>>>>>[Happy New Year, all.  May all your wishes for the future come 
true.]<<<<<
	--  Slash <00:00:05/01-01-57>

>>>>>[What's so fraggin' freaky about it?  Ya get a charge outta 
watchin' da freak show?  Huh, breeder?  Watch yer bleedin' step.]<<<<<
	-- Ma Bell's Goon Squad (HH:MM:SS / MM-DD-YY)

>>>>>[Sorry I have not gotten a word out to all of you who were Freddy's
freinds or knew the man.  But we had a time planning some revenge on the people
who  killed him.  But let be know now that we have done it I'll have our deker
uplode all of the vid later, I think that Freddy would have liked it.
untill later,]<<<<<
	--Death Jestor (15:37:56/01-03-57)

*****PRIVATE: Mozart
>>>>>[Yeah, great music. wonderful harmonics; I just wish we coulda
had more of a beat. BTW, did you notice who was in the third row of the 
choir five from the left? ]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <gottaBe/startingSomethin'>

*****PRIVATE: Ripper.com
>>>>>[Elves in Seattle. Paladines. Contacted us. Instructions?]<<<<<
	-- CORRUPTED <CORRUPTED/CORRUPTED>

>>>>>[Hi all, my name is Ghostwind, and I got a news feed for you, it is
related to what the Japanes did to Freddy Frypp, it's hot off the microwave
transmitter from the trid station.....
+++DownLoad File://Frypp#1+++

This is Takashi Yamata with San Francisco's Evening News.
The latest on the abduction of Magistrate Yamagata ended sadly. 
 A decker has left this tape with this station...(cut to vid)
(it looks like a very run down apartment two large trolls stand in the back,
their faces covered they hold rifles of some sort but you can't quite make out
what type they are a human, male asian in apperince sits at a desk. he starts
to speak.)

This is the Metahuman Action Committe, we have the war crimanal, the so called
Magistrate Yamagata, the butcher, the murder of our leader Mustafah Freddy
Frypp. He thought that he could pass judgement on him, a man who was fighting
the represive and unjust actions of the current regime, a hero of the people.
Well if he can pass judment than so can we...
(cut to a second room a second asian man sits on the floor hands bound behind
his back. A dwarf stand behind him watching him. The first asian male walks
into the shot.)

Magistrate Yamagata you stand charged of the crime of murder how do you plead?
(he speaks) Not gulity, I commited no crime  Your leader was the crimanal not
me!
!
So entered we will now pass judgement on you, we find you guilty of the charge
of murder and the punishment is to fit the crime as you so passed on our leader
we pass on to you. Beheading to be carryed out now.

(you see the asian leader grab a Katana and beheads Yamagata.  The image cuts
to back to the opening)

This is the Metahuman Action Committe all we what is that all metahumans be
treated as same as humans!

(cut back to the news ancore)

In a statement from Cheif of Police Kurasawa "The latest actions of the
Metahuman Action Committee shows how violent they are and all will be hunted
down like the evil that their are."

Magistrate Yamagata leaves behind a wife and two young sons, a fund has been
set up to help the family in this most trying of times.  You can contribute
to the fund at++++Interupt/end of file++++

Ghostwind back at you, well thats all kids and we are out of Dodge.
.so to speak]<<<<<
	--Ghostwind(Iwasnothere )   

>>>>>[Well, isn't that a fascinating turn of events.  A classical terrorist
action with embodying classical terrorist ignorance.  These people are so blind
to their own cause it makes me sick.  Of course...their way is not the only
one which can be pursued...]<<<<<
	--  Azrael  <13:48:34 / 01-07-57>

*****PRIVATE: Synthia
>>>>>[ Where is Tobs? I haven't been able to get in touch with him since
the 15th of December.]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <00:38:12/01-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[And how did you find out about this account? Don't worry. It doesn't
matter. I've seen neither hide nor hair of him for the past ten days. He
ordered a cab on Christmas Eve and hasn't come back. I've been monitoring
all of the local medical and police nets with no luck. He hasn't touched
any of his accounts, and he hasn't used his name for anything he usually
does. 

   I shall keep watching, although I don't expect it worth worrying about.
He is a grown man you know...]<<<<<
	-- Synthia <00:38:12/01-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: Synthia
>>>>>["a grown man" my aged grandmother! Step up your search. Notify me
immediately when you find something.]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <00:39:40/01-06-57>

>>>>>[Only in California.  Yuuuuuck.

