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

You stare at a chess board.  A complex game is underway.  A black bishop
slides down to the white queen's three.  There is a long pause.  The view
slowly fades into the background.  The person who moved the bishop is no
one other than Nightmare.  He has his sword strapped to his waist.  He is
wearing armored clothing and is dressed in black.  His opponent,
Christopher Harker, is similarly dressed (without a sword).  You see
Blitzkrieg smoking a nicostick and cleaning an HK227.  He is slow and
methodical.  Next to him on the floor are 4 duffels.  One is sized for a
troll.

The phone starts ringing.  Everyone ignores it.  Christopher starts to move
but hesitates.  He curses.  You can see his lone necklace standing out like
a sore thumb -- a golden chain with a cross on it.

"Excellent move.  You going to answer that?"

Nightmare smiles darkly, "No.  The deckers will answer it."

A voice that sounds extremely distorted says, "I'm not you're fragging
answering service."

Nightmare snarls, "That is nice Sprinkler.  Who is the person calling.
Skilled enough to stop the answering service, no?"  He sighs and walks over
to the phone and picks it up.

A high-pitched squeaky voice pipes, "Took you long enough Baron!  Why I
thought I would have to --"

Nightmare smirks, "Good evening, Ratspeak.  Congratulations on getting my
phone number.  Too bad, I have to kill you now.  Understand, that I am
merely a tool and so are my people. You never did understand me.  So be it!
Strike my knight!"

A metallic voice snarls, "It is time!  I warned you Ratspeak.  Now you will
pay the ultimate price!"

The distorted voice screams, "NO!"

Nightmare says, "Sprinkler! I need you to cover Black Knight's duties which
includes watching the children.  Keep them safe at all costs.  You knew
what was going to happen if Ratspeak came here, so don't act surprised.  I
expect you to do your job, even if you do not like it.  All will become
clear."

The door smashes open.  Doomsday comes in, "Da target is movin'.  Yar boys
won't keep up for long."

Christopher sighs, "I forfeit this game.  Don't worry, there are other more
important ones to play."  He tips over the white king.  Everyone runs to
the duffels and grabs theirs.

Blitzkrieg and Nightmare hit the stairs at the same time.  They are quickly
followed by Christopher Harker.  Bringing up the rear is Doomsday.

The last thing you hear is a shrill voice say, "So it begins!"
---
You see a half-man, half-rat crouching in the corner of a bright hall.  At
the other end a man in all archaic armor (extremely well polished) enters.
He moves rapidly across the now-rolling floor.  He seems unfazed by the
floor's gyrations.  He draws his shield.  It is a black one -- the symbol
underneath is hidden by an exquisite cover.

The half-rat squeaks, "So! Sprinkler is here!  How very interesting."

The metallic voice booms, "I warned you Ratspeak not to come here!  You
never were any good at listening to my warnings.  Always had to go
stumbling along in the dark anyway.  Your wanderings are at an end,
friend."

The shrill voice responds, as the half-rat morphs into a full rat and
starts running, "This is my domain now, Knight!  You were always to full of
yourself and too conservative.  No risks here.  Nightmare doesn't know the
trouble he has bitten off on taking me on.  He --"

"HE WHAT?!?  He predicted you would come here eventually.  He predicted you
wouldn't listen to my warnings.  He predicted you would go for him and
ignore the person who wants you dead.  You arrogant rodent!  Now I have to
kill you!  You -- who pride yourself on getting to the bottom of a story,
yet you didn't even see who Collector was!  How you have let your skills
weaken!  This shall be a no-contest!"

With a blinding-leap, Black Knight appears in front of Ratspeak.  His
shield turns into a pulsing red sword as he swings it.  Ratspeak leaps over
Knight and his swing and morphs back to the half-rat form.  In his hands
(or paws) is staff of metal.  Rolling with the landing Ratspeak swings out
with the staff. Unlike typical usage of a staff, Ratspeak's (err) hands are
all over the staff.   Knight's sword snaps back to a shield to block the
shot and immediately back to the sword and he swings back.  Ratspeak barely
blocks.

Ratspeak leaps back into a hole that just comes into being.  As he falls
through, Black Knight leaps through the hole.  The sword changes back to a
shield as he flies through the rapidly closing hole.  Ratspeak slides down
the slime-ridden tunnel with ease.  Black Knight follows, although you note
that his armor looks pretty shoddy.

Ratspeak squeals, "You are in my domain now!  Have a nice death Knight!"
Ratspeak falls through a segment of tunnel that immediately seals up.  As
Knight passes the shield switches back to the sword.  He slams the sword
into the tunnel where Ratspeak disappeared.  He screams is violently
distorted as electricity arcs wildly about the tunnel.  As sudden as it
happens he is rushing through the door.  Without pause he is following the
mere hint of where Ratspeak has gone.  Dodging all sort of traps he keeps
his pursuit.

Ratspeak squeals, "NOW!"  Vermin ICe suddenly appear around the bewildered
Knight but he recovers quick enough.  The vermin quickly surround him.
Ratspeak approaches with the staff out.  The Knight vicious sweeps the
vermin around.  Smoke starts pouring out of his armor as the vermin ICe
swarm the armor.  To quickly for Ratspeak to pull them back, the armor
explodes taking the ICe with it.  Ratspeak snarls and looks off into the
darkness.

A mere boy in beggar's garb appears behind Ratspeak.  The red sword glowing
fiercely on Ratspeak's back as Ratspeak continues to look in the wrong
direction.  The boy swings, and Ratspeak's instincts kick in.  He barely
ducks the blow.  Yet he isn't quick enough and gets caught by not the sword
but a little dart gun.  Ratspeak groans and collapses.

Black Knight smiles and says, "Works every time."  He pulls out a gun and
tags Ratspeak on the ear and his left leg.  "Better be safe this time.  He
pulls out his sword and screams as a net  of pulsing yellow and green net
tears through the floor and captures both the boy and Ratspeak.  Quickly
the net drags them off.  Ratspeak screams in pain as he wakes up to the net
dragging him through the floor of his very domain.

The blur is too much for you to handle.  They are moving faster and further
than your mind is willing to accept.  The rush is unbearable.  The light --
blinding.  The darkness - raw cutting.  The sound -- overwhelming.  As
sudden as it started they slam into a wall.  The boy looks dazed.  Ratspeak
turns completely into a rat.  He starts trying to gnaw at the net but
quickly is convinced otherwise when he the shock sends him back into the
wall.  The boy suddenly is re-armored with a shield out.  The rat looks at
him curiously.  The net slowly is trying to pull them through the wall.
Unfortunately it isn't succeeding and you can see pain in Ratspeak's eyes.

Ratspeak squeals, "WE HAVE TO BREAK THE WALL!"
Black Knight nods, "THEN DO IT.  I'll FIGHT THE NET!"  With a grunt he
braces himself against the wall and using the shield protects himself and
Ratspeak from the net.  Sparks are flying every where from the net hitting
the shield.  He tries his hardest to stop the progress of the net, but the
pull of the net is stronger than Knight is.  He screams, "HURRY!"

Ratspeak sits on his haunches playing a high-speed pattern matching game.
After a few brief nanoseconds, Ratspeak squeals, "I almost got it."

Black Knight curses, "INCOMING DECKERS!  His shield changes into a sword as
the net slams into him.  Screaming he turns around and thrusts his sword
into the wall.  The wall implodes into a void that the net pulls them both
into.  The void spins, and suddenly the wall is back.
---
Ratspeak and Black Knight are dropped onto the cold pulsing floor.
Ratspeak whimpers and licks his wounds.  Black Knight hits the ground with
a loud metallic ring.  He bounces back up.  He sword is back in his hands
within the moment.

Knight says softly, "Where are we?"

The room they are in is nothing -- everything.  It is a flat white and
black checkered plain.  It sky is all of cyberspace and none of it.
Electrons race upon their preordained paths -- life goes on.  In the
distance a siren rings a shrill battle cry.

A dry, crackling voice -- a voice that sounds like it hasn't had a drink in
a hundred years -- a voice that sounds like it is wind escaping more from
the throat than the mouth answers.  "You, Black Knight and Ratspeak, are in
my new home.  The net would have killed you if you hadn't broke through for
the isolation they created here.  It is far too much for an expert frame to
break, yet the mighty breaker Ratspeak could do it.  Nothing to small,
nothing to big to take down.  Isn't that right Ratspeak?"

The rat stops cleaning his wounds and looks around frantically.  "Show
thyself spectre."  He morphs into the half-rat form.  In his hands is the
staff.

A man wearing a thick black cloak appears not far from the other two
deckers.  The man moves slowly, yet it is deceptively so, for almost
immediately he is on top of Black Knight and Ratspeak.  Skeletal hands move
up and lower the hood.  Inside the hood is a skeleton's face.  Where there
should be black it is lit with unholy purple.

"Greetings and welcome."

Ratspeak shrilly hisses, "Scourge!"

The skeleton face doesn't change at all.  In its eerie voice it continues,
"From the tracer on you, I have no doubt you will figure out where I am.  I
left partly on my own choosing and partly of that of my superiors.  You
MUST find out who the hell attacked in Seattle.  They will try and kill me.
They will succeed eventually.  I will not even be free to talk to the
outside world until Shadowfox finishes his business.  They don't want me to
reveal the location."

Black Knight says, "They couldn't stop you now from revealing it."

The skeleton grins hideously and says, "Yes they could.  Some deaths are
worth more for preventing information from escaping then from replacing the
talent.  Never forget your worth.  Find out what happened in Seattle at all
costs."

Ratspeak squeals, "Of course man.  Null sweat.  A stale story for sure, but
that won't stop me."

Scourge stops grinning, "Ratspeak be careful of who you play with.  This is
more dangerous than a lot of things.  WHERE IS DRAGONEYES?!?"

Black Knight takes a step back and makes a cross sign.  Ratspeak shudders
and says, "I can't fucking find him.  Kor fucking pulled me off the trail
by practically headhunting me.  I had to worry about him and Nightmare
catching up to me more than pursuing my leads --"

"FUCK!!  Damn it.  Find him!  Save him!  From himself and others.  Time is
fleeting!  You must go now!"  With a gesture, two energy bursts appear out
of nowhere.  Black Knight gets caught switching between the sword and
shield and snuffs out.  Ratspeak is caught in an evasive maneuver that
causes him to squeal in unnatural pain.  He disappears in a puff of purple
green smoke.

"Let justice be served."  Scourge fades into the blackness that overwhelms
you. ]<<<<<
        -- Sprinkler <20:00:06/10-01-56>

>>>>>[ Scourge is in Detroit.  I have to attend to other duties. ]<<<<<
        -- Sprinkler <20:00:22/10-01-56

>>>>>[My apologies for taking so long to return to you, sir.  But I have
been rather busy these last few days.  I can use all the aid I can get,
and always need more than I have available.  My assistants here include
several free spirits, so I sincerely hope you do not mind working with
them, or with the more mundane members of the staff.  I am still
recieving wounded gangers, and some of the gangs that provide the safe
area's security have begun pulling out their members.

Moonshadow, Christopher Tarleton, have either of you found anything yet?
I still suspect Saeder-Krupp, but I am not able to confirm it.  I've not
run into them, and I have an ethical problem memory probing individuals
without their consent.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <23:12:35/10-01-56>
	
>>>>>[I will be there in a few.]<<<<<
        --  Gregor Dracolo (22:30:30 PDT/ 10:01:56)

>>>>>[Moongopher, don't you ever get claustrophobic?  Ever think
about all of that weight over your head?  Ever get the feeling the
walls are closing in on you?  Ever just wanna climb up the walls?
Ever feel stifled?  Wonder if your ventilators might not be working
right?

Hmm.... now you've got ME wondering.  I wonder if that'd work with
heavily organicly fetilized soil for keeping out unwanted astral
nasties...  Grow ivy in the vents to try and keep 'em out that way
or maybe throw up some astral barriers at the choke points.....]<<<<<
        -- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[Yeppers, Guns.  All you op/tac sammies need to learn something
by this.  Develop your intelligence then strike hard and fast.

Rumormonger for all of your intelligence needs!  Yes, Rumormonger.

He can go toe to toe with the best corp matrix security, he can bug
anything, his drones see all!

Who knows what lurks in the hearts of men?

Rumormonger does.

Rumormonger, available in fine stores everywhere.]<<<<<
        -- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[ Yeah, whatever Rumormonger.  I think you are one of the last people
I would use for that sort of stuff.  He who shouts loudest, should be shot
first.

Black Knight, I really appreciate the virus you gave my deck.  Remind me to
thank you with a virus of my own.  Bastard. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <07:32:16/10-02-56>

***** PRIVATE: Ratspeak
>>>>>[To clear the air --  _I_ didnt pull you out of Seattle.  I suspect
that it was your guardian protector that caused that.

You see, I wanted him, not you at the time.  I know that the last meeting that
Scarface and I had was a bit...awkward but I harbor no significant hard
feelings towards him.  I wanted to find him to see if he could help me
locate Blitz who would in turn help me find Shadowfox and Scourge and then
finally DragonEyes.  You both misunderstood my intentions.  No loss as far
as I am concerned.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <16:29:10 / 10-02-56>

>>>>>[Bon jour, les monsieurs et madamoiselles.  Oh, excusez moi, s'il
vous plait, but I am not used to pa..speaking English.  I am currently
seeking plus de, er, many individuals interessant....Pardonez moi, while
j'engage moi translator....

I hope this is better.  As I was saying, I am looking for several
individuals willing to perform a service for me.  Please contact me.  The
pay is negotiable upon explanation of the operation.  Let me say that it
currently involves a certain local Seattle corporation and should be
relatively uneventful.

I await your responses]<<<<<
        --  Monsieur Johnson <11:20:49/10-02-56>

>>>>>['Ello, mates.  I'm lookin for several of you blokes who run a job
for me in the Seattle area.  If ya donna mind, I'd like ta keep the
specifics off this here network and between those of us mates invovled.

Get back ta me, all right mates?]<<<<<
        -- Mal Jibeson <11:24:26/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Calling all runners.  I have an extraction that I require done
within the week, and am willing to pay well for it.  Contact me at
>>encrpted<< if you are interested]<<<<<
        --  Mr. Johnson <11:27:03/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Val, it was all well and good that you finally got the coverage on
Haven that you've been looking for for years, but did you fraggin have to
invovle my daughter?  Arial looked fraggin great on TV, but what the frag
are you thinking?  Oh, drek.....now the cops who read this know....
DREK!!!!!]<<<<<
        --  Foxey Roxey <11:35:54/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Commander Drake
>>>>>[Sir, we've intercepted a transmission from the criminal runner Lissa
Borimer, alias Foxey Roxey, to a one Valentine, who we believe to be the
on-line ID of Patrick O'Kennedy, the humanitarian out in Redmond.  It
mentions that he has custody of Foxey Roxey's child.  This is a potential
lever to use against the mother, sir.]<<<<<
        --  IPdeck1a <11:39:09/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  IPdeck1a
>>>>>[Excellent work.  I will begin the proceedings immediately.]<<<<<
        --Commander Drake, Interpol <11:40:30/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Roxey, if they know now, and I can't be sure that they do, not
being a decker

+++++Warning:  Hardware override--external signal interfering with
transmission media....  shutting down......shut down in 10...9...8...7
...6...5...3..&llh9((~~>>>>>code running<<<<<  Shutdown overridden

#####But this particular "decker" is aware, and monitered the
interception of Ms. Borimer's transmission and an immediate response from
an Interpol, Special Branch coerced "decker" of some skill recently
released, per standard Interpol operational specifications, from prison
in Switzerland, to a Mr. Drake, head of operations for the Special Branch
of Interpol.  He has, in fact, begun what he called "proceedings" in
order that he might utilize Ms. Arial as a, "lever" was what I remember
the "decker"(such an inelegant word) using.#####

+++++Warning!  Hardware override.....shutdown sequence commencing...2...1...1
...1....1...1.....2..3..4.5.6789shutdown reversed.  Hardware returned to
nominal control.

What the bloody hell was that?  Stop fucking with my system that way, please!

Well, it appears that they do know she's here.  Roxey, she's safer here,
even with Interpol knowing about her, than she is with you, especially
the way you live.  Shadowrunning is not the life for a child,
especially when she might find her home being destroyed by police
and her mother dead on the floor from a grounded hellblast.  We've
been over this before, Roxey, remember?  You have the chance to visit
whenever you like, and always will.  And you can allways remove your
daughter.  That is your right as her mother, but you know I am
correct in this.

