***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[  Jas, I'm going to San Fran to check on Freddy, and see what I can find
out.  If you need me, you know how to get in touch with me.  I'm gone. ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <19:55:17/09-13-56>

***** PRIVATE: Spark
>>>>>[  Spark, I'm on my way up there.  I know I don't officially work for
FryppSec anymore, but do you think you can find me a place to stay tonight?
I should be there in a few hours, so give me a ring on >>LTG<< and leave me
a message.  I'll check it as often as I can.  ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <19:59:21/09-13-56>

***** PRIVATE: GoD
>>>>>[ I'm going to check in on Freddy in San Fran.  Want to keep me company?
I leave in about an hour, so let me know _fast_.  You know how to reach me if
you wanna come.  ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <20:02:28/09-13-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Serenity Security
>>>>>[  Hey gang, I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be gone for
at least the next few days.  A good friend of mine is in bad shape, and I'm
going to go check in on him and see how he's doing.  If you need me for
anything, Jason know's how to get in touch with me anywhere, as does
GoD.  ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <20:06:28/09-13-56>

>>>>>[*sighs*  No, I suppose it never did occur to me that that would
happen...but it also did not occur to me that I would have a cortex bomb
planted in my head and so on and so forth...we do what we have to do
sometimes...I'm certain many of you have been paid to do things that
don't exactly buy into your belief system -- just for the sake of
running.  And just to let you know, I never bought into the Fuchi drek
that they feed the wage slaves...I worked because I needed the money and
that was all.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

*****Private To: RumourMonger
>>>>>[*hearty applause*]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

>>>>>[Thinly veiled threats are for the weak.  I meant nothing other than
what I said.  Do not look for hidden meaning in things others say...I
also learned that at Fuchi...sad, really.  Peace.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

***** Private: Kor, Nightmare
>>>>>[ Never expected to get one of these from me, did you?  Don't worry, I
didn't code any nasty things into this simple message.

I find it very interesting that a man named Crucifix is running around
after what happened to the ork lady, a while back.  Don't you?  I would
make the recommendation that you look into this guy's track record.

I would normally do this, but since I am such a evil and nasty person, I
could _NOT_ do this for you.  Besides you made it a little more challenging
than for me to be wasting my time on petty things like a massacre with one
ork woman dying in a particularly BAD way.  I will live it to people like
you, with oh so much more loftier ideas.

AND maybe you should heed the warning as well.  You do not know when, you
do not know how, but I will get even for you causing me to flee Seattle.
And I promise you this, it will be as costly for you as it was for me.  And
fear not, I won't just hit in the money department, I will hit on a level
much more personal. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <19:31:39/09-13-56>

>>>>>[I can't decide if someone likes me or hates me.  Remember that bit of
trid I got, where some guys in sculpted dragon armor kicked the drek outta
some Azzie jungle installation?  I got another one.

Except this time it was waiting form me in e-mail.  Took up my entire
mailbox, plus some allotted "overspill."  My Matrix provider sent me a nasty
note about trying not to go over quota again.  But in any case...

I won't bore you with the actual footage, unless you email me direct.  I'll
send a private copy your way so you can analyze it.  Or drool over it.  But
here's roughly what happened anyway.

Another jungle installation.  About twice as many goons, and a few more
square footage of building.  Hellhounds and mages again.  Same result; the
group in scultped dragon armor killed them all and took no casulties.  Got a
ding or too in the armor this time, but nothing serious.  The only thing
different is that the center building sure as frag looked like a small
temple.  And just like last time, they all stood in the middle of it all,
took off, and the same guy with the bloo-red armor says "We know."

Now I've been running the shadows for a few years now, and this is starting
to make me a little twitchy.  As far as I know, I'm the only one to recieve
this little present in my mailbox.  Does anybody have any clues?]<<<<<
	-- Rage<22:44:33/9-13-56>

***** PRIVATE: Sparks, GoD, Griffyn
>>>>>[Im staying in a hotel fairly near Frypp Sec.

I came down to the offices but everything and everyone was pretty much
in an uproar and no one could answer any questions about anything.  Where
is Freddy?  I'd like to look in on the old fart for myself.

GoD, Griff  --  If you guys had just said something before taking off you
could have share the trip down.  When I am happy with Freddy's condition
Ill be taking the jet back to Seattle.  If you wish to leave at that time, let
me know, there is more than enough room.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <17:13:52 / 09-14-56>

>>>>>[Do not look for hidden meanings?  May I suggest a brief lesson on
constructive paranoia?

No matter really.  I merely wished to "welcome" you to Hell on Earth.  I will
take no action, direct or indirect, against you or your kin.  Peace, if you
insist, Crucifix.]<<<<<
	-- the Dark Stranger<11:09:35/9-14-56>


+++++PRIVATE: Crucifix
>>>>>[Here's a brief tidbit to see how well developed your paranoia gland is:


Ever had the displeasure of meeting Miles Lanier, head of Internal Security?
 Let me tell you that the only thing that made those meetings with him every
other week bearable was the fact that Samantha Villiers made a habit of
sitting in.