Hey, folks, what the heck is this "Mustafah Frypp" junk?  Did Freddy 
have some kind of religious experience he didn't bother telling us 
about?  The first time I saw it was in that news broadcast Majikthize 
posted about Fred's execution.  Is is just something a no-brainer 
reporter created when he saw Fred in the kafie- kafiye- turban from 
the demand vid?

Just wondering.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

***** Private: Keith Neely
>>>>>[We have a problem.  One of my watchers has detected a 
leak.]<<<<<
	-- Special Agent Antilles (12:00:00 / 01-09-57)
	Counter-Intelligence (Special Branch), Project Lazarus
	Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Antilles
>>>>>[A leak?  Who?]<<<<<
	-- Keith Neely (12:02:23 / 01-09-57)
	Oversight Executive, Project Lazarus
	Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Keith Neely
>>>>>[Dr. Acadian.  We believe he has already leaked a few details of 
our delta-grade IMS to Yamatetsu.  They have been trying to get their 
hands on one for some time.  Threat Analysis believes he may be 
trying a move and this is his overture.]<<<<<
	-- Special Agent Antilles (12:05:51 / 01-09-57)
	Counter-Intelligence (Special Branch), Project Lazarus
	Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Antilles
>>>>>[Acadian?  The neurosurgeon?]<<<<<
	-- Keith Neely (12:07:01 / 01-09-57)
	Oversight Executive, Project Lazarus
	Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Keith Neely
>>>>>[We prefer "psychosurgeon" - it fits his job description, but 
one of his degrees is in neurology so your term is not incorrect.
 
Technical Analysis believes that his input is no longer necessary for 
the continuation of the Project.  In fact, they are beginning to 
worry about the integrity of the entire Technical branch.  They feel 
the only possible advances in the field can be made by Magical R&D.

On the advice of both Threat Analysis and Tech Analysis, I propose we 
put Option Delta-9 into effect, as soon as the transfer of Acadian 
can be arranged.  We suggest he be transfered to System Design, in 
Seattle.  We do not believe Yamatetsu would avoid making a grab for 
him there.  We already have a list of targets in Yamatetsu for the 
reprisal.]<<<<<
	-- Special Agent Antilles (12:10:33 / 01-09-57)
	Counter-Intelligence (Special Branch), Project Lazarus
	Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Antilles
>>>>>[What about Project Shining Light?  Will removing Dr. Acadian 
from Lazarus weaken our position against them?  Could they advance 
past us?  And what if Yamatetsu DOES get the doctor?]<<<<<
	-- Keith Neely (12:11:59 / 01-09-57)
	Oversight Executive, Project Lazarus
	Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Keith Neely
>>>>>[Our operation against Project Shining Light last summer 
suggested they were slightly behind us at the time.  We have also 
intercepted several incursions into hosts leading to our Matrix, 
incursions we believe originated with Project Shining Light.  Threat 
Analysis advises me that these are indicators that Project Shining 
Light has reached a barrier.  Threat Analysis also suggests we should 
not worry about losing the SOTA to Project Shining Light if we move 
Dr. Acadian.

As for losing the doctor altogether, I have calculated only a 27% 
chance that one of my teams could extract the doctor, much less one 
of Yamatetsu's.]<<<<<
	-- Special Agent Antilles (12:14:22 / 01-09-57)
           Counter-Intelligence (Special Branch), Project Lazarus
           Fuchi Internal Security
           
***** Private: Antilles
>>>>>[Sounds good.  Send me a copy of the reports from Tech Analysis 
and Threat Analysis.  I'll forward them, along with my endorsement to 
the Committee and we'll begin the transfer.]<<<<<
	-- Keith Neely (12:16:41 / 01-09-57)
           Oversight Executive, Project Lazarus
           Fuchi Internal Security 

*****PRIVATE: Flux
>>>>>[  I need a background search on >>encrypted<< .. usual payment, but
I need it in a hurry, so +100% for 12 hours, or +50% for 24 hours.   Be
thorough. ]<<<<<
	-- Imp <14:12:03/01-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[  On it.  +200% for 6 hours?  ]<<<<<
	-- Flux <**:**:**/**-**-**>

*****PRIVATE: Flux
>>>>>[  You got it.  ]<<<<<
	-- Imp <14:40:12/01-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[  Start the clock.  I'm off.  ]<<<<<
	-- Flux <**:**:**/**-**-**>

*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[According to Cynthia, you and Tobai are pretty good chummers. Well,
in case he hasn't mentioned me to you (or you've missed out on his inane
netbanter), I'm one of his older students. 