Oh, for your knowledge, she is definately magically active.  She may only
be 17 months old, but she's already reading, talking, and probably at
about the 4 or 5 year-old level.  She is a prodigy, Roxey.  You and THE
Nexus should be very proud of her.  And don't worry.  All the children
love her and protect her as if she were a little sister.  Including the
spirits.  But MaxiMillion would have told you that regardless.  It
appears that she is shamanic of some type, but the only person who seems
to know refuses to tell us what her totem is.  If I didn't know better,
I'd say she's a druid because all the animals love her, but I just don't
know.  All he says when I ask him her totem is "She sees many things,
Moon follower, and has taken all knowledge and wisdom to be her
province.  She will be fearsome when she chooses, but as loving as a
mother who has saved the world for her children.  Watch, learn, and
search.  It will become clear in time.  For one such as you, patience
should not be difficult.  And for the Mistress of the Cycles, she has
given birth to a daughter who knows her limits, her skills, and her
future as the builder of great things, not the predator she also carries
with her."

I'm still trying to figure out the references, and I have a much larger
library than you do.  No such luck.

But don't worry.  She'll be fine]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <12:04:47/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Valentine
>>>>>[As I know how much Drake would love to know where my shop is, I'm
taking many precautions, like sending this from a public phone....  Live
and learn, I say....

Hermit is awake, Val.  He's still hurting and we have a long section of
rehab to do before I let him out of my sight for long, but he'll
recover.  Now he's conscious again, I feel much better about his
prognosis.  We shall see, shant we?]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <12:11:04/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE: Mr. Johnson
>>>>>[ You want fast, efficient runners? You're talking to two right
now.

   Give us a price and a quick scan of the run. And we know you
wouldn't drek with us, so we won't even mention the possibility.]<<<<<
         --  Righteous <15:10:03/10-02-56>

***** Private: Kor, >>encrypted<<
>>>>>[ I'll be blunt.  Kor, you caused me to leave.  Nightmare and my
"protector" didn't cause me to bolt.  Your interest in me did.  I had the
full choice and it was mine alone to choose.  A career relocation was a
wiser choice than you gaining certain knowledge.

And Kor, you are horrible at stretching the truth and Nightmare is loosing
his touch at it. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <13:10:43/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE: Monsieur Johnson
>>>>>[When is the job? And what would it entail?

   We specialize in small-scale runs: assasinations, murder, low level
extraction, razzing, low level tactical back up.

   We hope to be hearing from you soon.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <15:23:22/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Howdie all.

    We're new in town, and were wondering if some of you friendly
Seattle folk would be willing to tell us a little about the town.
First, a quick scan of who we are:

  I'm a combat decker. Cybered to the max as well. Decking is my
primary area of expertise, but in the last few years I've been
branching out into the "real world" as well. My partner is Dana, a
combat mage trained in astral support, spell locking and breaking, as
well as high level astral combat.

  Our specialties are: Assasination (we do it anytime, anywhere), and
stalking (if the price is high enough, we'll span the globe). But we
also do backup, extraction (small scale), "demolitions", and the
standard run-of-the-mill drek.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <15:41:01/10-02-56>

***** PRIVATE: Ratspeak
>>>>>[Oh, you wound me, Ratspeak.  Cut down like a hart before the battle.

I have no reason to lie to you.  That in and of itself should merit at least
a shadow of doubt before you immediately assume that I am.

Ill put this as tactfully as I can without resorting to software to do it --
I want to ensure that my friend DragonEyes is safe.  When it comes down to
other extracurricular activites they rank a very distant third in my
book.  I think you might have misrepresented your importance to me.  When
it comes right down to it, there are tons of people that piss me off and
whom I feel would be much better out of the genepool.  If I ran around like
Zealot randomly / pseudo-randomly killing people or trying to, it would a) get
boring real fast and b) get me tossed into a deep hole.

If nothing else, give me credit for knowing which targets are achievable and
which arent worth the hassles they would create.

I do not have the resources to even believe that I could get close enough
to you to be able to do harm.  I wasted very good nY just trying to get
a picture of you.  You know what?  There arent any to be had.  I tried to
get ahold of Scarface in an attempt to get him to help me out but he wasnt
to be purchased either.  Shortly thereafter he was "mugged" by a fixer's men
while trying to get to Blitz (reason currently only ranked as gross speculation)
I merely wanted to make sure that he was alright after having been pummeled
into the oblivion known as unconsciousness.  I missed him.  Looked in the
wrong places at the wrong times.  Oh well.  Live and learn.

What is it going to take to convice you that I just dont lie.  Not my...style.

Oh, be sure that if I thought I could get away with it your soul would have
been recycled by now.  There is an unwritten law in the Shadow Community...
Don't frag in the affairs of {deckers, mages, shamans, elves, trolls...}.  For
the most part, in the shadows, we police ourselves.  If you continue to piss`
off the wrong people, they will take care of you.  I dont have to concern myself
there.

So, anyway...Truce?


+++++ Include:  red_rose; count(12); go]<<<<<
        -- Kor <19:42:18 / 10-02-56>

>>>>>[Pardon, Monsieur Johnson, mais, je voudrais....ah...zut.
Forgive me, I find myself falling back into my native language when
receiving a request like yours.  Please include me in your plans.  I
am a Snake Shaman, normally a healer, but I have run with others here
and they know me as a good strategist as well.]<<<<<
    -- Jasmine <13:13:47 / 10-1-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[...And those two don't count.]<<<<<
        -- Sgt. Fuller <20:05:19 / 10-02-56>
           Night Desk
           Lone Star Security

***** PRIVATE: Sgt. Fuller
>>>>>[Im not in the streets anymore, you know I am not likely to come up
with anything good enough for you other than whats posted here.

I declare technical foul on your part.  2 pieces of information penalty.  Player
must purhase dinner next Sunday]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:15:19 / 10-02-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[ 1 piece of information, one dinner.  This means you still owe me two
and the dinners cancel out]<<<<<
        -- Sgt. Fuller <20:15:19 / 10-02-56>
           Night Desk
           Lone Star Security

***** PRIVATE: Sgt. Fuller
>>>>>[Stop changing the rules.  I refuse to pay that other dinner because
you were cheating and I have proof.

Last offer  --  I still owe you 1 peice of information, you owe me one dinner,
and I owe you one dinner.  So that would be 1:1:1 across the board.  I'm
free tonight if you arent on shift.  Murphy's would be fine by me.]<<<<
        - Kor <20:17:59 / 10-02-56>

>>>>>[Yeah, keep your nose clean and you wont find yourself on the recieving
end of a pissed off troll with a mini-gun and a badge]<<<<<
        -- Sarge <Take a Number>

***** PRIVATE: Sgt. Fuller
>>>>>[Wouldn't LSS LOVE to know you have access to such things?  Too bad.
Good thing we set up rules for this game that disallow a screwing of this
magnitude]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <20:27:15 / 10-02-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[At the time we were both working for the Star but needed the money too
badly to quit.  You seem to have done pretty well for yourself.  Must be nice
to be active.]<<<<<
        -- Sarge < >

***** PRIVATE: Sarge
>>>>>[You sound more than a little bitter.  Maybe you should take me up on
the dinner tonight.  It'll be nice to get together and talk anyway.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <20:37:10 / 10-02-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[Be careful of the jobs you take these days.  I've been hearing of a
lot of double crosses and failure to mention the type of oposition you might
meet stuff going on.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:27:28 / 10-02-56>

>>>>>[*derisive snort*  You're not that good if you have to advertise.
What's your experience?  What have you done in the past?  Anything
important?]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[Thank you, my friend.  I will watch closely for anything out of
the ordinary.  Have you any information of value about this contact?
Ideas?  If there is a double cross in the works, are you available
for "retribution"?]<<<<<
    	-- Jasmine <13:55:00 / 10-2-56>

>>>>>[ Crucifix, when was the last time you saw someone new to the
territory here get hired without advertising?  You didn't.  You had to
declare that you were working for work and what your previous occupation
was.  By the way, I wouldn't let Doomsday catch your name.  It wouldn't be
a pretty reaction. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <14:49:58/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Uh, Rumormonger, Gunny isn't a Sammie...he's an ex-Green Beret.]<<<<<
        --Buzz (The one the Only...human Bee in the Matrix)

*****PRIVATE: Foxey Roxey, Valentine
>>>>>[Roxey, you get THE Nexus' daughter involved; then I would end up
getting involved in order to prevent a great disaster.  I have already warned
Etsy.]<<<<<
        --Olorin (14:15:30 PDT/ 10:02:56)

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[ Face value, street laws.  I go down, and you will not be happy with
the aftermath.  Btw, I figured out exactly where Scourge is.  Not that it
matters. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <14:12:06/10-02-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[No, unfortunately, or fortunate for me actually, I am retired from
the biz.  This primarily means that I only take humanitarian jobs and
self-interest things.

I wish I had some information for you.  I've had my ear to the ground a
bit recently and have heard about a lot of lone star / knight errant activity
in town.  They are ... antsy.  Might have something to do with the impending
explosion over with Haven, might not.  I suspect that it does.

With haven being the only "safe" area around, its going to be hell when
it turns into a war zone.

Also heard about a new "gang" in town.  The Boneless say they arent so much a
gang as a bunch of runner's hired to cause problems.  Definitely not local
talent.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:28:29 / 10-02-56>

>>>>>[That was a lot more tame than I expected from you, Ratspeak.  Getting
selective in your old age?

Normally you would have at least touched on the fact that he posted all of
the footage, and mention he worked for Fuchi.  Hell, you might have even
gone as far as posting his real name.  Not that it would have been too
hard to figure out given the clues.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:33:13 / 10-02-56>

>>>>>[ Kor, I should thank you for the laugh, but I won't.  Scourge with
Fuchi?  Think man.  He is in Detroit.  Pretty fragging huge clue to begin
with.  Where is Shadowfox and why would Scourge care if he (Scourge) is
with Fuchi?

I know you have better sources than that.

WAKE UP MAN!  While I am at it, what did happen that way back night in
Seattle? ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <15:49:23/10-02-56>

*****Private: Ratspeak
>>>>>[Who's Doomsday and why should I be worried about him catching wind
of my name?]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)


*****Private: Ratspeak
>>>>>[One more thing...no, you're right, I did advertise.  I always find
it slightly unproffessional to advertise your strengths and weaknesses to
the world, though.  "Hey! Guess what, I killed people through demolitions
and assassination before!  Just like I practiced."  Come on, get real.  I
didn't advertise like that, as I'm sure you never have.  Your attitude
should tell it all, eh? :)]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

>>>>>[ Thankyou Ratspeak for stating the obvious.

  We are good. Very good. We're here because a job went sour, and
sometimes it's good to get away from a problem before confronting it.

   We have ten years of experience, that alone points to some degree
of competence. We spent that time working mostly for Sheppard-Intrepid.
If you heard about some of the corporate reshuffling that took place
when Intrepid Light Arms took over Sheppard Biotech then you've heard
of some of our work. We've done more work recently, but nothing that
needs to be mentioned here.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <18:52:21/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE: Crucifix
>>>>>[Not to be impolite, but who is Doomsday?]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <18:56:39/10-02-56>

***** Private: Crucifix
>>>>>[ Doomsday is a troll that has been a local for quite some time.  He
had a run-in a few times with a guy that is known for crucifying people.
The guy goes after children too.

And no, I didn't advertise here, I just sort of got dragged in.  People
figured out what I was good at and bad at just from seeing me work and what
type of jobs I would accept.

But I believe you created your own faux pas by how you advertised your
experience.  Watch your back carefully ... ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <17:10:34/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Righteous
>>>>>[I need a president of finance extracted ASAP.  This is what I have
available >>Payment value<<.  You've expressed an interest, but I am
unwilling to discuss the details over this medium.  I am in Seattle
currently.  Meet me at The Silver Fools in Bellevue and I'll explain the
situation further.]<<<<<
        --  Mr. Johnson <17:38:32/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Righteous, Jasmine
>>>>>[Sirs and Madams, I am looking to form a team to hit a local
megacorp and remove several items from thier possession without a trace.
Shall we meet tomorrow evening?  I am looking for more than just three,
however.  Magical suport is excellent, as is Matrix support, but I would
also be interested in two or three physical combat operatives.  If you
know of some that you have worked with previously, please bring them with
you.]<<<<<
        --  Monsieur Johnson <17:56:58/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Moonwalker
>>>>>[My humble apologies about getting your name wrong earlier.  I have
been able to glean from my sources in the gang community that the new
gang in town is German, but that is all.  I suspect that checking the
colors red, black, and white through the German databases, that you'll
come up with something.  In addition, one was killed last night in a
skirmish with the Ancients, and they brought the body to me.  Someone's
cast some rather powerful magics on this corpse while it still breathed,
and he has had some moderate cyberware implanted.  However, it appears to
be minor mods that pretty much any ganger could afford.  However, the
implants, so Dr. Jackson tells me, were recent as well as german made.
Within the last month.  Only one other thing.  No ID beyond a tatoo:  Two
crossed hammers.  Ever see the old 2-d flic "The Wall?"  Well, like that.

I hope you can find something, Moonwalker.  And thank you.  I owe you
several, and I will pay up.  Remember me if you ever need a place to
stay.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <18:10:50/10-02-56>

>>>>>[ +++++Engage french/english translator program+++++
I still have 2 or three openings, specifically for several, how do you
call them here in America....Street Samurai.  Or just mercenaries.]<<<<<
        --  Monsieur Johnson <18:14:05/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Whatever you need, I can do.  We voudounistas have our ways.]<<<<<
        -- Jean-Louis Baptiste <20:53:14/10-02-56>

>>>>>[I don't know about that voodoo crap, but ditto for me on the first
part.]<<<<<
        -- Bedlam <20:55:16/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Sign me up.  Give me the details.]<<<<<
        -- Strife <20:56:48/10-02-56>

>>>>>[Monsieur Johnson, for the right price, depending on how interesting the
job is, I may be interested.

My name is its own resume.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

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

You see a small shabby little room.  It is a very small studio with no
separations between the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom.  In the shower stall
is an ork.  The ork is well-built yet looks like he has been through hell.
He is tied up with his arms perpendicular to his body.  Wire is holding
them up, and blood is slowly trickling down from both wrists.  Occasionally
some water sprays out of the shower head.  The water is dirty brown and
disgusting.

The sole light is above the ork and it does a pitiful job of lighting this
dismal place up.  In matter of fact you can barely see the figure of
someone else sitting on a bed.  His voice quiet and barely audible says,
"You know the ancients had it correct.  No one is ever willing to cooperate
without a little persuasion.  You help me and I will make things easy on
you.  If you don't and the gang wars outside are the least of your
problems."

The ork mumbles a "frag off and geek yourself."

The voice says, "You know everyone claims how technology has made it easier
to do things. . . including breaking people.  I find that the old
techniques are -- much more enjoyable."  The man gets up and walks over.
In the dim light you can make out the distinctive hippie appearance of the
human male.  He pulls a roll out of his dirty green duster and puts it on a
small coffee table whose plastic is warped from some sort of fire.  Slowly
he unrolls the bundle.  Inside you can see the gleam of medical
instruments.  "They say if you go slow enough, you can engrave a whole body
without it dying."  He smiles as the ork shudders and squirms a little at
the thought.

"God, help this man realize the errors of his way in resisting to tell us
the information that we seek.  Let's us say, Amen."

The man pulls an instrument out of the bundle.  "You are right handed so I
shall start with your left."  He calmly walks over to the ork's left hand
and the view is blocked as he makes some sudden movements.  Whatever he
did, however, sure got the ork to scream.

He smiles and lifts the bloody scalpel into the light and says, "I always
like to start small."  As he steps back the ork's hand becomes clear.  The
human man has cut the small flesh in-between each of the fingers.  Slowly
blood trickles down the shower stall wall.

"How did that feel?"  He pauses, "Still not talking, eh?  Very well.  I
won't waste time now."  He moves up to the ork and starts to cut into the
skin right above the left nipple.

The ork immediately starts screaming, "I'll talk!  I'll talk!"  The human
man stops and glances up.

"Well?"

"He is in --"

+++++ picture frames deleted.  Continue?  y

"Thank you that wasn't so bad, now was it."

"Frag you, lame brain freak!"

"Don't worry, I'll finish the job you and your group botched so badly.  By
the way, the last person I had to get answers out of was an ork female.
Kind of cute too.  She at least screams better than you.

++++++ sound halted.  Continue?  y

The human man smiles and says something and continues to cut.  He steps
back and you can see a cross cut into the ork's left nipple.  He smiles and
selects a different tool.