Think on that.  But relax.  IntSec doesn't really want you that bad.  Someone
else might though...]<<<<<
	-- the Dark Stranger<11:15:12/9-14-56>

*****Private To: the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[I suggest a meet.  I like your style, and I like your tidbits of
knowledge.  I personally did not think IntSec wanted me...BUT...I think
that mayhaps I have offended one of the Japanese in the company -- I did
tend to be brusk with my clients...like I said, I took no drek.  Hence
the cranial bomb, hence the etc. etc. etc.  Name a place, if you desire,
and we will have a few drinks and discuss Fuchi.

Samantha did make it all worth while. :)]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

***** Private: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[ Sorry about the delay in responding.  Things have been extremely
hectic as of late.  I have barely had time to sleep, let alone think about
any extracurricular activities.

A night at the "theatre" would be a most welcome get away from the hassles
of work.  Give me a call at >>encrypted<< and we can discuss the details.
]<<<<<
        -- Colleen <17:45:02/09-14-56>

>>>>>[  I am here now, in Seatle, to offer my services to those who need it.
What do I do, you say? Well, I'm an assasin with a 100kill ratio. That and
I don't ask questions. So, you need someone dun in, give me a ring.]<<<<<
        --  The Silent Assasin<23:35:00/09/14/56>

>>>>>["Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, We're so glad
you could attend, Come inside, Come inside"]<<<<<
        --  Smith <22:44:28 / 09-14-56>

>>>>>["Come inside, the show's about to start, Guaranteed to blow your
head apart, Rest assured you'll get your money's worth, Greatest show in
Heaven, Hell, or Earth"]<<<<<
        --  Klien <22:47:48/09-14-56>

>>>>>["Right before your eyes, we pull laughter from the skies, And he
laughs until he cries, then he dies, then he dies...."]<<<<<
        --  French <22:48:55 / 09-14-56>

>>>>>[I understand.]<<<<<
        --  Hermit <22:51:15/09-14-56>

>>>>>[+++++Warning!!!  Hardware Corruption in progress!+++++

As do I.

+++++Hardware Corruption complete.  No reverse ID/Time/Date log
available+++++]<<<<<
        --  M#f(~aa8 <~~'=:|| * &9/_-^11)

>>>>>[Silent, You are a fool, if you don't ask questions you will never know
if you get the right target, nor will you realize if you are being set up.
 It is actually amazing you are still alive.]<<<<<
       	-- Dragon (22:00:30 PDT/ 09:14:56)

*****PRIVATE: The Silent Assassin
>>>>>[Silent, you had better listen to Dragon, as he is a very accomplished
assassin in his own right.]<<<<<
          --Shadow (22:05:30 PDT/ 09:14:56)

*****PRIVATE: Crucifix
>>>>>[I will look into why they considered you enough of a threat to send in
heavy-hitters.  If you could tell me more about your mission, I would be able
to find out more info.  Also, every consider a Simrig recorder w/ an internal
transmitter.  I get much better reception, and I don't carry all the storage
equipment with me.]<<<<<
  	-- Shade <22:02:03 / 9-14-56>

>>>>>[ Heh.  Welcome to Seattle.  Hope you don't become someone else's
kill.  You see nothing stays one-hundred percent all the time in the land
of shadows and black asphalt.  Something always goes wrong. Ain't that
right, Kor? ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <21:09:23/09-14-56>

>>>>>[Ok, who was playing in Dante's last night?]<<<<<
        --  Slash <08:09:55/09-15-56>

>>>>>[Slash, we know you love to be cryptic, but what the frag are you
talking about?]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night <08:11:03/09-15-56>

>>>>>[Well, two people were killed there last night, in Hell.  And they
have about 20 or so bulletholes in the walls and dance floors to fix.
Drek, the bottom level of the glass dancefloors completly broke and
dropped about 30 dancers into the mosh pit at the bottom.  It'll take
Dante's about 2 weeks to replace that floor.  But the thing that went
really fraggin weird is their Matrix that runs the music, etc.  Well,
it'll take em about a week to get it fixed.  It looks almost like someone
fragged with the independant fibers and the hardware.  And per normal,
Lone Star is lookin for 4 people, one dressed in a sheet, that were seen
leaving Dante's rather hurridly right after the drek hit the fan.

You guys remember Esty, the elf, and his three cronies?  Well, three of
the chums match, loosly, thier description.  The other...who knows.]<<<<<
        --  Slash <08:19:53/09-15-56>

>>>>>[Whoever you are, you saved my life.  Thank you.  But why?]<<<<<
        --  Hermit <08:22:14/09-15-56>

>>>>>[+++++Hardware corruption.  Terminate?(y/n):  N
+++++Corruption continuing, termination sequence begun.....terminating....
+++++Terminating....Corruption complete, sequence not finished.
+++++Termination not complete

I have my reasons.  I recommend that you be a bit more careful, sir.

+++++Termination not complete....Sequence under investigation, by
+++++external decker....Decker unable to analyze, corruption too severe.
+++++Warning, due to corruption, ID/Time/Date not recognizable]<<<<<
        -*  hE5^#0a  <-1`<</wQ| \ *-kv>$>

>>>>>[What the frag?]<<<<<
        --Sysop <08:30:05/09-15-56>

>>>>>[So I hear.

A lot of the time its just a miscommunications.  A bit of a twist in
someone's words and a lack of research on another's part.  You know how
that goes, right, Ratspeak?

