanding this has caused, and special
appologies to Sabre and Styx, and to Cerise and the Ravens.  Please allow
me the chance to reconcile myself; if there is anything I can do to help
you ladies and gentlemen out, please let me know.]<<<<<
        -- StJohn <12:34:25/03-31-55>

>>>>>[The worthless runners are separated out by either dying or having
bad reps.  The good ones get the good reps.  That's how it works. 

And who cares about a bad name...it'll just keep the people we don't want
in away from the business, and of course it ups our intimidation factor
quite a bit...]<<<<<
        --  Solonus <13:37:48/03-31-55>

>>>>>[Ahem, just for those who wonder if there are ladies on this board.
Jasmine is a lady (me).  I was offended, but that's my own business and
will not cut down on my business with others.  If you can't overlook
something as small and insignificant as a statement like that, then your
not worth your weight on the street.  Just to throw in my two cents]<<<<<
   	-- Jasmine

>>>>>[ I'm still alive and regretting it. You hear me, fraggers? You
_missed_! frag, I'm starting to sound like James T. Kirk. 

Okay, I missed the explosion of Central Offices by the skin of my teeth; I
drew the short straw this time and was just coming back with the donuts
when the whole thing went up in flames, and my car got hit by some flying
girders. Unpleasant. They jaw'd me out, though, and as a coupla' DocWagon
geeks were checking me over I realized I just lost a lot of good friends,
an office, a real wiz deck, and all my usual equipment. As for now I'm on
Sick Leave with a broken collarbone, but that sure as hell doesn't stop me
from decking, so... 

I know LoneStar is going all-out to find the drek-heads responsible, and I
personally will add ten thou for any information leading to their arrest
and subsequent demise. I'm also calling in my markers. This mean's you,
'fire..., and anyone else from the Project you can drag in on this.]<<<<<
        -- Inpector Richard Wu, LoneStar Security <11:46:13/03-31-55>

>>>>>[Warped Warlock:  I go to the Vatican LTG every Holy Day of
Obligation. I could check out the system on Easter if you wish.  I am as
curious about the Pope's death as you are.]<<<<<
        -- StJohn <13:10:10/03-31-55>

*****PRIVATE TO: CyberWraith
>>>>>[Sorry, boss, but these things can't be helped.  I'm doin' my best,
but so are those friggin' Aztech boyz. 

I'll be at my crash site tonite, regardless.  I'll be jacked in to a
secure site, too, if you want to try there:  hook up w/
[m schmitt] at [prime.delta.edu.] Guaranteed to find me there tonite 'till the
wee hours.]<<<<<
        FireJack  (15:08:23/03-31-55)

>>>>>[Jake, you truly are crazed or at least the victim of a bad joke.
Dreadnaught's brains were spilled by some unknown Beowulf 2 years ago on a
completely different continent.  When I, er.. this unknown Beowulf, kills
someone, they generally stay dead.]<<<<<
        -- Beowulf King-Lear <etc.>

*****PRIVATE TO: FireJack
>>>>>[I'll be there, and I'll be bringing my brother.  Whatever Aztech can
do to you, I can do better to them.  I sincerely hope that you get this
and sit your sorry as down tonight, since I have quite a few things to get
done, and the boss is calling a meeting tonight, as soon as I get back, so
get your stuff packed, I'm just going to be picking you up.  Pack for a
couple of days, you'll need it.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith (15:56.45/03.31.55)

*****PRIVATE TO: The Posse
>>>>>[I hate to say it guys, but it looks like we may have to lay low the
next couple of days, just to make sure that we don't get picked up.  As
much as this destabilizing action scares me, I still don't want to have to
call in any favors right now.  I think that we all ought to get together
tonight, and discuss the possible problems.  As far as the net goes,
nobody knows that I was there, so we do have that to work from. Until
tonight.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav (16:02.12/03.31.55)

>>>>>[Anyone near Honalulu or heading there.  I need to find someone
willing to sneak me back into Seattle.  I can't use the normal methods
because Aztechnology is watching them.  For some reason they still want to
eliminate me.]<<<<<
        --  Scorpian<14:07/3-31-94>