+++++ transmission end.
+++++ download pic?   y

You see a horrifying picture before you.  The ork has an incredible bloody
skin carving of an ornate scene from the bible.  In the center of his chest
is a large cross.  The ork, to say the least is quite dead.  In the dead
center of both palms is a dagger with a golden hilt of a cross.  The ork
has been crucified as well.  There is quite a pool of blood at the ork's
feet.  You can only wonder how long he suffered. ]<<<<<
        -- Wanderer <18:53:50/10-02-56>

>>>>>[ The ork was a real pro named "Rapids."  He was one on a team of many
(don't know exact number) that does black jobs for the FBI.  Or should I
say, that is what the rumormill has to offer.

Oh, Black Knight, your virus was even cuter than I thought.  I'll get you
for that. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <19:08:02/10-02-56>

*****Private: Ratspeak
>>>>>[Ick.  I sincerely hope he doesn't think it was me.  I find the
killing of innocents appalling.  'Sides, I was in Fuchi then...]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

*****Private: Righteous
>>>>>[Forgive my snide comment earlier.  Being tracked by Fuchi day in
and day out tends to make one irritable.  Doomsday is some troll slag who
got hit by some dude who used to crucify children, or some such drek.
Don't know why he'd hold a grudge against someone for a name, but you
know trolls...no offense to trolls, though.  Some of my best men in Fuchi
were trolls...damn good fighters.  Saved my hoop one too many times.

I'll help you out if you need it.  We in the shadow community help out
each other (some of the time).  And, yes, I have heard of your little
excursion -- HUGE excursion with Shepherd.  I was briefed against that
sort of thing happening to Fuchi.  Nice work.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

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

It sure is a crowded hallway, with a large troll watching a human male with
a shaved head pick an old-fashioned lock.  The human is working
methodically in the narrow, old hallway and seems to be grinning at some
sort of private joke.

The troll looks thoroughly bored.  He is carrying a pistol in his hand and
he has a huge sword in a scabbard on his back.  The pommel of the sword is
touching the ceiling and the troll is stooped over.  The sword looks like
it was made to be a hand and a half sword for a troll.  The troll is
wearing jeans and a black jacket.  His eyes seem to take everything in the
hallway in and yet none of it.

The human is wearing a long black duster that has seen better times.  You
can see the hint of a sword attached at his waist.  You notice that oddly
his left hand is in a black glove and his right hand is not at all.  He
whispers something that recording doesn't pick up.

The troll watches the stairs as two human males come calmly up the stairs.
One male, a handsome dark-haired man is wearing a dark pinstripe suit.
There is a bulge under his left arm that says he is packing some heat.  The
other male, an older one -- perhaps early 40s, is blond hair.  He is also
dressed in a suit and has a great coat on as well.  It is easy to pick out
the sword that is buckled at his waist.

The troll nods at the figures and taps the human working on the door.  The
door opens about three seconds later.  The human quickly enters followed by
the other two humans.  The troll then follows ducking, and making sure not
to catch his sword on the door frame.  It seems to take forever for the
troll to get in, but he does it skillfully enough so that there is no
noise.  In the background you can hear the sound of a piano playing some
sort of classical music.  It is extremely beautiful if classical is to you
liking -- otherwise it seems kind of boring (even so, you can tell the
player is extremely good).

The human who opened the door immediately starts to put the door lock back
together.  The troll calmly watches the human's activity.  The blond hair
man says to the dark-haired one, "A byproduct of a well spent childhood."
The dark-haired man smiles and starts looking around the room.  He walks
over to a wall that contains a large painting.  Unfortunately the angel is
wrong to see the painting, but he stares at it for quite some time.

The other man quickly gives the whole place a once over.  It's hard to say,
but you don't think the man missed any details.  He finishes his look over
and walks up to some pencil drawings.  There are several upon the wall.
One is a large, highly detailed sketch of a two-handed sword and the rest
are of an Indian man drawn as he is in various positions.  None of them
look like he was posing for the picture.

The troll walks over as the skinhead finishes putting the door together.
He seems stunned by the pictures.  The skinhead looks extremely angry at
seeing the sword and starts to move but the blond-hair man stops him.  He
whispers, "She was merely doing a job.  She didn't know the significance
until after.  Just a tool."

The skinhead growls but doesn't move.  "She's a good drawer if nothing
else."

The dark haired man walks over and admires the pictures of the Indian.
"She captures the emotions well too.  To bad she is an elf."

The troll raises an eyebrow and says in a loud whisper, "That never used to
stop you."

The dark haired man looks up and says, "It does now."  He walks over to a
door and the blond haired man follows.  After a little while the piano
stops playing.  The humans clap quietly which gets a small shriek.

A feminine voice says, "You!  How dare you come in here like that?  What do
you want?"

The blond man says, "I merely couldn't help but drop in.  I was wondering
if you would share with me a cup of coffee."  He smiles a secret smile that
leaves you to wonder what he is thinking about.

You can see the woman now.  She is a stunningly good-looking elf with
raven-black long hair that is braided to keep out of the way.  She is
wearing a beautiful white dress that complements her very nicely.  She
raises an eyebrow at the man's comment and appraises him.

Woman: "It is indeed a pleasure, Nightmare.  Although I though you would
have the common decency to not barge in on a woman."  She gives a small
start at seeing the troll and then again at seeing the skinhead.  The
skinhead gives her a very tight smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

He says, "Yes you know me for you stole the sword that I was keeping at the
time.  I am Blitzkrieg.  I come in peace.  What is done is done, and not
even you can undo the pain.  I must say, you play wonderful piano."

The woman smiles shyly and says, "Why -- thank you.  P--Please come into
the living room and make yourself comfortable.  I am afraid Mr. Troll that
I have no furniture that will contain you.  Please forgive me."

The troll smiles and says, "Dat's okay.  Da floor is fine.  I'm Doomsday."
He scratches his chin and waits for the others to go through the door.

The dark-haired man bows and holds the woman's hand as he kisses it softly.
"I am Christopher Harker.  It is neither my real name nor my running name
but it shall suffice until I find a better one.  Your piano playing is
nothing compared to your beauty."  He swallows and looks away.  He walks
briskly over to a window and stares out.  The woman seems puzzled and looks
at Nightmare.

Nightmare says softly, "Leave him be.  There are some things that are just
to recent to overcome.  He doesn't particularly like elves.  He does
however, know better than to hold things others have done to him against
you.  It's just hard to fight the hatred that have created within him."

She nods nervously and leads Nightmare and Blitzkrieg to the sitting room.
Doomsday stays behind looking in amazement at the grand piano.  Christopher
seems to be having an internal argument and is oblivious to the movements
of others.

Nightmare looks around quickly and says, "You are better off than I
thought.  Have you had trouble with --"

The woman smiles and says, "Not yet, but I am lucky.  They know how to find
me.  I did three dangerous jobs to make up the insult.  I refused the
fourth as Shadowfox instructed me.  I had to even work with razor-dummies.
But at least they don't want to kill me now."

Nightmare nods and says, "You are indeed lucky then.  For they didn't kill
you with the jobs they offered either.  How fortunate for all."

The woman looks at him and Blitzkrieg and measures them carefully.  After a
long while she says, "Please be seated.  From your stance Blitzkrieg, you
expect to not be here long.  If that is the case, why are you here?"

If Blitzkrieg is surprised by her bluntness he doesn't show it.  "You
promised your services to my half-brother if he succeeded in tracking you
down.  He has done it not once but three times."

Nightmare smiles and sits.  They both follow his example.  He says, "I have
a far different offer than the one I expected to make to you so long ago.
It involves a similar type job as before, only much more complicated.  You
will have to work with all four of us.  In addition there will be two
deckers aiding us and three separate riggers."

The woman smiles at Nightmare's directness.  She says, "People or goods?"

"People."

"How many?"

"One family.  They are willing, but fearful and we aren't expected.  They
are being watched so it will make it more difficult.  There are other
complications as well, but I have covered them as best I can.  Everything
is prepared and my window of opportunity to do the job is short.  Are you
interested?"

"Of course.  My price will be higher."

"My Johnson expected that.  I warned him as such.  He will dock pay if the
family is hurt in any manner.  He expects them to be frightened but
otherwise unharmed."

"Raises the price some but, I'm still game."

Nightmare reaches into a pocket and pulls out an envelope and hands it to
her.  She opens it and spends several minutes reading it and rereading it.
She says slowly, "Interesting.  The money is a little low for the scope of
the job but ... it would be an interesting challenge.  I accept.  I will
charge you more Nightmare if your team turns out to think more with their
brawn than brains."

Nightmare smiles warmly and says, "But of course madam.  I expect as much
from you." ]<<<<<
        -- Blitzkrieg <19:53:37/10-02-56>

>>>>>[ Ha!  Finally destroyed that pesky virus.  Only been working on it
partically all day.  I will get even with you on that one Black Knight.

I have recently been contacted by a Dr. Gordon.  Seems he had a video that
he wanted to get out yet he was afraid.  Some friends of his apparently
referenced him to me.  I found the video waiting me with some further
instructions on some things.  I am running it through a few tests to see if
it is real.  Sometime this week all the tests should be in.  If it is real,
which I believe it is, than I will post it here.  Unfortunately the good
doctor decided to hack out some prime footage.  I will try and reconstruct
what might have happened in the blank spots, as he conveniently left a good
time gauge as to how much film he munched.

Oh Doctor, thanks for the interesting side comments, but whatever made you
think I truly care about that!  I do things for my own reasons not because
they are good or bad.  Indeed, ask some others about my motives.

I can't wait for election crunch time.  I'm sure there will be some good
dirt to dig up!]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <20:13:51/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Monsieur Johnson
>>>>>[We'd be willing to run Matrix and astral support.]<<<<<
        --  Righteous <00:42:58/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE: Crucifix
>>>>>[ Don't worry. Everyone has their own styles. We just happen to
be more forward than most.

  And we understand your problem with Fuchi. If you're interested, we
know of a few safe houses back out east. As far as Fuchi is concerned,
they don't exist.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <00:49:19/10-02-56>

*****PRIVATE: Rumormonger
>>>>>[ Easy, man. I'm in the matrix 16 hrs. a day. As you probably
know, this place is the current Shadowtalk/Seattle nexus (don't
even think about tracing it) and I've been helping out the sysop
in return for his help on a little data-sifting I've got in the works.

That said, what would you happen to know about Saeder-Krupp's Redmond
Ops?]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker<feet in the gutter/Head in the stars>

*****PRIVATE: Valentine
>>>>>[ Okay, Val, here's some of the dirt: SK's financial records
section is as hairy as their R&D, but I managed to get into
Personnel, and found a number of recent transfers--mainly tech
support crew and the like--to SK:Seattle. That's not much, but
I found a chink in the system that led me to their Grey Ops personnel,
and it looks like a number of them (22, to be precise) were also
assigned to the Seattle area within the last 6 weeks, most just
two weeks ago. They're not security, either; I checkd, and they're
on a separate classification.

Be forewarned: You may be up against professionals here, or at least
professionally-trained gangers with full-auto weapons.

Oh yeah, Merry Christmas, I got a shipment of SecureTech U-Vests
rerouted to your place, should be arriving within the hour. Hope
they fit everyone. I don't want to see any kids getting caught in
the crossfire. If you require anything specific, I'll see if I can't
arrange a donation.]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker <Hacker is/as Hacker does>

*****PRIVATE: Rathor
>>>>>[Hehehe, looks like my twin is spreading himself a little thin, should I
hit the target now?]<<<<<
        --Vader (06:15:30 GMT/ 02-Oct-56)

*****PRIVATE: Vader
>>>>>[No, we should wait a while longer.  My information tells me that your
twin's ally is in Haven, and in a position to watch over the target's
daughter.  The optimum time for the hit, will be when your twin is fully
drawn into a conflict.]<<<<<
        --Rathor (06:20:30 GMT/ 02-Oct-56)

*****PRIVATE: Gregor Dracolo
>>>>>[Ryuga, my friend, my ward's daughter is in Haven.  While you are there
will you watch over her?  If you need help, Telemnar will do so.]<<<<<
        --Nom O'Kief  (22:25:30 PDT/ 10:02:56)

*****PRIVATE: Nom O'Kief
>>>>>[Olorin, afraid your twim will attack while your ward's daughter is
possibly in danger?]<<<<<
        --Gregor Dracolo (22:27:30 PDT/ 10:02:56)

*****PRIVATE: Gregor Dracolo
>>>>>[Yes.]<<<<<
        --Nom O'Kief (22:29:30 PDT/ 10:02:56)

*****PRIVATE:Valentine
>>>>>[Baensprache/Hamburg ID's your boys with the
hammers as your typical neo-nazi fascist gangers (but more competent
than the Ubermen were) with a bent for collecting elf ears, ork
tusks, and troll horns. A real piece of work, neh?They cal themselves
the fourth reich, or 'veirtes reich,
 7Q??y>  V x

Too much static here. And the generators are giving me a headache.
Would it be convenient if I were to meet you at Haven in, say,
35 minutes? I'd like to examine the body, esp. the wire.]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker <rollin'rollin'rollin'/rawhide>

>>>>>[Good evening ladies and genteleman.  I come seeking answers,
answers to questions of great importance, and of great danger.  Watch,
listen, and learn.

+++++ Begin Transmission:

The screen flashes white for a moment as a moderate sized room
comes instantly into focus.  A large "building" takes up a major portion
of one side of the room(to those who would know it looks to be a rather
large medicine lodge).  Various cages, holding all sorts of species of
spiders, are scattered throughout the room all are open as the spiders
are crawling in and out of them. On another side of the room various test
tubes, beakers, and such lie bubbling on a table.  A tall thin elf sits
at a table in the center of the room pouring over what looks like a
large, leather bound book.  He coninually goes back and forth between the
book and a large computer next to him.


The image continues for a moment when suddenly the elf stands and
stretches for a moment.  Rubbing his eyes he begins to pace for a few
moments before sitting back down.  A look of astonishment passes over his
face as he quickly starts thumbing through pages of the book.  He stops
and a particular page and begins to read.  A large smile passes over his
face and he begins to laugh.


For some reason your eyes are drawn to the lone window in the room
that suddenly bursts open on its own accord the window shattering.  The elf
jumps up from his seat startled, and a look of fear passes over his
face.  The elf's eyes begin darting around the room as the spiders begin
to scatter.  A large table in the room explodes in the eruption of a
fireball.  Three armoured figures fade into exsistence at various points
in the room.(Again thos who would know notice the figures are wearing
Heavy Military-Grade Combat Armour with few to no distinguishing marks)
The elf dives for one of the open cages, forcing his hand inside.


Two of the figures walk toward the open tome upon the table and
quickly grab it and begin to systematically destroy all electronic
equipment on the table.  The third figure walks slowly over to the prone
figure of the elf who's back is turned to the camera.  The elf turns as a
visible aura of blue flame springs into exsistence around him.  White
teeth appear as the elf smiles.  His eyes glow with the power that
surrounds him as a piercing scream rips through the room.  The figure
coming towrds the elf suddenly explodes in a bright flash of white
light.  As the elf turns to face he other two figures who are just
finishing their destruction.  The smile on the elfs face suddenly turns
to a frown as you notice a single drop of sweat appear on his brow.


The look of intense concentration on the elf's face suddenly
breaks and turns to a look of utter terror and disbelief as he throws a
small jade bracelet through the air and aginst a wall.  As teh bracelet
hits the wall it explodes into a fire bomb that quickly consumes that
half of the room.  The two remaining figures turn toward the open window
and jump back through carrying the tome with them.


The elf looks around the room tears streaming down his eyes as spiders
scramble to escape.  The flames consume the rest of the room blocking off
all chance of escape.  The elf looks at the wall of flames and then begins to
chant.  His features slowly merge and change into that of a spider and
then back to his own, and his body shakes as if hit by a sledge hammer.
HIs body collapses and he slowly begins to crawl towards the open window beyond
the wall off flames.  As he approaches the wall of flame he appears
unaffected, and reaches the window safely, and crawls out.

The picture turns to a black screen

+++++ End Transmission

That was the night that I almost died.  I was working on deciphering that
tome when the events you just witnessed happened.  If anyone knows any
imformation please contact me.  I must find that tome.  I currently am
devoid of extraneous funds, but I am willing to sell my services as an
experienced Shaman and researcher in exchange for any information in
regards to the above events or Nuyen.]>>>>>
        --Sasquatch (03:33:29/10-03-56)

***** PRIVATE: Ratspeak
>>>>>[You missed my point  --  I was refering to the young runner who
appeared out of no where, posted a "I am a security God" then posted
information about having worked with Fuchi and still being chased by
said corp.

Scourge is a different story all together.