You asked me a question the other night  --  I should probably answer it
soon.  Been a little busy with a friend trying to get his old ass geeked.  Damn,
and the person didnt even have the Shintuwa to do it up close and person.
A shame really.  Tools only muddy the water.  There is very little satisfaction
unless you can see and touch the final product.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <15:47:11 / 09-15-56>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[Hey-hey, sorry for takin' so long.  Ran into some bad weather
out near Denver (don't ask).  Gimme a coupla more hours.  Where do I
deliver?]<<<<<
        -- Kabuki Man (10:50:22 / 09-15-56)

***** PRIVATE: Kabuki Man
>>>>>[Greetings  --  I assume you are the person we have been waiting
for since about monday or so.

Trax is supposed to take posession but I am not totally sure where he is
right now.

Got him.  He will be transmitting on >>FREQ<< and will guide you in.  Thanks
for the troubles you have gone through to get that to us.  Greatly
appreciated.

Trixie at Serenity will be taking care of your return trip accomodations.
She has a message for you when you get in.]<<<<<
         -- Merrox <16:27:20 / 09-15-56>

***** Private: Kor, GoD, Griffyn
>>>>>[If you want to see him, we'll take you there.  Don't look for
him yourself.  We hope you won't be able to find him.  Jacamus' has
gone overly paranoid.  He's jumping at shadow even more than usual.
Can't blame him, we're all on edge.]<<<<<
      -- Spark (12:25:33 / 09-15-56)

*****Private: Spark
>>>>>[Dear Mr/Ms. Spark
  You don't know me but some of my freinds worked for Mr. Frypp for a short
time last year, and they are looking for some work in the Cal. Free State.  And
they have asked me to set it up. I sent a private message to Mr.Frypp some time
back, and after seeing the post I know why he has not got back to me.
  Well to make this short, my freinds will be in San Fran in a couple days and
will try to get a hold of you, if you need any help.]<<<<<
       --Tommy Fung  (14:50:13/09-14-56)
         CEO
         Fung's Security  Hong Kong

***** Private: Tommy Fung
>>>>>[Thanks for the help.

If you guys are in town with time to kill, you're welcome to try and
trace where this BTL came from.  Unfortunatley, we don't have it.
DocWagon grabbed it and the player when they came for Freddy.  We'd
try to get it ourselves, but we're stretched a little thin.]<<<<<
      	-- Spark (12:30:01 / 09-15-56)

***** PRIVATE: Shade
>>>>>[Much appreciated, chummer.  And, no, I hadn't thought enough about
that yet.  It's a good idea, though.  A damn good idea.  Now I need to
find a place to get it...]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

***** PRIVATE:  Kor, GoD, Spark
>>>>>[  Of course I want to see him.  I'll be at the FryppSec offices later,
and
I'll catch up with you then.  Do you guys have any leads at all on what
happened
yet?  ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <14:33:23/09-15-95>

*****PRIVATE: Slash
>>>>>[Don't you think it is time we dealt with Etsy's cronies once and for
all?]<<<<<
          --Buzz (The one the Only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

>>>>>Guess what, chums?  That same guy, dressed in the sheet, was last
spotted runnin from the Space Needle soon after some "public disorder"
was created.  My sources say that the disorder was actually two men and a
woman drawin weapons and castin spells at this guy, who fled the scene
lookin a bit worse for the wear.  Accordin to my sources, that is.

And I also got a vid shot of one of the trio.  Sure looks like that Etsy
slitch, Smith.  Now, what would they want with a fraggin monk?]<<<<<
        --  Slash <21:17:33/09-15-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Buzz
>>>>>[Maybe.  I can't afford to go for revenge unless I know they're
runnin against a friend.  Let's wait a tic or two on this one.]<<<<<
        --  Slash <21:18:48/09-15-56>

>>>>>[A monk, did I hear you say?  Hmmmmmmmm.....

+++++Engaging internal encryption, PRIVATE:  Hermit

Hermit, why do Etsys paladins want you this time?  Did you go against the
council again?  I can offer you asylum if you so desire it.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <21:21:18/09-15-56>

>>>>>[I cannot encrypt this, Valentine, but perhaps a place to sleep
would be nice this evening.  I accept you offer.  I have one more thing
to do yet, but it shall wait until I am rested.  Send me Little Dragon,
to our training site.  He knows the way, and could very easily aid me
should we come upon difficulties.]<<<<<
        -- Hermit <21:23:12/09-15-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Hermit
>>>>>[I know the place and will come myself.  The trio will not attack
me, but neither will I risk Bruce tonight.  He is, after all, only 15.
Do not bother to respond lest you're location be traced and your life be
put in further jeapordy.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <21:25:33/09-15-56>

***** PRIAVATE:  Valentine
>>>>>[I must apologize for unintentinally eavesdropping upon your
immediately prior conversation, but I am afraid that said communication
to a Mr. Hermit was compromised prior to my noticing it.  I highly
recommend that you acquire another encryption utility lest further
conversations be rendered insecure in the same manner of this one.]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <21:28:38/09-15-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Smith
>>>>>[Surveillance, Haven, Redmond]<<<<<
        --  Klien <21:30:06/09-15-56>