   I haven't been able to get in contact with him for the past month or
so, do you have any idea if he's okay? I don't want to know where he is,
or even what he's up to, I just want to know if he's okay.

  Thanks.]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <15:14:37/09-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: J. Randell
>>>>>[+++++Telecomm transcript follows:
+++++Four ring cycles before connect.

Hello?

"Mr. Randell, this is Cirimund from Gerrard-Gnomen's Personnel
division. One of our Linked Pairs in Seattle has disappeared."

Which Pair?

"One of our older pairs. Righteous and Dana. Security rating 001. They
were listed as deactivated."

+++++Ten second pause.

"Sir?"

Under what circumstances did they disappear?

"Unknown. According to our last communication with them, they had been
publicly attacked by what we suspect to be Maxim units. No further
information has been supplied."

You're dodging the question. Did we lose the pair, or did they just go
AWOL? 

"We don't know sir."

How many other Pairs do we have in the city right now?

"To my knowledge only one."

What is their status?

"According to their most recent communication they have not encountered
any problems, although they have been contacted by some Tir Paladins."

When?

"Last Thursday."

Why was I not informed of this?

"You were unreachable."

In what manner were they contacted?

"The elves contacted them to make a run for them."

I want a complete report by 1800hrs.

"Very well sir."

Keep me posted.]<<<<<
	-- Internal Communications Log <16:25:29/09-01-56>

*****PRIVATE: Elyena Hayes via SI Internal Mail
>>>>>[+++++Header information deleted.

  We've been contacted again. They want SI to go to a full combat footing.
The CC threatens _us_ with reprisals if we don't comply with their
commands immediately. 

  I've taken the liberty of juggling some of our south Indian forces in
the hopes of appeasement. I don't think we can stall for much longer.
Renaissance doesn't look like it's going to be going anywhere for the next
little while, and we have been promised support. We have to initiate
something. This gives us a chance to destabalize a major rival with the
Corporate Court's backing. We have to start soon, otherwise we may be in
the same bind Maxim is...

 Joseph Randell
 Sheppard Intrepid Internal Security]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Mail <15:57:57/10-01-67>

*****PRIVATE: Joseph Randell via SI Internal Mail
>>>>>[+++++Header Information Deleted

  Not yet. We must wait. If we leap into this, we put the entirety of SI
at risk. Hire a few shadowrunners in some out of the way areas to do some
dirty. Go for outside talent. I don't affirmative confirmation of our
involvement for another few weeks. Never if possible.

Elyena Hayes.]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Mail <16:02:01/10-01-67>

*****PRIVATE: Jen and Gabe
>>>>>[Follow them up. Don't get into any situation where you risk capture
or harm. Find out more about them.]<<<<<
	-- CORRUPTED <CORRUPTED/CORRUPTED>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[I'm checking in now. Happy?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <16:05:03/10-01-57>

>>>>>[Hey everybody!  Frag, does my head hurt!!  That's the last time I 
drink myself into a two-week coma.  At least 'til Mardi Gras, tee hee...

     As soon as I can remember what the heck happened... I'll let 
Storyteller pass it on.  Oy vay!  I've got a headache THIS BIG... and 
it's screaming for... more alcohol to deaden the pain!!]<<<<<
	-- Ripley <01-11-57/11:03:23>

>>>>>[Just to back up my earlier comments about the true, honest to 
Buddah weirdness of California, I'll post this hypernews clip a 
fraternal neo-anarchist brother of mine in CFS sent me, just for a 
larf (Ain't life been grand since us neo-A's organized?  That's a 
joke son - organized anarchists - if the boy had another brain he'd 
be lonely.)....

***** BEGIN DUMP:

NewsNet (12/04/56)
Plantina, CFS
Three days ago, two hikers stumbled into what parabiologists believe 
to be an unknown piasma den near this rural California community.  The 
hikers had been in the foothills for nearly a week, when they 
discovered a cave that neither of the experienced locals had ever 
seen.  

"Me an' Zorch had just come around the ridge and we saw it - this 
good sized cave just there.  We had camped out here before, and well, 
something that large, we would have noticed.  So Zorch decided to 
stick his head in and explore a little."