I am interested in the information about Scourge.  It might not matter
one way or another but it interests me still.  >>nY transfer<<.  Does
that cover your fees?  If not, let me know.

Personal differences asside, are you available for a job?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <15:50:31 / 10-03-56>

>>>>>[ Before we left Sheppard-Intrepid, we heard a bunch of of magically
triggered Vigilent autocannons were being sent to the Seattle area.

    The imaging software in the new guns is _very_ well written, with
some thermal cancelling algorithms for cybernetics. Before you scoff:
We've seen the Omega and FireTech versions of these guns, and I know
how unreliable they are (Combined FT and Omega profits on the
autocannons was something like 1.24 million nuyen. That didn't even
cover their preliminary research costs) -- But the SI version is NOVA.


    SI has some of the best code running (We had the priviledge of
seeing some portions of it. Clean, tight, hard. Not even NanoSoft
writes this well), and the scoping hardware is native built. None of
SI's usual handshaking problems. The autocannon itself is a modified
ClearShot minigun chasis, with inline gyros. The only drawbacks we
caught were in the cooling, capacity, and armour: It'll shutdown after
about 45 seconds of continious fire (with terminal overheat after about 60
seconds), but it's fluid cooled, so expect it to be back online after
about a five to ten second pause. The capacity is also pretty low
(most of the inline room is taken up with shock mounting), it only has
enough ammo for about 100-120 seconds of fire, but it can also be fed
from external sources, so don't bank on emptying it's clip.

     A somewhat scaled down version of the Vigilent (the WatchMan) is
available. The only difference between the two is that the WatchMan
has no onboard imaging software. The video feed is sent to some
central site for processing, and then a relay comes back to tell the
gun what to do. The lag isn't great, or even very noticable, but
apparently, a Physical Adept can run past a Watchman so long as the
another WatchMan is being run by the same software (most corps are
cost-conscious enough to have multiple guns run from the same
software).

      The gyros are supposed to be fairly overpowered on the current version
of both the WatchMan and the Vigilent. A fast target _might_ be able to
run through the gun's field of view without harm, just so long as it's
already firing at something else. But don't quote me on this one.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <12:01:55/10-03-56>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[ And you missed mine, I wasn't even addressing the young err...
runner.  But you picked my point when I responded about Scourge.  Which
reminds me, I think the young runner (poser) underestimates Doomsday and
his wrath in certain regards.  Personally I would want to be named Crucifix
right about now, with what the Wanderer keeps on doing.  Don't know
Doomsday that well, but I can't imagine him being cheerful with a person
named Crucifix.

Btw, speaking of (err) him, why do I get the feeling of a certain someone
painting a target on the back of anyone that someone works with?

Anyway, heh -- actually it was Sprinkler that fed me the information but
that is another story in itself.  Yeah, the money covers the fees (and the
abuse I have taken from Black Knight).

Scourge is in Detroit, no surprise.  It looks like he dragged us into what
was supposed to be an isolated network within Ares HQ there.  The wall we
hit was a firewall.  I think it is a strong possibility that Scourge will
have some corps making him better job offers after word of his ICe get out.
That is speculation on my part though.

Personal differences aside, yes but only if it relates to my current tasks.
Currently I am focused on the following:  The night in Seattle that was the last
that Shadowfox was free, DragonEyes, keeping tabs on Scourge.  On the side I am
doing my latest job for a politician out where I am now.  What do you want me to
do?  Perhaps there is a chance for us to work peacefully with each other.

Btw, the deckers you sent through Ares left quite a mess behind.  Ares mopped up
tighter than a mother cleaning up the mess her newly born baby made before the
kid can back into it.  Of note there was someone watching me and seeing if I dug
up anything interesting.  The someone didn't attack me, so I assume I didn't hit
anything vital -- yet. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <10:20:53/10-03-56>

***** PRIVATE: Nightmare, Christopher Harker, Neuron Basher, >>encrypted<<
>>>>>[I have it from an informed source that it was an internal Ares
strike team that hit Ares / Scourge / Doomsday / Shadowfox during their
meeting.

The reason they skated the IC so quickly and knew what buttons to flip and
which not to was because it was a rival faction of Ares.  I have a few
more names to check into.

Chris  --  No one is supposed to know what is down in Indiana.  Im curious
how you know.  I couldnt get my source to confirm it other than to deny its
existance in such a way as to make me believe its there.  Who is being
held there?  Is it Shadowfox?

If Scourge is in Detroit.  Detroit was one of the stops of one of the
flights we tracked.  The air time between here and detroit is about what
Doomsday described to me.  He didnt mention having made any stops
on the way or them having taken 'fox away.

Im still on trying to get information on what the hell Ares wants 'fox
to do.  I dont know him well enough to know if he will or will not give in]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:56:44 / 10-03-56>

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[Ratspeak mentioned that you made a mess in Ares when you were
there looking for information.  Was it you, DA, or someone else?  Do you
have a clue?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:58:44 / 10-03-56>

>>>>>[Yeah, just what I want to do, work for a damn frog...]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<11:02:29/10-3-56>

>>>>>[I guess asking "Why me?" isn't going to get me anywhere...got another
download in my private mailbox showing the Azzies getting drek-kicked.  This
one's a mite different though...

+++++Begin Upload
+++++Upload Complete; Begin Transmission

     The view is obviously from some sort of airborne drone, several hundred
meters, at least, from the ground.  It's very difficult, however, to tell how
high the drone really is due to the intense visual magnification.
     Below the drone is a small village, no more than two dozen ramshackle
buildings surrounding a somewhat impressive Aztlan temple.  For a moment, the
camera pulls back, and you can see a few more huts in the outlying area, next
to what must be subsistence farms in the rolling green hills.  The camera
then zooms back in tight to the temple area.
     Perhaps fifty people, dressed in not much more than what we would
consider rags, are gathered in "front" of the temple.  Atop the temple
(possibly about 15 to 16 meters tall?) is what must be an Aztlaner priest,
dressed in very colorful religious regalia.  Bound across a square stone in
front of the priest is a naked young woman, perhaps no older than 13 or 14,
the fear obvious in her face.  But strangely enough, her mouth is not open to
make even a wimper, her body seems relaxed.
     The priest has now drawn, from some hidden sheath, an obsidian knife has
raised it up high above his head.  He is clearly shouting something, but
either the drone is too far away to pick it up, or there is simply no audio.
 The crowd almost seems disinterested, with the exception of what must be the
child's mother and father, the mother holding the painfully stoic father
tightly.
     The priest seems poised to plunge the obsidian knife into the young
woman's chest when suddenly the priest no longer has a hand.  You stop the
play back and play this section over again in slow-motion and you see his
hand and part of his forearm just vaporize into a cloud of red.  Normal
playback resumes and the priest is staring stupidly at his arm, somehow not
comprehending his hand in no longer there.  The crowd stares around wildy for
a few moments, wondering what has happened.  From the edges of the camera
come what must be the attackers, rushing in towards the temple with shocking
speed.  It only takes a moment to realize the strange attackers are the same
eight dragon suits.  The men in their scultped dragon armor have their
weapons drawn, but are not firing them.  By now they have all reached to
bottom of the temple, and are past the crowd.  With what must be powered
leaps, the eight bound up the temple, reaching the top, and the priest, even
before the crowd has had time to turn and flee back to their home and
hide-outs.  The camera now zooms into the scene atop the temple.
     One of the eight, shaded almost a burgundy, has popped blades from a
left forearm sheath and has sliced the crude hemp ropes that bound the young
woman/child to the sacrificial stone.  The girl is to dazed and suprised to
do more than just lay there however.  The one in the deep blood red armor,
the one you have guessed is the leader, has drawn a sword from a hip sheath,
something he has never carried before.  The sword is short, less than a meter
long total, and is inscribed with strange designs, all surrounding a
dragon-like design along the length of the blade.  The blade also has the
strange bronze-orange reflective sheen to it that many orichalcum blades
have.  By now the priest's forearm has begun to bleed, but the wound must
have been cauterized at least some because it isn't spurting blood as you
might expect.
     The burgundy dragon soldier has removed the girl from the sacrificial
stone and appears to be doing a medical survey of her.
     The sacrificial block is now occupied by the priest, having been shoved
onto it by a bright crimson dragon soldier.  The priest struggles, but is
being held down by the same man in the crimson armor.  The blood-red dragon
soldier with blinding speed raised the strange blade high, and then swung it
downward to neatly sever the priest's head.  Blood spurts out forcefully, but
not into the sacrificial basin, for several long seconds, then is nothing
more than a rapid flow.
     The dragon soldiers then remove black blocks from each other's back and
drops them into the single entrance atop the temple.  Four black squares in
all.  The dragon soldiers then start walking down the temple, the burgundy
one carrying the 13-year old girl.  Quickly they are down the steps.  The
girl is placed in front of one of the ramshackle huts in the village, then
the dragon soldiers take off in a run.  Seconds after they exit the frame,
the temple detonates, collapsing in upon itself.

+++++Transmission Over

     My only comment is that I thought they didn't do human sacrifice?  Or if
they did, it was like a version of the death penalty reserved for spies and
stuff.  Almost made me hurl my Nuke-It Burrito...]<<<<<
     	-- Rage<11:50:29/10-3-56>

*****Private: Sasquatch
>>>>>[Heyas, chummer.  I think I might know your guys.  I got a little
curious and did some looking around.  Since your new, I'll let you know I
used to do security work (officer) for Fuchi Industrial Electronics,
Northwest.  I can't give you names of the men/women in the shot, but I
can tell you where they are from.

I focussed your relay down (bad relay, by the way, what did you use?) and
found a little bit of evidence you might have missed.  The suits had
small Fuchi Sec NW logo's on them.  They were our "removal men".  Why they
came after you and that book is pure speculation on my part, but at least
I can tell you they were Fuchi.

I'm having a bit of a problem with them, too.  I suggest a meet.  Matrix
would be preferable -- I know it will give you a headache, but it will
save headaches for me. :)

Perhaps we may be able to bring things to light.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

*****Private:Crucifix
>>>>>[Thank-you for your reply.  I may have some idea on why Fuchi wanted
the tome.  I have seen many things in my research and this was the only
piece that has truly frightened me.  Its aura was amazing like nothying I
had ever seen.  The tome itself was "alive".

Also though Fuchi is a major Mega-Corp I do not know if they had the
magical assets to enter my domain with the warding that was present.  The
destruction of the bracelet was also a great surprise.  I believed it
impossible to get past its wardings alone, yet someone grounded a spell
through it, and my own warding.

I apologize for the awful download not only was the camera in my study
almost burned , but turtles don't exactly have the best data-compression
either.  I can meet you in the Matrix, but I will not be fully immersed.
I cannot it would force me unconscience]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (14:35:52/10-03056)

*****PRIVATE:  Olorin
>>>>>[Sir, please keep your veiled threats away from Lissa.  She has
enough troubles without adding you to the batch.  As for THE Nexus'
daughter, she will be safe here regardless.  There are only two places in
this world where nothing can occur without my assent, and this is one of
them.  But if you please, remember that Arial is not just THE Nexus'
daughter but also Lissa's.  THE Nexus chose to leave them both, so
regardless of his, or your, wishes, Lissa's come first.  I've seen too
many abandoned children here to take a pleasant view of THE Nexus'
actions in this.  But he has made his choice, as has Lissa, as have you,
as have I.  I don't want to have to warn you sir.....]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <16:22:58/10-03-56>

>>>>>[I seem to be a bit low on cash these days....color me interested]<<<<<
        --  Slash <16:28:50/10-03-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Jasmine, Righteous, Jean-Claude Baptiste, Bedlam
>>>>>[Meet me tonight, then, at >>encrypted<<  and we shall discuss the
operation.]<<<<<
        --  Monsieur Johnson <16:31:38/10-03-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Strife, Righteous
>>>>>[Righteous, if you have no complaints, I would like to add a single
runner to the extraction team.  Strife, the pay is >>encrypted<< and
sould be sufficient.  I have already provided Righteous with all the
necessary data and a maximum timetable.  But I will pay more for sooner,
just so long as you get the target out alive and relatively uninjured.]<<<<<
        --  Mr. Johnson <16:36:26/10-03-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Christopher Tarleton
>>>>>[Indeed it is.  Please meet me with the others tonight at
>>encrypted<< if you are able.  If not, then I will send you the
information directly via secure communications channels.]<<<<<
        --  Monsieur Johnson <16:39/26/10-03-56>

>>>>>[Greetings.  I noticed your request for participants in some "recreational
activity".  I have just concluded some work involving Hayashi Biotech, and am
desirous of finding new employment.  If you are interested, I can furnish
reports from either side of the corporate desk of my past activities.  Briefly,
I have mainly plied my magical talents for combat and Astral infiltration,
though I also have skills in defensive and healing measures.  I have also
operated in many climates, ranging from the tunnels under the _fine_ city of
Seattle to Awakened rain forest.

If my "netiquitte" is lacking, you will have to forgive my lack of time spent
in front of a terminal.  My past employment has kept me quite busy until very
recently.  You can contact me at >>Encrypted<<. ]<<<<<
        --  Thelienista < 16:18:11/10-03-56 >

*****PRIVATE: Strife
>>>>>[ We are not accustomed to working so closely with other runners,
but the additional firepower is definitely welcome. Meet us at
>>ENCRYPTED<< at >>ENCRYPTED<< o'clock for a planning session. You will
receive a copy of the files and information there.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <19:29:58/10-03-56>

*****PRIVATE: Mr. Johnson
>>>>>[ Your package will be delivered at >>ENCRYPTED<< at the location
agreed. The normal safe-delivery insurance has been taken out.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <19:33:05/10-03-56>

***** Private: Monsieur Johnson
>>>>>[Am I known for missing appointments?]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

*****PRIVATE: Valentine, Foxey Roxey
>>>>>[I was not giving any threats, I'm just warning you that I may have to
get involved to prevent something from occurring; BUT If I do get involved, I
may be forced to do something that neither of you may like.  It is something
I do not wish to occur.  My concern is for the safety of all involved with
THE Nexus, for he is my charge; and if his daughter should become endangered
it would also endanger him.]<<<<<
       	-- Olorin (22:05:30 PDT/ 10:03:56)

*****Private: Sasquatch
>>>>>[*derisive snort*  You don't think a MEGA-corp doesn't have the
funds to take you down!?  The mages I dealt with in Fuchi could make some
of the shadow world mages look like devil rats by comparison.  If they
wanted to crack your "flawless shields" or what-the-drek-ever, the
would.  They have allies in places I have never heard of...and I am
honestly sure you have never heard of, too.

We will meet at>>>>>Encrypted<<<<<<.  A decker friend of mine in Fuchi
set it up for me.  It's a secure I/O port.  You should have no trouble
finding it.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

>>>>>[Do not worry, Olorin.  Arial will not be leaving Haven tomorrow
morning.  There will be no reason for you to become involved.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <00:38:14/10-04-56>

>>>>>[After that run in with Drake, I could really use CRUSH right
now....  A game of Kick the Americar would be great for my bloodpressure.

So, are we going to have a party for Halloween this year or aren't we?
And instead of holding it at Harlequin's place again(and trashing his
place...again), I'll even offer to have it at my place!  So, who's up for
a party?]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <00:32:11/10-04-56>

****PRIVATE:  Commander Drake
>>>>>[Sir, the arrangements have been made and the necessary
documentation acquired.]<<<<<
        --  IPLegal <23:26:26/10-03-56>

>>>>>[Mr. O'Kennedy, aka Valentine, my name is Commander Drake of
Interpol.  I have in my possession a court order from the Redmond
District Court, Judge Elva Addison presiding, claiming custody of a one
Arial Borimer, daughter of Lissa Borimer, alias Foxey Roxey.  I will
personally be arriving tomorro morning at 8 AM to claim custody of her
and place her in the care of a proper foster family.  Pleas have her
ready for me when I arrive.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <23:31:10/10-03-56>

>>>>>[Excuse me?  Wait a minute here.....  You've got a court order
claiming custody of a child who has a mother and has been left in my
care?  I am understandably curious as to how you managed this one.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <23:33/54/10-03-56>

>>>>>[It's very simple, Mr. O'Kennedy.  Due to the very nature of the
center you run, you cannot provide the necessary care and environment
that a young child such as Arial requires.  And with the predominance of
criminal youth in your "Haven", there is a reasonable question as to your
fitness to raise Arial.  As you yourself have said, you run a home and
school for abandoned, orphaned, and otherwise disaffected youth.  This is
hardly the environment that Arial needs to grow up in.  And the criminal
record of her mother instantly makes Ms. Borimer unfit to raise Arial.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <23:39/34/10-03-56>

>>>>>[You FRAGGIN SON_OF_A_SLITCH!!!!!!!!!!  You even come fraggin _NEAR_
my daughter and I will bury you so deep in the earth the Chinese will
find you before your ancestors do!  (roxey, please calm down)  Shut the
frag up, Max! (no.  you'll only make things worse this way.)  Don't you
fraggin tell me what to do, you fraggin spirit! (and the reverse for you,
roxey.  i've heard it said that you use cold anger while hot anger uses
you.  please cool down, lest I have to knock you out.)