*****PRIVATE: Hermit
>>>>>[Praytell, what are you up to?  Why are you getting attacked?  If you
would tell me, I might be able to help you.  You should recognize my
name.]<<<<<
          --Olorin (21:20:30 PDT/ 09:15:56)

*****PRIVATE: Slash
>>>>>[I know, but they are a major annoyance.]<<<<<
        -- Buzz (The one the Only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

>>>>>[Good sir, I thank you for your polite observation of my encryption
status.  However, I am curious as to why you would be so kind as to let
me know of it.  I have already purchased a new encryption.  To tell me of
it only ensured that you would be unable to read further information from
myself sent to others.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <15:39:11/09-16-56>

>>>>>[I heartily approve of your actions in the assistance of the
disenchanted and misguided youth of Seattle.  I suspect that you recieve
extensive private and anonymous donations to your Haven project, Mr.
Valentine.  I happily admit to donating large sums to you.  In addition,
and perhaps in entirety, your personal efforts to assist and aid the
general public, usually in the form of corporate castoffs known as
squatters, means you are indeed, and in deed, a true samaritan.  For
these reasons I endeavor to aid you so that you may aid others without
need of watching your flank.  My knowledge in flanking maneuvers is
admitedly restricted to this false reality, but within my personal
expertise, there are none better.

I sense your likely trepidation.  Perhaps knowing that a moderately
skilled matrixrunner hides within node 2.5-y8 in your system, as well as
that his name is Klien and believes himself invisible due to the masking
mode his Fairlight has ensconsed him within will mitigate your discomfort
somewhat.

Good day, Mr. Valentine.]<<<<<
        --  Mercury <15:54:46/09-16-56>

+++++Warning!!  Node 2.5-y8 shutting down.  External power cut to node.
+++++Persona unMasking and exiting Node 2.5-y8

*****PRIVATE:  Klien
>>>>>[I know you were here, sir.  Hermit is currently under my
protection, and you know VERY well what that means, I'm sure.  As long as
I am with him, or he is within a klick of Haven, he is under my
protection.  You will _NOT_ harm him while he is here.  In addition,
several of my youths have seen your compatriot French across the street
in the abandoned complex.  I recommend you both leave and not return lest
the gangs who honor Haven with their protection decide to make your lives
slightly more difficult.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <15:59:48/09-16-56>

*****PRIVATE:  French, Smith
>>>>>[Move.  Now.  Somehow Val caught onto my persona and shut down the
node I was in and he also knows about French's current location.  He's
made it very clear that we are not to bother the assassin/monk while he's
in the Haven area.]<<<<<
        --  Klien <16:02:55/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ Hey Mercury, have you ever heard of finesse?  Seems to me shouting
the fact that you discovered a decker trailing Val' only a good way of
smoking the decker to a different hiding spot.  Why not go in and just
surprise the decker? ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <19:30:00/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ There is more logic than that, although I bet Mercury is trying to
step very lightly so as to not get accused of being afraid to go after
another decker. ]<<<<<
        -- Black Knight <19:32:06/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ That reminds me, I finally figured out (last week sometime) where I
knew 'a Collector' from.  He was known by the deckers in BIS as 'Trader.'
He went by the running name:

+++++ message transmission halted ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <19:34:54/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ Come on, my death-seeking comrade.  Do you truly want BIS after you
in addition to Nightmare?  Use your head for once.  I know it is a fleeting
thing for you, my dear Ratspeak. ]<<<<<
        -- Black Knight <19:35:00/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ I should really teach you a lesson in manners. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <19:37:32/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ As your missing decker friend (Scourge) would say, "That's the best
laugh I have had in weeks.  Thank you, Ratspeak.  I needed that." ]<<<<<
        -- Black Knight <19:38:07/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ +++++ begin transmission

A dark and rainy night, as usual, is taking place.  From a nearby alleyway
you hear a deep voice telling someone, "Ya know yar part.  If we get
separated, make sure ya get dere.  I hope dey will know what ta do.  Time
is short."  After a pause, the voice barks out a command.  "Move!"

Quickly, a series of small and some not so small darken shapes come out of
the alleyway.  The quickly get into a nearby van.  The darken shapes are
reminiscent of ork and troll teenagers.  Lastly, a particularly large troll
enters the alleyway.  The troll shuts the door behind the van and spins
around looking out toward the street.

A rather large (although very small compared to the troll) human enters.
His greasy long brown hair is plastered to his face from the rain.  He has
a bushy beard and is wearing a well-worn duster as well.  At his waist is a
scabbard containing a sword.  A gleam comes from the pommel.  The pommel
seems to be a golden cross.  In the man's other hand is a old walking
stick.

The troll shouts, "GO!"  The van starts up.  The human continues to slowly
approach.  He seems to be muttering something unintelligible.  The van
peels out as it roars to life and exits the opposite side of the alleyway.

The human smiles innocently.  His eyes seem a little out of focus.  Like he
is seeing another world.  A world that is neither here nor there.  His
voice is finally audible as he says, "Do you have any last confessions to
make before I kill you Doomsday?  The lord, our almighty god, has told me
to kill you for the sins you have committed.  Our lord says that the
children's time is not now, but is rapidly approaching."