+++++signal lost+++++ ]<<<<<
        --  Foxey Roxey <23:44:11/10-03-56>

>>>>>[When you wake up, Roxey, keep this in mind.  Don't you EVEN
threaten me.  I have the law to back me up and you forfieted any rights
regarding your children when you chose the life you live.  What have
you got behind you?  An enemies list, a long line of abandoned squats
and betrayed friends, and a rap sheet that reads like a book.  You and
your kind make me ill and I take every "run" you make as a personal
affront to me and all of humanity.  You don't deserve your daughter
anymore than a mass murderer deserves leiniency and a stay of
execution.

And to all of you who live by the sword and play fast and easy with the
law, corporate or international:  It is only a matter of time before you
do yours, after the piper comes a calling.  And guess what?  I play the
pipe really well.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <23:48:51/10-03-56>

>>>>>[You bloody bastard, Drake.  We shall see what tomorrow brings.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine <23:50:40/10-03-56>

>>>>>[Don't fight me on this, Pat.  You can't win.  Turn her over to me
easily and peacefully and nothing will go wrong.  But fight me and the
full weight of Interpol will come down around Haven and rest on your
shoulders.  With what I know of your background, I can have you arrested
tonight on complicity, conspiracy, aiding and abetting known felons,
harboring a fugitive, and that's just the blatant crimes.  Who knows what
I can come up with if I get creative.  And how about all that anonymous
money pouring into Haven all the time?  I'm sure that, with a little
work, I can prove some of it at least traces back to organized crime.
And suddenly Haven is a way to launder money.  Especially since there is
not a prayer that you can do buisness with squeaky clean sources here in
Seattle.  There are none.  Is that little girl worth your freedom?
Probably.  Your psych profile(surprised we have one?  You shouldn't be,
not with all the contacts you have to assassins like THE Nexus, or to
arms dealers, or vampires, or to murderers, or....  well, you get the
picture, I'm sure.  As I was saying....) shows you'd be willing to give
up your life for another, and you nearly have once or twice.  But is
Haven worth your pride?  Are the lives of all "your" children worth the
life of a little girl, especially when we can give her so much more than
you can dream of?  If all my threats won't work, then think of Arial's
wellfare instead.  She'll grow up in a loving home, recieve a good
education, never be hungry, and go to college and become a productive
member of society.  Sure, she might if you raise her.  But she _will_ if
you give her to me.  But if you don't, I'll destroy you and your
prescious Haven too, and you'll drag all your children and aids and
workers down with you.  And I'll still get Arial.

Sleep well, Pat.  See you, and Arial, in the morning.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <00:11:41/10-04-56>

>>>>>[**whistles**  Drake, you sure do know how to make friends and
influence people.  Can I follow in your footsteps, canIcanIcanI please?]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <00:14:41/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Ahhh, the abomination of the night speaks at last!
+++++Engaging IPtracer+++++

I had you once, I'll have you again.  And as an escaped convict as well.
I'm closer to you than you might think, my dear Alex, and your time is
coming due soon.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <00:18:41/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Yeah, right.  I still have a scar from that laser shot, just for
your knowledge.  Some wounds just do not heal well, even with magical
help.  And I take it you're based out of Seattle now?  I look forward to
seeing you, then.  I wonder if I should let myself get...hungry......

Nah, you wouldn't taste too good, what with all that dermal plating.  I'm
just not into scales.  Sorry to disappoint.

+++++Trace acquired+++++

Oh my, it appears you've traced me....  too bad I'm at a payphone.  See
ya soon, Drake.  I have a little gift you might like.  I'm sure you know
my trademark.  You sleep well too.  I certainly will.....]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <00:22:41/10-04-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Commander Drake
>>>>>[Commander, we are sorry, but when the Patrol-1 arrived at the trace
point your decker sent us to, there was nothing.  Only a payphone.  We
are securing the scene now and searching for clues.]<<<<<
        --  LSS <00:24:41/10-04-56>

*****PRIVATE:  LSS
>>>>>[Don't bother.  Dr. Alexander Jackson leaves few clues unless he
wants to, and this is his home.  He'll be difficult to find, even without
his unique and damned abilities.  But thank you for trying.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <00:26:17/10-04-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Special Branch, Seattle
>>>>>[Prepare a team for tomorrow morning.  We could have trouble serving
the court order.  And have the second document accompany the first.  We
could need it.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <00:29:01/10-04-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Ms. V
>>>>>[Ma'am, operations are proceeding well.  Primary is fully engaged,
secondary appears to be engaging, but no known activity as of yet.
Tertiary is well into the planning stages and I am handling parts of it
personally as per your instructions.  Further orders?]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <23:23:30/10-03-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Avatar
>>>>>[None at this stage, John.  Keep me informed.]<<<<<
        --  Ms. V <23:24:27/10-03-56>

*****Private:Crucifix
>>>>>[At that moment in time I was working for a corp that practically
its whole exsistence was based on mafical R&D.  The wards that were ion
that place were VERY strong.  they were not the wards that a so-called
"Shadow" Mage or Shaman would have put up.  They were the result of long
tortorus hours of work by many Magical professionals.  Believe me we knew
what we were doing and what we may have come up against.]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (02:12:53/10-04-56)

>>>>>[ A party wouldn't be such a bad idea. It'd be a nice chance for
us to get to know you all. Dana likes the ideas as well.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <08:39:22/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Valentine, I shall be watching, and I am fully prepared to step in.
 Ryuga is there as well.  Oh, Drake, be careful you may find that Valentine
has friends whom you have no rap sheet on, and are very powerful.  Just ask
one Etsy.]<<<<<
          --Olorin (07:00:30 PDT/ 10:04:56)

>>>>>[AJ, since when have I *not* been up for a party?

Patricia and I'll be there.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[Jasmine and I are ready for a social gathering.  You can count
us in, AJ.]<<<<<
    	-- Shields <07:53:00 / 10-04-56>

>>>>>[ Hey Drake, ya lame lizard fool!  Touch da girl and I can arrange for
ya back ta be broken again! ]<<<<<
        -- Doomsday <08:18:46/10-04-56>
	
>>>>>[ And just to make sure you play fair, he won't be alone.  Hmm.
Check. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <08:20:21/10-4-56>

>>>>>[ Oh no!  You won't get it that easily. ]<<<<<
        -- Christopher Harker <08:21:11/10-04-56>

>>>>>[ Nice counter with the White Knight.  Sleep easy, my 'friend'
Commander Drake.  Because if I hunt, you sure won't get rest during the
night or day.]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <08:22:56/10-04-56>

+++++ Run Local Boot
+++++ Run Local Syscheck
>>>>>[Damn it's great to be back.  Looks like I finally got the link livened
up again.  Mav, If you haven't looked, I've got things running, so as soon
as you can get down here and we'll finish up the reactivation sequence.  I'm
going to upgrade this software, we're at least a year behind in terms of OS
and current apps are going to chew memory quick.  We need some more cash.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith < 09:50:55/10-04-56 >


>>>>>[X, I need you to get down-town and meet Yankee.  He'll be
>>encrypted<< and I need you to swing through and pick up his laundry.
Wraith, you have full power on the expense account, do what you need, we
can't compete if we're not up to speed.  Anyone heard from Dog yet?]<<<<<
        -- The Mav < 09:55:00/10-04-56 >


>>>>>[Mav, no prob, but I'd rather have Dog drive.  He's coming in from the
Souix today, don't ask me how he managed that.  If he's late, I'll take
Vengeance along.]<<<<<
        -- Extremist < 10:00:34/10-04-56 >


>>>>>[Ok, everybody, The Posse is back in business.  If you know us, you
know where to contact us.  Guys the party is at >>encrypted<<.  (Like you
needed to be told).]<<<<<
        -- The Mav < 10:02:23/10-04-56 >

*****Private: Sparks
>>>>>[ hey sparks we are back, we go out ok, and we found out why the JIM's and
SFPD found us old Red picked up a tracer vrius, so you better detox your end of
the matrix here are the specs
INCLUDE: TRARCER.PROG.COUNTER
well we are back up and ready to take some names (oh Rolling Thunder is ok if
you were woundering)
sorry that we are takeing so long to get a hold of you but getting in touch
with the boys from Fungs and find a new safe house, I think all of the numbers
that you gave us might be comprinised, sorry. and we are routing this message
though so many one way anon. mailers it's not funny.
nice job with the JIM's to bad we could not have been with you to help, next
time.  until then stay low.]<<<<<
        Death Jestor (10-02-56/22:25:05)

***** Private: Death Jestor
>>>>>[Well.... lessee hope thishere counter works, then.

Thanks from the boys.  Glad somebody appreciated it.  I think
Freddy'll kill us when he finds out what we did to his office,
though.....

Okay, good to here about Red.  I just saw "flat-lined" and thought he
was a goner.  Sure people have come back, the late great Dixie
Flatline lost it what - three times for a grand total of infinity
flatlined?

We're sorta hunkered down.  Talk at 'cha later.]<<<<<
        -- Spark (10:51:33 / 09-04-56)

***** Private: Moonwalker
>>>>>[Sixteen hours?  Hell, you get out to sleep?  No, fun!  Ever
dream in the Matrix?  Lemme tell ya, it's Wiiiiild.

And of course I know what your hobbies include.

Soooooo, you'd like to know what I know about the big S-K, hmmmmm?

What's it worth to you?  Unlimited access - for starters?]<<<<<
        Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[AJ:  We were wondering if you were still around.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav < 10:56:43/10-04-56>

>>>>>[I s'pose you folks don't want to get buried in more California
trash news, so I've been keeping a datajack to the satlines and have
a condensed version of the latest goings-ons with FryppSec and the
Japanese.

<deep breath>  Well, the same old police state crapola - with every
news broadcast the number of dead I-Marines climbs by one or two -
the official tote board says 27, but I only counted 24 that dropped
in from the helicopters (and all of them didn't enter the building) -
sure maybe some were assaulting from below and got caught in the
blast.

The Imperial Governor - as well as MOM (oddly enough) - have
denounced the cowardly attack on police forces (Sorta like the old
Soviet Union if you ask me.  They fought an entire "war of self-
defence" on Finnish soil, is I'm not mistaken.  But I digress.).

And, oh yeah, the police is spouting all of the usual Metahuman Action
Committee bulldrek.

There's been a bounty placed on all of the confirmed management of
FryppSec - brought in alive to face trial.  They've already rounded
up some of the grunts, too, I'm, afraid.  All of 'em are singing like
canaries I imagine.  Or at least that's what the party line'll say.

I hope Fred was able to compartment his reeaaallly illegal stuff.  Or
there's gonna be a lot more head lopping this week....

Good luck, boys and girls.]<<<<<
        -- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[Olorin, whoever you are, no-one is above the law.  If you break the
law you have entered my realm and I will find you, arrest you, hold you,
bring you to trial, and see that whatever sentence is carried out.  And
if you get off, I'll be the one who watches every move you make to be
sure you never cross the line of the law again.  And being that I'm
Interpol, that means any law, corporate, national, or international.  As
for you or Etsy, I have no 'rap' sheet on either of you, nor have I
previously heard of either of you.  But since you broght it up, I will be
watching.  If you break the law, expect me at your door someday.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, InterPol <12:25:35/10-04-56>

>>>>>[You want answers Sasquatch?  Try this on for size...you're a lucky
son-of-a-slitch they didn't finish the job and kill you, because they should
have.  No minion of Spider is welcome here.
     Why is that tome so important to you?  Or should I say, why is it so
important to Spider?
     Frag off bug-boy.  Look at Chicago; your kind isn't welcome here.  You
want answers, find them yourself.]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<13:19:23/4-10-56>

>>>>>[It has come to our attention that certain seditious trideo footage
featuring eight foreign sabatuers in "dragon armor" has been aired at this
particular node, referred to as "Shadowland."  We are prepared to offer a
substantial reward for information that would lead to the capture of these
traitors to the state of Aztlan.
     Any and all information that can be confirmed, or that will lead to
their capture, will be generously be rewarded.
     I thank you, on the behalf of the people of Aztlan, for your
assistance.]<<<<<
    	-- Richard Batiste<11:39:26/10-4-56>
      	   Director of Public Relations, Northwest Section
      	   The Free Nation of Aztlan

>>>>>[Adroddiad.]<<<<<
     	-- Draig Un<13:20:54/4-10-56>

>>>>>[Blood magic confirmed, witnessed partial attempted summoning of Blood
Spirit.  Higher mana at temple.  All questions answered as expected.
 Orders?]<<<<<
     	-- Draig Dau<13:22:42/4-10-56>
      	   Draig Llwybr

>>>>>[Come home.  You must prepare.]<<<<<
     	--Draig Un<13:24:12/4-10-56>

>>>>>[We return to the nest.]<<<<<
     	-- Draig Dau<13:24:58/4-10-56>
      	   Draig Llwybr

>>>>>[Doomsday, I find that very hard to believe.  I seem to remember
having a building dropped on my not too long ago, and certain things had
to be repaired. My back was one of them.  I think you'll find that when
we meet again, I will be taking you to jail, along with whomever aids
you.

And yes, Nightmare, I do mean you.  Your lovely web spell will have very
little effect on me anymore.  Nor will that sword you love so much.  I'm
sure the BIS would love to have you returned to them for whatever justice
they seem fit to visit upon you.  If we two meet, you too will find
yourself in no position to dictate terms.

As for my harming children, I would never allow any harm to come to
Arial, through action or...inaction.  Good day.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake, Interpol <12:33:24/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Quieter than usual, seeing as I've finally been able to retire from
the running buisness and devote myself to the work of cyberware
implantation in my clinic, but still around.  And of course, I do so
enjoy tweaking my enemies occasionally....]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <12:36:38/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Awwwww....  poor little Draky have to get rebuilt because a 6 story
building fall down and go boom?  Everyone....one...two...three, Awwwwwww.

I'm impressed you lived, Drake.  That vault wasn't _that_ strong.  So,
how many favors did you call in to get your body repaired after that,
hmmm?]<<<<<
        --  Diana, Mistress of the Night <12:42:56/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Ya wanna 'ave a party.  Well ya ca' cou' on us ta be ther.  I lov' a goo'
party.  Hell ma'be we ca' host tis one.]<<<<<
        --  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)<14:39:35/10-04-56>


>>>>>[Yes that would be a wonderful idea.  I have always wanted people over at
the house, and this seems like the perfect way.  And you don't have to worry
about damages(yes I know the way these parties usually end up).  I think we
should do just that.]<<<<<
        --  Colice Brightstar<14:41:46/10-04-56>

>>>>>[A social gatherings sounds enjoyable to me...please count me in.]<<<<<
        --  Thelienista  <11:44:48 / 10-04-56>

>>>>>[I am deeply curious why "Commander Drake" has such an interest all of
a sudden.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[Colice, Streetwolf, myself, Patricia, and AJ in one place.

The world is going to shift orbits.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[It has fallen upon me to inform you all of what happened this
morning at Haven.  In case you don't know me, I am one of Pat's, er,
Valentine's aids and fellow teachers here at Haven, and am also one of
the first children he ever pulled off the street and gave a new life to.

You can call me Mozart.

Classes started as usual....well, wait a minute, I may have access to the
camera logs.  They would tell the story far better than I can....  Ahhh,
here we are....

+++++Uploading Camera logs+++++

The time on the logs says 7:30, and classes for the day have just begun.
Children, late as always, are still filing into their classrooms, and
various camera shots show teachers beginning to teach music, magical
theory, mathamatics, english, etc.  Nothing happens until about 7:45,
when you hear in the audio feed something.  It sounds like an attention
notice.

"Attention, please.  All students and instructors, your attention
please."

You recognize the voice of Valentine/Patrick O'Kennedy, and if you aren't
mistaken, he sounds sad and very disappointed.

"I am very sorry to disturb you so early in the morning, especially with
news such as this.  No, I am not letting you out early today."  and you
hear groans of disappointment from the kids.

"I am, however, receiving several guests in 15 minutes, and it is
possible that they will want to talk to me for a while.  I may be leaving
Haven for an unknown time.

But do not dispair, children, I am with you, in spirit if not physically,
and you will be expected to continue your studies and to attend classes
whether I am here or not.  That is all, and may the gods bless you all."

You see on the moniters and hear on the audio the low rumblings of
children talking to each other.  You also notice several of the teachers
talking to the senior students and leaving them in charge of the class,
while they head out into the halls and to the teacher's lounge.  However,
like Val's office, the lounge appears to have no cameras or audio taps.

Another 15 minutes passes, and on an external feed, you see a large van
drive up.  It is un-marked, but to those of you who know, it has all the
markings of concealed weapons and heavy armor.  Out of it step 5
individuals, wearing otherwise normal clothing and packing no visible
weaponry, but also identified by the International Police badge.  The
only other identifying feature on all but 1 of them is a shoulder flash
showing them to be members of what is arguably the nemesis of the
shadowrunner community:  the sword and shield over a black star of
InterPol's Special Branch.  The fifth member, however, is blatant in his
identifying features.  Long snout, fangs, vertical slitted eyes, spined
back, spiked tail, claws, and unusual legs.  There is only one individual
this could possibly be:  Commander Drake, Head of Operations for Special
Branch.

The five head up to the main door, only to find that it will not open.  A
computerized voice says "check all weapons at the weapon check.
Admission to Haven will not be allowed unless weapons are checked."

Drake, obviously not taking this questioning of his authority well,
reaches over to the telecom panel.  "This is Commander Drake of
Interpol.  I have a court order to serve claiming custody of one Arial
Borimer.  Admit us or we will force our way in."

Coming out of telecom you hear Valentine:  "Not through those door,
Commander, but since I will not allow weapons into Haven except under
very special circumstances, I will come to you."

"Bring Arial with you, Mr. O'Kennedy."

"Of course....after I verify the veracity of your court order."

On the internal camera moniters, you see Valentine exit his office and
head to the young child's dormatory.  There you see a little red-haired
girl playing with an unusual pet, a Century Ferret.  With her is the
young Japanese elf, Little Dragon.  "Come Bruce, come Arial.  The men are
here to see you now."  "Ok, Uncle Pat."

The look on Valentine's face is very pained, but you don't know if it is
for Arial or for some other reason.  The three of them walk to the main
door and open it, stepping out onto the landing.

"Commander Drake, this is Arial.  Please excuse Bruce, but he has taken
himself to be her big brother and naturally wanted to be here.  The court
order, please."

Drake hands Val the document, which he opens and reads carefully.  You
notice that not only is Arial hiding behind Little Dragon, but the
century ferret is curled around her shoulders.  It's eyes seem a
little....unusual.

Valentine sighs, and hands back the court order.  It appears that
everything is in order, Commander.  Unfortunately, I cannot let you take
Arial until my challenge to your order in the District Court is heard.  I
filed the motion last night as soon as I heard.  It should have been
first on the docket this morning."

"Mr. O'Kennedy, it was.  And I use the past tense intentionally.  It was
thrown out of court for not following proper filing procedures.  You do
know, don't you, that you must file such challenges during normal
buisness hours?  And were you also aware that because it was thrown out,
you cannot file another one for 24 hours?  Well, until then, we have
legal custody of Arial.  And during a custody battle, because we are
challenging your fitness to raise her in this environment, we will be
able to retain custody of her.

Arial, would you care to go for a ride with me?"

Arial, probably afraid of the dragon-faced man, pops her thumb in her
mouth and shakes her head.

"I will not allow you to take my ward, Commander."  Valentine literally
places himself between Little Dragon and Arial, and the Interpol agents.
"You have no right, legal or otherwise, to claim custody.  You plan on
using Arial to get to her mother.  You are using an innocent child and
the motherly love of Lissa for Arial, to catch a criminal.  I find that
morally and ethically repugnant, regardless of it's so-called
'legality'.  I will not let you take her, Commander."

"As you wish, then."  Drake pulls out a second document from his custom
vest, and hands it to Valentine.  "I had hoped not to need to use this,
but what you hold in your hands is an arrest warrant for one Mr. Patrick
John O'Kennedy, on the charges of aiding and abetting known felons,
harboring fugitives, conspiracy, and numerous lesser charges.  You are
under arrest, Patrick O'Kennedy.  As per the local laws, I am required to
read you your rights under the UCAS Constitution.  You have the right to
remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a
court of law...."  and the Miranda rights go on.  Val nods, sad and
obviously very disappointed, and turns to present his hands to the agent
who has produced a set of hand-cuffs.  They appear to be about to gag
Valentine with a mage-mask when he says "That is not necessary.  I am an
honerable and law abiding individual. I will not attempt to escape."

Drake turns to the agent, shakes his head, and the agent puts the hood away.

"I warned you, Pat.  You shouldn't have tested me.  Now, Arial, please
come with Mr. Drake."

Arial continues to shake her head, and backs up as Drake advances
slightly, holding out his hand.  In a movement that nearly catches Drake
and everyone else off guard, Little Dragon blurs into motion and strikes
out at Drake's hand.  If he had surprised Drake a bit more, or if that
particular arm hadn't been a cyberlimb, he probably would have shattered
the radius, ulna, and elbow.  As it was, there is only a very hard
sounding 'Whack' as Little Dragon's hand hits Drake's.

"Drek!  Get him!"

One of the agents closes his eyes and appears to cast a spell.  Little
Dragon suddenly stops moving, appearing paralyzed, but radiating anger
and hate through his eyes.

"Bruce Tokagawa!  Stop immediately!"  Val yells, and Little Dragon goes
limp, only to be picked up and held tightly in the expert grip of one of
the IP agents.  "No violence here!"

Obviously, the players on the steps are so involved in their goings on,
that they have failed to notice the children gathering around the steps
and on the grounds.  And the number is growing, and with the children are
thier teachers, apparently leading them outside via the side doors.

"Come, Arial.  I know you want to take a ride."

And suddenly a new voice is heard, seemingly from nowhere.  "She has made
it clear she does not wish to go with you."  A floating voice, almost
elven, but not female.  It takes you a minute, but you finally realize
that it is coming from the most unlikely source:  the century ferret.  "I
suggest you leave lest you instigate something here you would not be able
to finish."

"Who are you to 'suggest' anything to an agent of the law?"

"I am myself, and the girl's protector, by her own wish as well as my
own.  She does not wish to go with you, so you shall leave without her."

"Get the fraggin animal, Rhett."  And one of the agents steps forward
only to face a century ferret that no longer is a ferret.  In a blink of
an eye, it's form changes from a small forest creature to a large elven
man, dressed in hand-stiched leather, wearing a ferret's skin on his left
arm, and carrying a feathered spear in his right.  It appears to be one
of the rarest manifestations of nature, a Man-of-the-Woods.

The instant change obviously surprises Rhett, but not the mage in the
group, who whispers something to Drake.

"That would not be wise, good magician.  Especially in this place of
peace.  I would suggest you leave, without Arial."

Drakes slitted eyes grow noticably narrower, and he turns to Valentine.
"Control your spirit, Pat."

"He is not mine to control.  He is free to do what he pleases, and he has
made his choice, much as I have.  Look around you, Commander.  Look at
all the children.  They will not stop you, as they know this place, but
no-one enters or leaves Haven's grounds except by their own free will.
And there is nothing you can do about that.  It is the nature of the site
as I have created it and influenced it with magic for years.  But even if
you were able to get Arial off the grounds, would the gangers out there
painting your van let you take her away?  Here there is peace and
safety.  Past that fence is safety only because the gangs have decreed it
to be so.  They can just as easily decree it violent again.  Because they
honor me and what I stand for and what I believe, you would not be
harmed, but neither would you be allowed to leave with Arial.

I'm sorry it has come to this confrontation, Commander.  I had hoped to
avoid this, but you chose your own path and it led you here.  Now you
have a choice to make.  I am going with you freely, will that be enough?"

Drake is frustrated, and you can hear him swearing in multiple languages
under his breath, and then he turns and marches out of Haven, off the
grounds, with Val and the agents in tow.

"Remember what I said, children.  I'll be home soon."

+++++End download +++++

As you can see, Patrick is under arrest.  He's being held without bail,
due to the sheer number of charges against him, in the Redmond
correctional facility.]<<<<<
        --  Mozart <12:18:41/10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Monsieur Johnson
>>>>>[I would be interested in learning more about your run.  I am a merc by
proffesion, but I have a few other skills that could be of use to you.  Contact
me at >>Encrypted<< if you still have openings.]<<<<<
        -- Irish <12:12:14/04-OCT-56>

>>>>>[Spider's aren't bug shaman's Dark Angel.  They are ARACHNIDS, not
bugs.  They eat bugs, near as I can tell.  I've talked to one
previously.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

>>>>>[I never said a spider was a bug shaman.  What the drek are you
talking about?]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[

Oh boy!  I can get on Nightmare's better side!  (not)

Let's see ... the last time you caught Doomsday and failed to hold him, you
had HAMMER and BIS helping you.  This time you have neither.  You see, BIS
and the German government cleared Nightmare's name of the treason charges
HAMMER planted on him.  In Germany, thanks to the efforts of several
different people, he is no longer wanted.  In fact, I believe he is
officially retired from the business.  The only reason BIS would want to
talk to him is to use his knowledge in certain areas.

Second, I would like you to answer the following:  What do Scarface and
Action Jackson have in common besides a criminal status with Interpol?
They are the ONLY two survivors.

Thirdly, Nightmare and Doomsday had nothing to due with dropping a building
on you.  I can say for sure on Nightmare's part.  I don't think Doomsday
was even in the country at the time.

Lastly, I have an inkling of just what type of team Nightmare could put
together.  It would make your life miserable.  Especially if he were to
say, bury the axe of hard feelings with certain individuals and work
together for once.  By the way, where do you get your special teams?  If
your previous team that came after Blitzkrieg and others is any indications
. . . you could be in hot water if the wrong people found out.

Have a nice day, drekhead. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <13:01:12/10-04-56>

>>>>>[ Ratspeak . . . Why are you following me around like a lost puppy?
]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <13:30:23/10-04-56>

>>>>>[ Because it is easy to annoy you.  Plus that way, I know when it is
time to relocate again. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightmare <13:31:00/10-04-56>

>>>>>[That was rude, Ratspeak.  Im certain that SysOpus would
like to know why you have taken to posting using Nightmare's
account name.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <19:44:11 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Ratspeak
>>>>>[Actually, I would be curious to know how to did that.  Might be
useful some day]<<<<<
        -- Kor <19:45:21 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[Yo, Jas, could you do us a big favor and find what what the deal is with
this 'new gang' deal?

A couple of the boys are a bit...antsy becase we keep hearing that other
gangs are losing territory to this group of chummers and they might be moving
our way.  If they are, Im going to have to call in some favors from you.  Namely
you are going to have to put your colors back and on and come and fight to
help us keep what we got.]<<<<<
        -- Skuff <19:04:35 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Sgt. Fuller
>>>>>[Haven is likely to become a mad house tomorrow morning nearish to
7:00am.  I would double your people around there.  Bring out the bruisers
and the mage force.  Dont play around.

I need information about this 'new gang' thats been moving in.  Skuff people
are getting uppity and a little gun happy and I would very much like to avoid
an all out war in my backyard.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <19:21:35 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[Yeah, someone leaked information my way about that as well.  I already
pushed it up the ladder.  The trick of the matter seems to be that my
bosses aren't doing anything about it.

Its a shit area.  While haven is doing a great thing out there, they are more
like an island in the middle of a shit sea.  You will note that LSS doesnt
rate the area they are in any high because of the lack of tensions.  A gang
problem is a gang problem in our book.  Just like with Skuff and his
people.  I know they are good people and have done more to refurbish the
place than destroy it, they still carry automatic weapons and are as likely to
shoot at us as they are any other gang coming in to challenge them.  They get
ZZ too.

I did a little digging around and there is some big whig from Interpol (You
find out what he has to do with this and I will totally clear your tab) named
Drake getting involved.  That reminds me  --

Last night we picked up a hispanic chum on a weapons charge last night.  The
interesting part it this  --  Hispanic, english speaking but with a
serious Aztlan accent.  The weapon, a S-K assualt riffle was fairly well
decked out for a gutter punk.  We were about ready to dump this putz into a
holding tank when some suit wanders in and starts flashing his badge around.

The kicker?  We let the kid go.  GUN AND ALL!  Now, I didnt get to see the
badge this guy was showing but I can tell you this  --  He must have been
from somewhere high up from some agency.  Seems more like a
covert operation underway to me.

We have a meeting tonight about whats going on.  It pisses me off (and
everyone else) when other Govt. agencies come in and start pissin' in our
pond.  If they wanted the contract why didnt they bid on it?]<<<<<
        -- Sgt. Fuller <21:23:15 / 10-04-56>

>>>>>[ You have got to be shitting me!

Lissen up chummers and lissen good.  Im only going to say this once.

This new 'gang' prolly aint no gang at all.  And, if'n they are, they are
pretty damned well equiped.

After a little skating I came up with an arrest report that no longer
exists.  It seems that last night some chummers over at lone star picked up
some drek for brains little ganger with a S-K assault riffle.  Not just any
assault riffle, but with serveral clips of API rounds, smartlink II (yeah,
the good shit) and a decent enough gas vent set up to make it a dream to
shoot.  The weapons charge would have stuck if it werent for some high-powered
Aztlan geek coming in and bailing him out of the hole.

Great...just great.  The corps come and take over everything worth keeping
Now they are supporting their own gangs?  Great.  Just great.]<<<<<
        -- Skuff <21:55:15 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Ancients, BoneJackers, Slippers, Glidders, Trolz
>>>>>[Standing offer as always for information about what this new gang
is after]<<<<<
        -- Boneless <WE ROCK>

***** PRIVATE: Skuff
>>>>>[Thanks.  I didnt have the time to get back to you on that.  I had
forgotten you were monitoring my mail.

Fuller is good people.  My guess is that there might be more to this
Haven prob...SHIT!]<<<<<
        -- Kor <23:56:15 / 10-04-56>

>>>>>[Drake, I do not intentionally break any law; but you ARE trying to gain
custody of my niece.  I actually believe she will get a better education
where she is, rather than at some institution that teaches only what the
administration/government/corporation wants the students to know.]<<<<<
          --Olorin (13:00:30 PDT/ 10:04:56)

>>>>>[Dark Stranger, you appear to be confusing Spider as an
Insect**spitting noise**.  Few things make me very angry but this is one
of them.  Spider is not an Insect.  No person has a greater hatred for
those who follow Insects then those of Spider.  I need answers, because
what I read of that tome scared me, badly.  Also those who destroyed my
research area scared me.

The wards on that place were strong enough to stop an angry dragon, and
that bracelet was the most powerful focus I had aquired during all my
time as research director.  Spider has lots of intrest in this she knows
somethings going on and you should listen.]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (14:28:43/10-04-56)

***** PRIVATE: Sasquatch
>>>>>[If it would not be presuming too much, I would like to offer you my
assistance in unraveling the reasons behind the attack on your person and your
property.  I have an interest in matters pertaining to the spiritual realm, and
two mages are quite often better than one.  Lest there be any doubt, I am an
Initiate, though one of currently modest power.]<<<<<
        --  Thelienista  <16:03:21 / 10-04-56>

>>>>>[Ahhhh, Ratspeak....  Pride goeth before the fall....  I have fallen
farther than you, and learned from it.  But I payed for my pride with my
life, and so now I have the right to it.  Can you say the same?

I have greater resources than most.  I also have no skeletons in my
closet.  The "wrong people" you refer to already know, and I could not
get the resources I do without thier knowledge.  Even if I didn't, I have
wider Rules of Engagement than _any_ other police orginization on the
planet, corporate or otherwise.

The past is the past, Ratspeak.  What has happened in the past is not
hardly what will happen in the future.  Regarding you, Doomsday, or
Nightmare.  Sooner or later you will all make a mistake, and when you do,
I will be there to slap the cuffs on, drag you to jail, and see your
sentence carried out.

I always have nice days, Ratspeak.  Especially when I get to arrest
someone on several hundred felonies.  Anc coming from you, 'drekhead' is
a compliment.]<<<<<
        --  Commander Drake <15:28:49/10-04-56>

***** NOT TO: Justice
>>>>>[ +++++ Begin Download:

The image snaps open quickly with, not a fade from black, be a fade in from
total white.  At the bottom of the screen you can see the words WHITE BALANCING
flashing methodicly.  Slowly it fades in to show the inside of a small
meeting room from a camera hidden high in one of the
room's corner.  There are 3 figures sitting at a table obviously in the
initial planning stages of a run.