The troll, Doomsday, mutters, "Fraggin' street trash."  He bolts to a side
door in the alley.  The door crumples as Doomsday lowers his shoulder into
the door.  He quickly enters the darkened warehouse.  The human follows
with amazing speed.  Doomsday barely rolls out of the way of a vicious
swipe of the walking staff.  The human starts circling Doomsday.

The human says, "Last chance for confessions sinner.  Do you repent in the
light of your imminent departure from life?"  He swings the staff again.
Doomsday blocks the swing with his forearm connecting with his.  The force
of the block sends the staff clattering away.  The human spins and catches
Doomsday with a series of punches and kicks.  Doomsday backs away under the
onslaught but doesn't seemed panicked.  The human shakes his head and says,
"I see you are made of unholy metal, no matter.  Nothing can save you from
the lord's justice."

He moves again to punch Doomsday.  This time Doomsday catches him first
with a punch to the midsection.  It knocks the man back a few steps, but it
fails to drop him.  The man smiles, "Not expecting that were you."

Doomsday merely grunts, "Street trash."  As the human continues the attack
on him.  Slowly Doomsday is forced back to a wall.  The man draws a knife.
Its blade nearly invisible due to the poor light, but the pommel gleams
from the gold of the cross.  The man grabs Doomsday's left hand and slowly
tries to force it against the wall.  The tendons in Doomsday's neck bulge
as he slowly fights the man's effort to get his left hand against the wall.
Doomsday's right hand is reaching for something that is out of view.
Doomsday whispers, "So yar da fragger who killed da ork woman."

The human smiles viciously, "As my lord instructed me, I taught her how to
know god.  It shall be a similar yet in someways different way that I teach
you that some very lesson Doomsday."  The man slowly forcing Doomsday's
hand backward.  Doomsday grunts in anger and obvious effort and slowly
forces the man back.  As the hand with the knife starts to move Doomsday
smashes the guy across the face with an old crowbar.  The man falls down
but is quickly up.  You see some fluid flowing down his face.  In this
light, it is unclear whether the liquid is blood or hydraulic fluid.

The man calmly draws his sword.  The haze in his eyes is still there as he
starts to carefully approach Doomsday.  Doomsday draws a gun while the man
is down and unloads two shots into the man as the man gets back up.  The
only man flinches with each hit and starts to approach closer.  Doomsday
snarls and tosses the gun away.  "Piece o' junk.  I should remember ta get
guns dat are sized for trolls anyway."  Doomsday barely blocks the first
swing with the crowbar.  From the flake that was shaven off the crowbar, it
is obvious that the sword is dikoted.  Doomsday continues to move toward
the center of the room.  He seems to be trying to free something from his
belt.  The man continues to approach.  Doomsday makes a dashing motion as
the human is swinging his sword.  The area is suddenly covered in smoke.
Soon after there is a crashing sound of plastic breaking and then some
running.  Soon after the man's voice calls out from the smoke, "Very well
Doomsday.  Your friends shall pay the price for your sins.  And then the
children that you try so hard to protect."
---
Its a cozy night inside the pub.  All the fixture's are just where you
remember them.  It is sure good to be looking at Polish's.  At least there
is one place that hasn't changed in all the years.  The door opens letting
in some rain water as Doomsday walks in.  He is breathing hard but just
wipes off some water.  He shuts the door, and walks in a few feet.

The man at the bar greets Doomsday.  "Hey man!  Been a while.  How are the
kids?"

Doomsday sighs and says, "I need a ride ta a place real fast.  Da kids are
about ta be turned over ta da one man dat can be der savior or deir worst
dream."

The bartender looks at Doomsday carefully and says, "What?  Who are they
going to?"

Doomsday sounds less then thrilled as he says, "Nightmare."

The bartender laughs and says, "You shouldn't have to worry.  After all he
did get ol' Powerhouse's (may he rest in peace) sword back to Cerise.  He
seemed to be a good guy.  As I recalled you were with him."

Doomsday says in a completely drained voice, "And I know, be'er dan anyone
what he is capable of.  Trust me, it would be almost kinder to let dem get
caught by da people dey are bein' hunted by.  I gotta hurry.  I'll make it
up ta whoever drives me."

A small, wiry woman (human) with a shaved head smiles.  Her 'jack gleams in
the bars light as she says, "Hey honey.  I'll get you there with plenty of
time to spare.  Just return the favor when I'm desperate, 'k?"

"Thanks.  I'll make it up ta ya." ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <22:21:07/09-16-56>

>>>>>[ +++++ begin transmission.

You hear the phone chirping in the background.  It rings several times.  A
familiar voice (in german) says, "Are you going to pick that up?"  Another
familiar voice (also in german) (both voices are human males) responds, "I
was hoping the messaging service would get it.  But since it didn't, I
believe that means it is one of my decker friends with some news."  In the
corner, oblivious to the conversation or the phone ringing a classical
guitar is being played.  The melody is a sad one.  It seems to be familiar,
but that too you cannot place.

A click is heard, as the second voice says, "Good morning.  You are speaker
phone.  May I be of some assistance?"

A metallic voice says, "Greeting, dark ones.  It is I, Black Knight.  The
children are on route.  Doomsday is traveling late, due to an encounter
with someone who apparently involved with the massacre a while back.  The
encounter was left unresolved.  It would appear that the children and
anyone claiming to be a friend of Doomsday is going to be in danger."