A dark-haired elf, wearing a black t-shirt and what looks like black
jeans has his back to the camera.  To his right sits a smallish, for
trolls that is,  troll dressed in brown leather (synth?) austrailian
duster.  Directly oposite the pair is a large human who is dressed, casually,
in a black leather long coat over a stunning 3 piece suit.

The troll, who  seems to be leading the discussion is speaking when the audio
catches up with the video feed...

"I do not mean to be overly rude but, we know next to nothing about you.  I
trust Navaah to take care of us but only so far.  I have taken the liberty of
scanning you astrally and I can tell you are not only active but are also
under the influence of a illusion of some type.  Broad spectrum I would
have to guess."  The troll leans forward as if to take a closer look at
whatever spell is affecting the man.

The man leans back a bit in his chair and studies the troll intently.
"It is good that you have not looked too deeply.  It is also a good practice to
know who you are working with.  I admire that and wish to foster in you the
need to question where you are ..." Before he can finish his sentence the
dark haird elf leaps swiftly over the table producing a fine bladed dagger and
quickly holds it to the human's throat.

The troll seems momentarily surprised but recovers quickly.  In an attempt to
salvage the situation he decides upon the diplomatic approach, "It seems that
my mute friend here has grown tired of your constant bantering
our questions around and side stepping them.  I suggest you answer truthfully
and quickly before he cuts your throat.  I really cannot control his actions."
The troll's eyes are filled with a silent pleading.  He knows that the elf won't
think twice before eliminating someone he considers a threat to the team.

The initial shock of the elf's blinding flast movements wears off quickly and
the man's expression fleetingly changes from shock to and almost paternal
admimiration.  He clears his throat casually, locks glares with the troll and
continues "...uncertain.  You understand that threatening my life is not going
to fill me with confidence that you will be able to complete my tasks.
Navaah mentioned to me that you all were a little cautious.  I like that.
Please have a seat, Grishtar, and allow me to further explain."

The troll nods to Gristar who then reluctantly withdraws.  As Grishtar steps
away, he quickly looks down, and notices the blade in the human's hands mere
inches from his groin. He jumps backwards and lands in a defensive combat
stance.

The human slowly stands, flips back his long coat, and replaces a bone white
dagger into it sheath.

Man:  "If it makes you feel better, you would have killed me and, unless your
troll friend here knows quite a bit of healing magics, you would have
bled to death in a few minutes.  Save the 'bad assed shadowrunner' posturing
for later.  Can we get back to dealing with this?"

Troll: "Before we continue at all, I want answers to my questions and I would
like to have them without all the circumlocutory chatter.  Does that sound
fine with you, Gris?  Than?"

A gruff metalic voice answers affirmatively from a speaker located in the
center of the table and Gristar answers in
the only way he can  --  he reclaims his seat, still visibly shaken from his
near wounding encounter.

"I am Justice.  As you suspected, I am your 'Johnson' and a 'runner.
I asked Navaah to acquire for me a bit of well rounded talent for a job I need
to have done.  This particular job is a little more risky than
normal.  In this business there are a few things you should never do unless
you have a damned fine reason.

1 --  Never screw over a team member unless a) he will not be in
a position to do something about it or b) you have enough evidence to have him
thrown into a large hole for multiple years.  2 --  Never go after a fixer.
Fixers tend to have a network much like 'runners.  Work will get real scarce.
There is too much at stake there.  People protect their cash sources with
a vengence.  3  --  Never put all your eggs in one basket.  If a run goes
wrong, have a way to get out of it without losing your life, your money, or
your equipment.  And, while you are at it, try to come away from every job
better than when you went it.  Sometimes this ends up only being experience
but thats better than being dead or hunted.

In this case we are breaking rule number two.  There is a fixer in town that
has some information I need to have.  Fairly simple.  We find him, we ask him
to give us the information, he does, we leave.  In and out in a couple
of minutes.  I wish I could say we have some advantage but we dont.

Justice reaches into his inside pocket and produces 3 computer chips and
lays them on the table.  Both men reach out and take the chips and slide
them into readers.

The metallic voice heard earlier once again booms out from the
speaker sitting on the table. "HEY! GUYS!  HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN SOMETHING?!"

"Im sorry, Thantos, please do forgive me."  With that, the troll reaches
down and plugs the third and final chip into a small transmitter, fiddles with
a few switches then places it in the middle of the table.  "Than, can you
say something for me?"

"Sure...how is this, Baby?", a much quieter and more tolerable voice radiates
from the speaker system.

The troll looks quite pleased with himself.  He sits back down and, with a
flourish of his hands answers, "Fabulous.  You were over modulating a bit."

"I know.  Hey, Wait! Did you turn me down?  You're ruining the total
Wizard of Oz Motif I got going here. Well, anyway, I'm done scanning the chip.

The gist of the chip is -- that the fixer in question worked, until
recently, with mostly small time action.  Rumors of his
being involved with placing ringers in for a couple of gang fights, having
some involvement with a few mail carrier shipment heists.  Nothing very
serious but he has been steadily growing in influence.  From whats on
this chip, he usually takes a really small cut on the jobs he contracts
out.  This attracts better runners...the money is good...and gets him a
good loyal following.  However, most recently, he has been said to have
gotten into bed with a couple of the side-line fixers from the major players.
He is 3 or 4 fixers removed from any of the REAL action but he IS getting
some of the primo contracts for his stable."  Thantos pauses for a second
as if in reflection and then continues.  "If there was a time to start
breaking the rules and a time to follow them, I would say right now is
not the time to be breaking it."

Baby nods his agreement in unison with the mute Grishtar, "Agreed, my friend.
But there is a caveat that should be added:  'Know when
the backstab will finish the job'.  Navaah is paying well for his files and
his roster.  And our new friend here is paying well for us to get to him.
So, all in all, we will come out ahead."  The troll sounds as if he has already
weighed the pro's and cons involved.  His mind is made up.

"Dead men cannot buy toys."

Justice clears his throat.  "If we do things properly, no one will ever know
we talked with him."

---- End Transmission]<<<<<
        -- Thantos <21:05:12 / 10-04-56>>

***** PRIVATE: Thantos
>>>>>[You said you were not planning on posting any information about
that run.  Why the change of heart?]<<<<<
        -- Grishtar <21:02:45 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Grishtar
>>>>>[It pays to advertise.  It was a clean run, we need the money, and we
didnt sign any contracts saying we werent.  Besides, our johnson wont
see it here anyway.  He's probably back in his cushy little office somewhere
trying to forget the entire night]<<<<<
        -- Thantos <21:12:15 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Thantos
>>>>>[By the heavens!  Weren't you listening at all?  Your having a voice
prevents you from listening.  He said he was a shadow runner too...or at least
was.  Baby says he talked to Navaah about him.  What little bit of information
she DID give out points to him either still running but doing it at
the corporate level, or he's good enough that he can retire.]<<<<<
        -- Grishtar <21:28:45 / 10-04-56>

***** PRIVATE: Grishtar
>>>>>[Dont get your silk undies in a grundy.  Its cool, man.  It was encrypted
anyway.  Nothing to worry about]<<<<<
        -- Thantos <21:42:45 / 10-04-56>

*****Private:Thelienista
>>>>>[At the moment I have found a certain possiblity on who the men
were.  A former FUCHI officer has recently contacted me and we will be
meeting soon.  Your abilities will be apreciated in the search, and I
will get back to you soon after Crucifix and I meet.]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (18:25:12/10-04-56)

*****PRIVATE: Strife
>>>>>[ Nice work. We especially like what you did with that entrance
guard. A nice peice of work.

    It was a pleasure working with you. We wouldn't mind doing it
again sometime. Good luck.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <22:06:20/10-04-56>

*****PRIVATE: Strife
>>>>>[ P.S. Dana sends her love.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <22:06:21/10-04-56>

>>>>>[ DAMN!  It didn't work.  Oh well.  Back to the drawing board.  Must
be that pesky viruses popping up.... yeah.  That's it.  Sorry!  Won't
happen again.

And oh Kor.... if I divulged secrets (even if they went wrong) they
wouldn't be secrets any longer, now would they? ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <20:35:18/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Dark Angel:  forgive me, it was tDS's ignorance I was blasting.  I
mistakenly thought you were the one who had said the drek against
Sasquatch.  Please, accept my apologies.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

>>>>>[You better hope I accept your apologies.

No problem.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

*****Private:Mal Jibeson
>>>>>[I would be most interested in your endeavor.  I have summoning
capabilities, and am quite capable of recording events and understanding
them.  I am a parazoologist.  Please, send me more details.]<<<<<
     -- Shade <21:50:41 / 10-04-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Righteous, Strife
>>>>>[You have my package?  If so, I have the rest of the money.  Where
would you like to meet?]<<<<<
        --  Mr. Johnson <23:39:16/10-04-56>

>>>>>[ Anytime, anyplace, but I'm on the wagon now (Raven TM made sure
of that, I don't know how, messed with my sense of taste somehow) Now
I'll have to come up with a costume...]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker <DryAs/ABone>

*****PRIVATE: Action Jackson
>>>>>[ I'm currently looking over your autopsy on this fourth-reich
ganger, but you're the biotech specialist. Anything I should be
particularly noting? (still doing some research for Val) Thanx.]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker <DryAs/ABone>

*****PRIVATE:Valentine
>>>>>[What an uptight prig! I wonder if this 'Drake' has any bank
accounts that need emptying.....Listen, Val, If you need to
'disappear' the kid for awhile, I could get her out and under with
nobody the wiser, and then they could search your place to their
hearts' (_what_ hearts?) content.

Oh, and I'm checking into this Viertes Reich business, but haven't
come up with any obvious links to SK yet. May have to make another
run on them. The guy's wire was an SK subsidiary's brand, but it's
cheap streewire. Handrazors only a coupla months old, and they're
getting dull, y'know? Still working on it.]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker (gloved/one)

*****PRIVATE: Rumormonger
>>>>>[even I don't get that. Your friendly neighborhood Sysop is,
as far as I know, the only one with full access to this Shadowland
node (you knew there was more to it than what you saw, didn't you?)

I don't know if there is some link with SK's legal demolitions, but
it seems Interpol has an interest in our friend Valentine as well.
For all the good work Val does, I'm more than willing to have a little
fun on his behalf. For you...I'll scrounge the system and see what
I can come up with. In the meantime, have you heard of a gang of
fascists calling themselves the Fourth Reich? new in town, and I'm
not convinced it's a coincidence.]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker <theKing/ofPop>

>>>>>[That's what I get for taking the night off. Damn, Val, now
what am I gonna do? I'm over at AJ's still, but I'll swing by Haven on the way way home...hmmm, maybe...]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker (GottaBe/Startin'Somethin')

>>>>>[ +++++Begin Trideo Download+++++

Good evening, Seattle, my name is Charlie Finger and I am bringing you
the news.

Earlier today, Patrick O'Kennedy, the operator of the school and
orphanage for street children in Redmond known as Havan was arrested on
25 counts of Aiding and Abetting known felons, 16 counts of Harboring a
Fugative, 10 counts of Conspiracy to commit Fraud, 12 counts of Fraud,
and 132 counts of reckless endangerment.  Due to the sheer quantity of
charges levied against Mr. O'Kennedy, he is being held without bail in
the Redmond Correctional Institution until he can be transfered to
Metroplex Prison in the morning where he will be held until trial.

Mr. O'Kennedy was arrested by InterPol officers this morning at Haven and
did not resist arrest.  When asked why InterPol was involved, Commander
Paul Drake only said that the charges against Mr. O'Kennedy were part of
an ongoing investigation into illegal activities in the Seattle Metroplex.

On a more personal note, after speaking with Mr. O'Kennedy recently, this
reporter finds it personally very difficult to believe these allegations.

Throughout the Metroplex tonight, numerous gangs who have benefited from
Mr. O'Kennedy's aid have called a temporary truce to honor thier
mediator, and friend.

This is Charlie Fingers, and good night.

+++++ End Trideo Download +++++]<<<<<
        --  Trideo Pirate <23:54:19/10-04-56>

>>>>>[Commander Drake, As of yesterday at 0900 hours, I have filed a
challenge to your court order on behalf of the Arial's father.]<<<<<
        --Olorin (07:00:30 PDT/ 10:05:56)

*****PRIVATE: Strife, Mr. Johnson
>>>>>[ We have it. We will meet you at >>ENCRYPTED<< at >>ENCRYPTED<<.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <10:03:52/10-05-56>

*****PRIVATE: Strife
>>>>>[ We've given Mr. Johnson the time and place we agreed on. See
you there.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <10:03:59/10-05-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Moonwalker
>>>>>[Just the distinguishing markings.  The tatoos, scars, etc.  There's
even a file with a DNA scan, retinal data, finger and hand prints, etc.
There's so much ID data that you should be able to figure out who he is,
where he got his work done, etc.  It might help figure out who's involved
in this one.  Thanks, Moonwalker.  I'm sure Val would thank you too...if
he could.]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson <08:17:27/10-05-56>

>>>>>[+++++ Include: Scotch

Have a drink, DA.  You seem like you could use one in a bad way.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <14:36:03 / 10-05-56>

>>>>>[Kor, go away.  I don't want to speak with you.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[More than just a bit touchy these days, eh?  You really should
do something about those mood swings.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <15:32:55 / 10-05-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[ No, I most certainly did _not_ leave a 'mess' behind me at Ares.
I'm almost offended.  ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher <14:11:27/10-05-56>

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[I have a lot more faith in your abilities than that.  Just thought
that I would ask / pass along the information.

Do you have any idea what the hell has gotten into DA?  Ever since we talked
a couple of weeks back he has seemed a little more shaky / paranoid than
ever.  I understand that he is prone to his fits of paranoia but this is
pretty rediculous.

Merrox is going to shut us back down, could you double check his work
to make sure that IS&M / Serenity is safe?  Check all that computer stuff for
security problems.  We are back down to core staff.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:24:57 / 10-05-56>

>>>>>[My ignorance Crucifix?  How confident you are for a mundane. Yet
another angry refugee with too much metal in his head.

     So you have allied yourself with the abomination, have you Crucifix?
 Are you willing to pay the price?]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<12:37:48/5-10-56>

>>>>>[Bug, Insect, Arachnid, Invae, the name matters not to me.  Spider may
hunt the Invae, when She chooses, but I have also seen Her hunt Humanity.
 Spider must die, and so must you.

     I have suspicions as to what that tome is.  She knows something's going
on?  Bug-boy, I already know what it is She fears, what is imminent, what
shouldn't be happening for another millenia.  Question is, has she told you?


     Don't dare anger me further.]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<12:22:34/5-10-56>


+++++PRIVATE: Draig Un
>>>>>[Spider becomes dangerous again.  She had in possession what must be a
book from before.  Orders?]<<<<<
     	-- Draig Dau<12:27:23/5-10-56>
       	   Draig Llwybr

>>>>>[Sylwi.]<<<<<
     	-- Draig Un<12:28:58/5-10-56>

>>>>>[Okay, so I'm more than a little nosy.  It's what I get paid to do,
okay?  Anyway, I let loose a search demon to see if I could find anything
about this "Dark Stranger" slag.  I found a single solitary lonely newspaper
(yes, authentic newspaper) report with the name.  The report was dated
October 23, 2053.  Check it out.

BOSTON, UCAS---The small town of Oak Grove in rural Massachusets was
shattered last Sunday when the sleepy town woke up to find five of their
young daughters had been brutally murdered.
     Authorities refused to give details, but according to an unnamed police
officer, it was clear that the children had been ritually sacrificed.
     Based on this information, and on other unspecified evidence, the state
police arrested 12 members of the Cult of Black Messiah.
     The small cult, according to police, worship something they called
Nyarthotep, whom cult members say was freed by their unwilling messiah, the
Dark Stranger.
     Residents of Oak Grove say that several days before the fatefull night,
five strangers had arrived in town and were asking strange questions.
     According to the residents, on Saturday night a sudden storm blew and
knocked out all electrical power.
     Residents further say that strange noises and lights were coming from
the old house on the hill where the bizarre murders occured.
     It should be noted that all residents and officials refused to comment
officially or be quoted, and would not give any reason why.

     Me again.  The 12 cultist's were put to trial rather quickly and
executed within a year.  The whole matter was hushed up pretty quickly.
     Whether or not our Dark Stranger and the unwitting messiah are one and
the same remains to be seen.  I myself have some doubts.  But I thought I
would pass it on anyway.]<<<<<
     	-- Tongue Wagger<13:10:43/10-5-56>

*****Private: the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[Just what the frag are you talking about?  Spider is a fraggin'
normal totem.  Ask any shaman or mage around.  It is _not_ a bug totem.
Sheesh.  Just look at it from a rational standpoint...how many spider spirits
are running around Chicago?  Answer?  None, because there are none.
Spider conjures spirits just like Dog or Crocodile.