The second voice calmly says, "Anything else?"

"Negative sir.  It was a quiet night on the front.  Had a small run in with
Ratspeak, but then again, what is a night where that doesn't happen.
Ratspeak almost revealed the running name of 'a Collector.'"

There is a soft chuckle and then the second voice says, "Next time let
Ratspeak say it.  BIS would respond in kind and I wouldn't have to deal
with it.  You really should stop protecting -- him."

The first voice says, "Interesting move.  Are you and I playing the same
game, Herr Nightmare."

The second voice responds, "We were, Herr Harker, but then again, maybe we
aren't."

Black Knight says, "I will have Sprinkler make sure everything is in order
for when the children arrive.  I imagine they shall be quite out of sorts
with Doomsday not shepherding them.  Good morning to you all.  And
Blitzkrieg, you really should try and play something a little more
cheerful."

A quiet voice says, "Fuck you, Knight."

Nightmare says, "Good morning, Black Knight.  Thank you for the news.  Be
sharp.  Today promises to be long."

Black Knight says, "Work never goes short.  Good-bye."

The line goes dead.
---
Nightmare says quietly, "You know where Shadowfox is.  Why won't you tell
us where."

Christopher responds, "I refuse to let people go there and get themselves
killed.  I refuse to give you the knowledge on the chance that you would
send people there.  I went there to kill Shadowfox.  The only reason I got
out alive was because Shadowfox said for me to.  We have been over this
Nightmare.  I won't do it."

Nightmare sighs, "Look, I know you don't trust me.  We have been arguing
about this for hours . . . but why don't you tell me why it is so dangerous
and I will decide whether or not it is worth dying for?  Mark was very
vivid on how he feels about the whole thing.  You know how I feel.  I'm not
about to send someone on a suicide mission.  I don't normally send people
on missions I wouldn't take.  It's bad business."

Christopher responds, "Mark would prefer him to remain missing and if not
that maybe dead.  But we have been over that.  Alright, you win, I'll
describe what happened to me.  From that you can draw your own
conclusions."
---
Nightmare says quietly, "I take it you figured out the location, due to all
the time you spent pouring over maps."

Christopher responds equally quietly, "Yes."

Nightmare says, "I surrender this game to you.  Let us prepare for the
children."

Christopher says, "You know, we just signed our own death warrants."

Nightmare calmly responds, "I think our death warrants were filled out
years ago.  Just nobody has been able to fulfill the order yet.  And I
don't plan for these children to be the agents to succeed where others have
failed."  You hear a discordant chord from a guitar in the background.
]<<<<<
        -- Christopher Harker <22:59:50/09-16-59>

*****Private: Sparks
>>>>>[Hoi, my name is Death Jestor, me and the rest of the team are now in San
Fran, and is it ok if we stop by to Pow-wow, to set up a plan of attack?
our decker is trying to hack Docwag to find out what happened to the Chip
and/or the player, we will try to find all lose end on this side of the
problem.  We will stop buy later with what we find.]<<<<<
        -- Death Jestor (09-18-56/14:13:38)
            Representive of Tommy Fungs Security

>>>>>[Not a one.  But if someone with a lota yen wants to frag with Aztech, more
power to 'em.  You might want to take some precautions tho,  whoever it is
apparently knows that you picked up their last trasnmission and is taking steps
to keep you up-to-date.  That can result in trouble with Aztech if they ever
trace those transmisions.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <12:16:03/18-SEP-56>

*****PRIVATE: Spark
>>>>>[I am a specialist in simsense technology, and if I do not know it, then
I know somebody who does.  Can I offer my assistance as a fellow
shadow-runner.]<<<<<
  	-- Shade <23:44:08 / 9-14-56>

***** Private: Griffyn
>>>>>[No, we don't have any leads at all.  We're stretched too thin
to do our own leg work.  With Kabuki Man back, he's trying to reign
Jac in a little, but JAc's to the point of putting some of us to
thumb-screws.  He's convinced it was an inside job.

He thinks one of us got into Freddy's apartment and switched simsense
players.

Anyway, we need the help, so if Kor'll cut you loose, HELP!!!!!]<<<<<
        -- Spark (10:22:59 / 09-18-56)

***** Private: Death Jestor
>>>>>[Yeah, if one of you can stick your head in down here, Jac
and Kabuki Man want to see what yer doing.

Thanks for the help.  Good luck.]<<<<<
        -- Spark (15:00:01 / 09-18-56)

>>>>>[Bingo!  Jac's finally scored an almost lead.

He was putting one of the new kids on the rack when the kid broke.
Said he was visited last week.  Visited by someone he'd seen on the
vidphone with Freddy, but, natch, he's got no name and not much of a
description: medium height, medium build, yadda, yadda, yadda.  We've
ran him past one of the mages, but he came up blank.  Days there was
too much trauma later on and his memories are "fuzzy".

Sose, this fella breaks into Bouvier's apartment and gets in his
face.  Starts telling him Bouvier'll get into Casa de Frypp and
change players.  So, the kid gets up some nerve and tries to fight
him.  The guy throw Bouvier across the room and walks into the
kitchen.  Comes back with a bottle of drain cleaner and a butcher
knife.  Belts back the cleaner like it was a beer.