Next time, get your facts straight before you bring your ignorance to
this board.]<<<<<
        -- Crucifix (KingKong/DiedForYerSins)

>>>>>[Stranger your treading on dangerous ground here.  If anything
spider protects humanity.  Spider had no interest in the tome when it was
found.  My company gave it to me to figure out what it was.  You seem to
be quick to throw accusations around.  Maybe you still have a fear of
spiders from childhood?  Spider has never hunted man and never will]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (14:17:26/10-04-56)

***** PRIVATE: the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[Me thinks you run the high risk of scaring the mundanes, my friend.

What you say is true as far as I have been able to tell from my research
as well.  You might want to bring this up on MagicNET as well, but I dont
think you are going to get any better reception there.  People arent
ready to hear most of what I think you know.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:08:03 / 10-05-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Avatar
>>>>>[Your package has been received.  I will be at the drop point in 20
minutes.  Have a nice day.]<<<<<
        --  Mr. Johnson <08:22:07/10-05-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Mr. Johnson
>>>>>[Acknowledged.]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <08:23:05/10-05-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Ms. V
>>>>>[Ma'am, primary is complete.  SKa2 will be in our hands in 18
minutes and I am en route as we speak.]<<<<<
        --  Avatar <08:26:09/10-05-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Avatar
>>>>>[Excellent.  Contact me when secondary is further along.]<<<<<
        --  Ms. V <08:28:11/10-05-56>

>>>>>[ Spider protect humanity?  EXCUSE ME!?!  I don't think so.  As I
remember, my first job here was helping Highlander out from a fragging
spider shaman.  Go to hell man.  And hey, I'll even buy you the fragging
ticket to get there.

Oh, and let me be the first to say, some elves desperately deserve the
stereotype that they have earned.  Shesh, what a fragging week!  I can't
wait to get back to my music and get out of this damn biz. ]<<<<<
        -- Blitzkrieg <17:28:43/10-05-56>

>>>>>[ Sure that wasn't the Wanderer and his overzealous pals? ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <17:35:45/10-05-56>

>>>>>[About Spider, mon, they're just like the Houngon.  There are
Houngon and Boku, Light and Dark.  Some are even both, mon. Spider
doesn't make the person, mon, the spirit does.]<<<<<
        --  The Baron <17:45:30/10-05-56>

>>>>>-Hey!  I'm a rigger in need of work, and am new to the areas
chummer, does any one need one of the best riggers this side of the
Pacific?>>>-Hamilton

        (in actuality, I'm new to this place and am wondering how we
play? and how to get connected with a group or make a living on my own.)

*****PRIVATE: Hamilton
>>>>>[ Hello Hamilton. We just so happen to need transport to and from
a certain "location". We assume you have your own vehicle? What is
it's capacity? Please send us a copy of all your pertinent
stats.]<<<<<
        -- Righteous <00:58:09/10-06-95>

>>>>>[Every totem has various aspects both good and evil.  I am sorry
that some who follow Spider have given the rest of us bad reputations.
Maybe You being captured was part of a bigger picture.  Sometimes people
only look at themselves rather than the whole thing]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (02:30:20/10-05-56)

>>>>>[According to my father, oh so many years ago, initially there were only
the totems of the animals.  Bear, Snake, Eagle, Wolf and Coyote.  They were
embraced by tribesmen and, in ways, emulated.  Now, I never really paid close
attention to what my father said during his lectures, a fact that I do regret
only is that I can no longer go to hear him talk and that I cant piece enough
facts together to definitely tell where the current teachings take a sharp
turn to the left.  My father told of a time when even Dog did not have a
voice.  Dog had no power as the bastard son of Wolf.  At some point Dog
was promoted (some might say) along with a few other 'totems' from unlikely
areas.  Dolphin, Whale, Dog, Rat...these are a few examples.  It seems
that during the awakening the proverbial shit hit the fan and, as we all
know, it doesnt matter what hits the fan, it is seldom distributed evenly,
humans began idolizing other animal forms.  Somewhere in here, and this is where
I get very fuzzy despite years of research into the area, insect totems
either faught and gathered their own power or it was given to them by unwitting
humans.

This is a discussion more suited for MagicNet but I would guess that there
are other here who MIGHT be interested in metaphysical babblings.  I know
that, while I am a mage, I am still interested in hearing about new advancements
in bio-technology and in cybertechnology.

If anyone is interested, I have been asked to speak on a panel at Udub covering
parabiology and metamagics.  Should be fairly interesting.  If intested,
drop me a line and Ill send your the information.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Robert Stormwind <15:23:56 / 10-06-56>
           Field Officer
           Serenity Security

*****Not to: Comm. Drake, INTERPOL
>>>>>[Not knowing Valentine, but knowing Drake, I think we need to do
something about this.  I'll be digging stuff up on the street.  Wraith see
what you can find out about the detention center.  X, Yankee, Vengeance, you
guys go with Dog and case the place, quietly.  I don't know if we can do
anything, or if Val wants us to do anything, but by god we'll try.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav <11:36:55/10-06-56>

*****Not to: Comm. Drake, INTERPOL
>>>>>[Are you serious?  We just got back and you want to do something stupid
like this.  I want no part of this.  You can hire someone out for this.
I've been inside, and as long as they're not beating him, he should be ok.
If you really want to do something, wait until after the trial...  Then if
he is found guilty we can do something, if he's vindicated, then he's in the
clear, and there's no way Drake can touch him.  We have to give him a chance
to fight it legally.  You've been there, you should know.]<<<<<
        -- CyberWraith <11:41:10/10-06-56>

*****Not to: Comm. Drake, INTERPOL
>>>>>[Mav's right, we both have been on the investigative side of this, and
it's easier and easier to manufacture or plant evidence.  But I think we
should wait and do a real good work-up on this before we move.  We can tip
our hands too quickly, and all we'll end up is dead.]<<<<<
        -- Damn Yankee <11:45:12/10-06-56>

*****Not to: Comm. Drake, INTERPOL
>>>>>[Hold it, hold it, hold it... I'm not going to run into downtown
Redmond <chuckle> and try to case a medium-high security installation for
possible penetration without compensation of some sort.]<<<<<
        -- Black Dog <11:47:35/10-06-56>

*****Not to: Comm. Drake, INTERPOL
>>>>>[You're all right... let's sit on it for a couple.  If it looks like
Drake has Fuhrmanitis, we'll do something.]<<<<<
        -- The Mav <11:49:54/10-06-56>

>>>>>[And some of us follow the Path of the Almighty Nuyen.]<<<<<
        -- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

***** Private: Moonwalker
>>>>>[Well, yeah.  There's a-whole-nother network in there, the way I
understand it.  And if I could get my cyberpaws on it the world would
be a lot less fun place.  Unless of course you happen to be me - then
it would be a riot.

Well, gangs really aren't my thing.  No money in 'em, you know.

But, let's punch up the ole Rumormill....  Fourth Reich /
Saeder-Krupp connections I imagine you're digging for?  Well, other
than the obvious connections - Krupp Arms provided weapons for both
the Second and Third Reichs - probably woulda armed Charlemagne, too,
if he'da had mass production.  Then most of the subsidiaries SK has
gobbled up used to be Hitler's faves - big fascisti connections
there.

But then I go, "Well, wow, that's prit damn obvious.  What kinda
loser'd be dumb enough to create a gang of heavies to run down real
estate prices (that's all gangers are good for anyway) and then name
'em something that glows back to the parent corp.  That'd be like
Ares fielding the Black Knights."

Soooooo, then "Ingenious-Back-Stabbing Mid-Level Exec"-boy says "Aha!
That's exactly what all the cynics would say.  So let's muddy the
waters and give 'em a big glowing neon sign screaming 'Saeder-Krupp
pays for my ammo!'.  Nobody'll believe it!!!!"

But then, remember back to your high school gubment class.   Your
traditional fascists are pretty much by definition ultra-nationalist.
You know, Germany for Germans - let's kill the Jews or America for the
Anglos - let's kill the rest and all of that brand of mindless
stupidity.

So German fascists running around Redmond doesn't make a whole
helluva lotta sense to me - but then neither do corporations run by
dragons.

Question:  Any of these guys have der bad Deutscher accents?  You
know... vee have vays to make dem taahk funny.

So, 'round and 'round we go and I'm hanging over the edge of the
carousel losing my Casa Kilbasa borscht burrito.]<<<<<
        -- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[It was my understanding when I went through my initiaition as a
Snake shaman, that all totems have always existed.  It was just until
the awakening that some were not aware of how to communicate with
humans.  I will agree that there have been some stupid people who
have given some totems more benefit of the doubt than they deserve
and as a result those totems have gained in power.  (I don't just
mean the insect totems either.)  As a healing totem, Snake ahs taught
me many things.  Love for my fellow man, healing arts, defense
without damage, among other things have become my entire basis for
living, and my lifestyle.  It is a lifestyle choice.  If I should
choose to leave that lifestyle, I could.  As a result, Snake would
leave me.  That, I could not handle.    Now, as a magically active
shaman, another totem could then approach me.  I am not aware of
anyone searching for a totem.  All of my shaman friends were found by
their totem, not the other way around.  It is an interesting concept
of a person choosing a totem.  I personally don't think it could be
done.  Just my two cents.]<<<<<
    	-- Jasmine < 10:50:32 / 10-06-56 >

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[You, once again, are correct.  We both know what is out there, but I
have seen it, fought it first hand.  The Invae are mere infants compared to
this unnamed threat.  The mundanes must be told, be scared.  But you are
right; they will not listen.

     I no longer pay attention to MagickNET; I have other, more informed,
sources.  However, I do have a question you might be able to help me answer.
 Have you seen the Aztlan file?  The text in itself was very interesting
indeed, but I am concerned by the strange commentors.  We are used to voicing
our opinions on these "shadowdocs," but these strange commentors with no T/D
stamp, talking about things even I have no clue about.  This
strange...cabal...frightens me almost as much as the, well, I'll call them
the Enemy for lack of a better term.  Any clues?

     And as far as Sasquatch and Spider goes, I have been asked to sit back
and observe.  Perhaps you might casually "pass on" the message that I will
not being taking direct action against him or Her.

     It is good to hear from you.  Any word on Mr. Frypp?  I actually miss
our banterings and barbs.  And from what I understand, your security business
is doing okay.  Perhaps one day, after we have grown old and tired, we might
sit on a porch some Fall evening and talk.  I look forward to the day.]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<12:03:28/6-10-56>

>>>>>[I must say, this is the first time I have ever been lectured by a
_mundane_ on the nature of magic...slightly amusing, if perturbing.  Go away
Crucifix, go play with your guns.  I have a first-class ticket to the
Metaplanes waiting for me.]<<<<<
     	-- the Dark Stranger<12:06:37/6-10-56>

>>>>>[Ratspeak, I don't know.  That was the only data that came back with
"the Dark Stranger" though.  Maybe you could get me descrips of the Wanderer
and I could check them against the police files and see what happens?]<<<<<
     	-- Tongue Wagger<12:09:21/10-6-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[I would cry on your shoulder if I had any more tears that I
could shed.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <19:24:46 / 10-06-56>

***** PRIVATE: DragonEyes
>>>>>[I need you...]<<<<<
        -- Kor <19:24:51 / 10-06-56>

>>>>>[The subject of Totems is an interesting one, and of course a rather
personal and sensitive one for some of us.  When the wind of events has given
me respite, I have made some study of the theory espoused by many of the
doctors of Thaumaturgy, but any coherent explanation seems as yet to be absent.
I cannot describe what communion with Owl is like for me: words would be
inadequate and demeaning to the experience.  The Totems are more than just
abstractions; they are representative of the various outlooks and dispositions
we can hold in life, and we who have answered their call look to them for
guidance and strength when it is not to be found in this world.

As to the question of Spider and the various Insect totems.  I have had...
dealings with shamans of many persuasions, and have on more than one occasion
had to interact with representatives of Spider and some of the Insect totems.
It should come as no surprise that the aims of those Totems are alien to
"humanity" (in all its diversity); certainly it is not we who build hives, or
construct webs to entrap our enemy and prey.  Or perhaps, not so alien after
all.  I know this: I have never met an Arachnid or Insect shaman who I ever
counted as an ally, but I have been on the same side of conflicts as they, and
the skill and intelligence with which they pursued their aims was notable.  As
for those I have opposed...they, like me, are subject to the Law of the Jungle.

Only beware of stereotyping...limiting one's own perception of others is almost
surely counterproductive.]<<<<<
        --  Thelienista  <12:53:21 / 10-06-56>

>>>>>[ If you pay enough attention to when he posts next, especially if he
includes footage of the event, you should have as good a picture as I have
of the man.  If he doesn't post soon, I'll send you something.

Mainframe that I am sluting on is still checking the video.  I have
identified all the people involved as being the real people so I expect it
should be soon that I will have my full results.

One more small thing... Blitzkrieg said that Highlander was the one that
needed help.  Going back through my fragmented mind of reality, I believe
Blitzkrieg was involved in the ritual that cured Highlander from his
problems.  Can't explain it in better details 'cause I ain't an expert.
However, I believe Blitzkrieg's views are heartfelt from many.  Spider's
can be good but the bad ones far out weigh it.  If you don't like it,
squish it!

Seriously though, Highlander was (and is as far as I know) a good man and a
fine decker.  Spider shamans from what I seen weave a finer, more dangerous
than even Nightmare is capable of.  That, frankly, scares me more than
anything else in the world.  You can claim all you want about how good your
morals are and such, but I will always trust Nightmare and Kor better than
I would your word.  (And that is NOT saying a whole lot).

Hey Scarface, you out there?]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <14:21:27/10-06-56>

>>>>>[ Yes.  I remember Blitzkrieg describing the whole experience, while
we were in Europe.  Really scary drek.  Tread carefully. ]<<<<<
        -- Scarface <14:23:01/10-06-56>

***** Private: Ratspeak, Blitzkrieg
>>>>>[ A spider shaman resurfaces and the node takes it calmly.  How
foolish of them.  Where's the dagger in my back, for "He who screams he is
good the loudest is the one that is normally one of the ones that are
furthest from it?"  Keep your eyes and brain open Ratspeak.  You might
actually learn something interesting.  You might also want to verse
yourself up in magical theory so you can back yourself when you say
something in this area. ]<<<<<
        -- Scarface <14:25:45/10-06-56>

>>>>>[Alas, even those who claim to be enlightened do not
understand...Stranger, some of these mundanes have a better grasp than you
think.  Your arrogance will bring you down.  But remember the Invae are not
the same as true Insect Totems.  All animals, including insects have a
respective Totem, these so-called Insect Spirits, are as you already know
Interdimensional travellers who only feed on each other as well as
metahumanity.  Even your friend doesn't know everything, look me up here in
Seattle; and maybe you can learn some things.]<<<<<
       	-- Olorin (13:40:30 PDT/ 10:06:56)

*****Private:Thelienista
>>>>>[Now that my totems good name has been spread all over the net do
you still wish to help?  My meey with the Fuchi officer is coming soon,
and I must know in order to plan for all possbilities.  Thank you for
your offer, and I would understand if you renege.]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (14:32:42/10-05-56)

>>>>>[Enough.  If you all choose to fight over whether I am good or evil
thats fine.  Right now I am in a situation where I have come asking for
help.  I have laid the facts in front of you.  We all agree that Spider
lays a large web.  Remember also that spider rarely lies.

I have asked once, and I thank those who have replied, I need your help.
If you have any questions about me or how I act look for my file.  It
still exists.  My name is Joseph Benton.  I was the former head of
Research at the Newsome corporation.  Read my record and ask around.
Youll find who I am and what I stand for.]<<<<<
        --Sasquatch (14:40:32/10-06-56)

***** PRIVATE: Sasquatch
>>>>>[I would be interested in meeting with you some time to discuss theory
and, if you are so inclined, a bit of your current research.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <22:26:34 / 10-06-56>
           Executive Officer
           Industrial Sound and Magic

*****Private: Sasquatch
>>>>>[When I offer my assistance, I do not reconsider easily.  I will be
preoccupied with some "business" this weekend, but I should be free after
that.  This node will continue to receive messages for me in my absense, so I
am informed.  As for your Totem, I have no particular reason to hate Spider,
and certainly no reason to judge you for following Her.  Rather, I base my
opinions on what I find to be true in my dealings with others.  I will do what
I can to help you until given reason to do otherwise.]<<<<<
        --  Thelienista  <15:41:16 / 10-06-56>