He slumps over, dead, right?  Nope.  He gets up and shoves the knife
into his gut.  Drops over into a pool of his own blood.  Dead, right?
Nope.  Stands up, this time with a circle of fire around his head - or
at least that's what Bouvier says - and tells Bouvier that he'll drag
his eternal soul to hell - or some such babble.  Really got to the
kid, I guess.

Well... instead of taking the door, guess how this guy leaves
Bouvier's apartment?  Out the window.  Twenty-five floor drop, splat
to the pavement.  Dead, right?  'Course not.  Climbs onto a passing
bike and disappears.

Yuck.  Weird stuff.  Anybody heard of anything like that happening
before?]<<<<<
        -- Spark (16:22:39 / 09-18-56)

***** PRIVATE:  Spark
>>>>>[ Okay, count me in.  I'm sure I can get Kor to give me some time off for
good behavior.  Got anything specific for me to do?  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn <16:51:20/09-18-56>

>>>>>[  Christ.  That flame stuff sounds a whole helluva lot like Brimstone.
Someone show laughing boy some pictures of Brimstone and Marksanpensah.  I
don't like the direction this is heading.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn <16:53:13/09-18-56>

>>>>>[Damn, damn, damn, damn.  I should've seen the connection.
Thanks wiz boy.]<<<<<
        -- Jacamus (17:22:33 / 09-18-56)

***** PRIVATE: Nightmare
>>>>>[Is it safe to assume that Mark is in your posession at this time?
Is it also safe too assume that C. Harker knows where Shadowfox is?  Does
he also happen to know where Scourge is?

As you might have noted as well, Doomsday, in his usual manner, has gotten
himself into a bit of trouble.  The person involved seems to have been
part of the initial sorte that invaded the underground location in the
first place.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:35:19 / 09-18-56>

>>>>>[Hey, Death Jestor, we got somebody who's trying to hook up.
Name o' Shade, says he knows sim.  If you can dig up the remains of
the chip, maybe he can help out tearing it apart... or something.

Why don't y'all try to get together.]<<<<
        -- Spark (17:32:33 / 09-18-56)

+++++PRIVATE: Crucifix
>>>>>[Sorry, don't do the in-person meet anymore.  Besides, the trip back to
Seattle is a bit long for my tastes right now.

You are cybernetically enhanced, however, I don't know to what degree...yet.
 If you have a datajack, perhaps we can arrange a meet Matrix-wise, and
discuss your problem.

Here's another tidbit, since you seem to like them so much.  Special
Operations Northwest isn't looking for you either.  Oh, you mean you've never
heard of of SpecOps NW?  Didn't think so...]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<1:22:31/9-15-56>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[ You ask questions that you already know the answer to.  Yes,
Doomsday and the kids are in danger.  There is no new information to state
on Scourge.  Other than that, life goes on.  If Doomsday's assailant starts
tracking down people, he might start with those within Seattle.

You know, it could be very valuable to certain parties to learn that Ares
is bidding for Shadowfox's talents on a more legitimate nature than just a
standard shadowrun.  Have you come to any conclusions on what they want him
to do for them? ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <18:00:00/09-18-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Kor, GoD
>>>>>[  Frag it all, I knew we should have gotten rid of Brimstone in a more
permanent manner last time.  Hey Jas, is there any way that we could get
Castor and/or Pollux to stand guard over Freddy?  I don't trust ole flame
head not to try again.  ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <10:59:19/09-19-56>

***** PRIVATE: Serenity Security
>>>>>[A prospect just came down the tubes that I cannot walk away from.

We are being paid 25k a week (yes, a WEEK) to assist Frypp Security in an
on-going investigation into an attempted assasination of their Security Head,
Frederick Frypp.

Due to the political nature of this, I cannot refuse the contract even though
it is WELL outside of our jurisdiction.

Griff:  I am putting you in charge of the team.  Remember that your
certification will only go so far to keeping you out of jail if you gun someone
down for no reason.  I assume that since most of us have, in some way, worked
with Frypp Sec before, we can be slide back under their badges and operate from
there.  Choose your team.

No choices, people.  If he wants you, you go!

We we can keep the body count down, that great, but I dont really care.  they
are fraggin' with a friend and a business partner.  This needs to be hammered
into the ground.  Take what you need.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <16:45:59 / 09-19-56>
           Field Officer
           Serenity Security

***** PRIVATE: Griffyn, Neuron Basher
>>>>>[Me and NB arent on your roster right now.  We have things to do up here
involving Doomsday, Scourge and the rest of our missing people.

I want you to go down there and kick ass and take names.  I would use local
talent if you need more fodder.

We will be added more hell hounds to our kennel in the near future (fully grown
and trained.  Commands in english).  If you need Castor and Pollux, take them
along.  They have already taken a liking to Freddy.  Where the fuck is DA?]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <16:49:52 / 09-19-56
           Field Officer
           Serenity Security

*****PRIVATE: the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[I do have a datajack.  Name the node and we'll meet...and I have
heard of every Special Ops division in Fuchi...I helped put a few
together.  I wasn't some lowly drek head on the totem pole, mind you.  I
was in charge of an entire division.  Now, which one was I in charge of?
I should probably keep that one to myself.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

***** PRIVATE: the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[If you know me, then you know me to be fairly direct most of the
time.  If not.  Oh well.

You were wrong.  You dont have to count me out, just dont get me in
drek'd up.  If you need your books back, let me know.  Of course you know
I read them.  Knowlege is power.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:03:09 / 09-19-56>

>>>>>[Crap.  Me and Jacamus went over to Bouvier's place last night
aremed with some pics, just in time to watch the kid do a half-gainer
off of his balcony.

Still can't keep down any solid food....]<<<<<
        -- Spark (13:02:33 / 09-19-56)

>>>>>[Thanks Irish.  I got so caught up with other things I completely
forgot.  I guess it's back to being a vagabond for a while...

If I get anymore of these weird vids, I'll send them on up the line.  I'll
just have to take a few more precautions.]<<<<<
     	-- Rage<17:53:12/9-18-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[  Hey boss, are you still trying to fill out the team?  I have a very
close, very old friend who is trying to get into a new line of work.  His
specialty is espionage and counter-espionage.  He's also damned good in a
fight.  I'll have him send you a resume.  ]<<<<<
          -- Griffyn <17:33:04/09-19-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Smith, Klien
>>>>>[Target spotted via drone 3 exiting the safety zone.  Target appears
to be heading for local Earth.]<<<<<
        --  French <23:18:20/09-19-56>

***** PRIVATE:  French
>>>>>[Return and prepare.]<<<<<
        --  Smith <23:19:31/09-19-56>

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

Greetings, my name is Charlie Fingers and this is the evening news
brief.  I am here in Redmond, Seattle Metroplex, in one of the least
desireable places to live in the city.  This is the Barrens, a wasteland
of decaying buildings, impromptu shacks, and squalor.  But today, a
subsidiary of Saeder-Krupp announced that they were beginning the process
of purchasing large tracts of land in one of the worst areas of Redmond.

When asked about the new purchases, the Mayor had only this to say:  "The
metroplex of Seattle is grateful to Saeder-Krupp for expressing an
interest in renewing the decaying sections of the city.  We only wish
that other megacorps had shown similar interest, and at an earlier date."

We attempted to speak with the owner of the local orphanage, known as
Haven, but were unable to reach them for comment.

This particular subsidiary was recently purchased by Saeder-Krupp for an
undisclosed amount of money, and is known for thier urban renewal
programs in Singapore, Cairo, and Houston, their headquarters.

This has been Charlie Fingers, and that's the news.

+++++End Trideo Download+++++  ]<<<<<
        --  Trideo Pirate <23:42:53/09-19-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Valentine
>>>>>[Mr. Valentine, your chum in the sheet is in.  No sign of any
tails.]<<<<<
        --  Requiem <23:45:18/09-19-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Valentine
>>>>>[Val, what the hell am I doing tailing Hermit for?  A, he can see me
regardless of what I do.  B, he's gone someplace where they REALLY don't
like me, or him for that matter.  And C, he can more than take care of
himself, right?]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <23:49:49/09-19-56>

>>>>>[Well, A, I thought you were a bit better than that.  B, you're good
at disguises, use one!  And C, he's still wounded from thier last
encounter, so he's not up to speed yet.  He may need your help.  Besides,
I'm sure you remember the people who are tracking him.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <23:51:56/09-19-56>

+++++Warning!  Hardware corruption in process.  Continue? (y/n):  y+++++
>>>>>[ Dr. Jackson, your friend's enemies have entered the Underground.
There are very limited network connections there, so I am unable to track
them easily.  These are their last known coordinates >>Encrypted<<.  They
will almost certainly head for the rendezvous location and again attempt
to kill your friend.  I recommend you hurry.  My visuals indicated they
have a collapsed Sniper Combo rifle.]<<<<<
        --  [4 tR] at [_6s] {~~/2w\00?y^;xX|u&]
+++++Warning!  Hardware corruption complete.  Persona not recognized.

>>>>>[Thanks, now who are you?]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <00:04/41/09-20-56>

>>>>>[Rage: I used to know an armorer in Tacoma who did scrap-metal
sculpture in his spare time. Last I heard, he was doing costume
work for sim-cyber-thrillers. I can put you in touch with him and
if those suits aren't his, he might know who made 'em. Give me a call
at LTG#206-483-9280 during the day.]<<<<<
        -- Moonwalker <12:37:55/09-20-56>

***** PRIVATE: Hermit
>>>>>[ If you require encryption algorythms, I (or one of your other
technically-minded friends) should be able to supply you with several.
I haven't forgotten what you did for us.]<<<<<
        -- Moonwalker <*T/D CORRUPTED AT SOURCE*>

>>>>>[Alex?  Are you there, Alex?]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <14:37:44/09-20-56>

>>>>>[Dad's not returned home yet, Val.  I don't know where he is, and
I'm getting worried.  It's not like him not to sleep at home when he's
just doing normal biz.]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night <14:38:56/09-20-56>

***** PRIVATE:  Valentine
>>>>>[Val, I need you at my clinic.  Stat.  Hermit is barely alive, and
I'm afraid that if I start work, it'll frag his magic.]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <14:40:24/09-20-56>

>>>>>[Found him, Janice.  He's at work.

I'll be right there, Alex.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <14:42:16/09-20-56>