When that hiker's friend entered the cave, he was quickly and fatally 
mauled.  The victim's companion did not see the attacking creature, 
but parabilogists from Cal State Sacramento, suspect a piasma is to 
blame. Some scientists, however, are  skeptical of this explanation.  
They argue piasma have never before been sighted in this area, have 
not been known to maul a person this severly and should be hibernating 
at this time.  

Medical examiners announced the victim died almost instantly of 
wounds similar to those inflicted in an attack by a large animal such 
as a piasma.

Previously to two months ago, this area was relatively free of any 
paranormal wildlife.  In early October, however, several individual 
Gabriel Hounds entered this area from the north.  Sighting of numerous 
other paranormal creatures, ranging from Century Ferrets and 
Agropelters to Hell Hounds and Bandersnatches have also been reported 
in recent weeks.  Parabiologists from Cal State Sacremento have no 
explanation for this sudden influx of paranormal creatures.  They 
also would like to remind the populace that they have little to fear 
from these creatures, though members of several of these species have 
been known to attack humans.

***** END

"Zorch".  Who in the hell would name their kid Zorch?  With a name 
like Zorch, I'd think it was a mercy killing.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

*****PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[  Here's that data you needed.  Forget the payment.  Sorry it's so late,
but I had a bit of a 'crisis' the other day.

+++++include file: background.check ]<<<<<
	-- Flux <**:**:**/**-**-**>

*****PRIVATE: Flux
>>>>>[  s'ok.  I heard about what happened.  Are you alright?  ]<<<<<
	-- Imp <12:25:34/01-12-57>

*****PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[  Been better.  My doss was comprimised, so I'm looking for a new place
as we speak.  Johann says he'll have something for me in a few hours, but it's
still a pain in the ass.  Ah well.  Live the life, accept the side effects, I
guess.  ]<<<<<
	-- Flux <**:**:**/**-**-**>

*****PRIVATE: Flux
>>>>>[  Need a place to crash?  ]<<<<<
	-- Imp <12:35:12/01-12-57>

*****PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[  Not right now, but thanks for the offer.  I need to hook up with the
rest of the guys and make sure the surprise was just directed at me, and not
everyone else too.  Contact me at >>encrypted<< if you need to get in touch
with me quickly.  I'm going underground for a while.  ]<<<<<
	-- Flux <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[Whoa, chumskis.  The plot, she has thickened.  The Rumormill 
has been busy today.  You'll never guess what it churned out after my 
first posting hit the net.....

Well..... 

I'm waiting.....

Nope.  Wrongo.

Turns out a coupla days after the first mauling, the town fathers 
started taking bids to get rid of the piasma, right?  Well, guess who 
calls: the Univeristy of Tir Tairngire - Pointy Ear U!  They offer to 
PAY the city, the victims, whoever to let them send a team to 
research the area of the disturbances.  Turns out the offer was in 
the meganuyen ('zactly how many, the 'mill couldn't find out).

Sooooo, within hours of receiving the bid, that area's Senator or Rep 
or whatever the CFS calls 'em, begs to let the team in (there's money 
to be had and well, he was a politician).  The state winds up taking 
a cut, but they let the team in, with an armored cavalry escort.

The AFCFS meets the pointy ears at the border and takes them downtown 
to see the caves.  Well, you'll never guess who was on the team.  
Outta fifteen dandelionaterians, there were only two - count 'em two 
parazoologists, four pure research mage-types, three HISTORIANS - 
including the biggest pusher of the elven heritage drek - and six 
Ghosts - you know... the elves' paranormal stormtroopers.

Now, what in the bloody blue blazes is going on out there?

The 'mill doesn't know what happened once they got there, but I'll 
keep ya'll posted as soon as I find anything.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[Good morning, ma'am.  How are you feeling this evening?  Better, I hope.

"Uh....  Tired.  But far better than I have for quite some time."

Excellent.  Perhaps we can talk about your personal security 
arrangements, then.

"You mean my bodyguards."

I mean your current lack of bodyguards.

"I'll find replacements."

That's what I mean to talk about, ma'am.  I would like to replace your 
now deceased freelancers with devoted Maxim employees rather than more 
freelancers.

"No, John.  I will not let you use my bodyguards to keep tabs on me, and 
I know that's what you'll do with them."

I will admit that they would certainly report to me as I am their direct 
superior.  But Maxim and Org personnel are signifigantly better trained 
than any freelancer you can find and hire, ma'am.

"Perhaps.  Only perhaps.  I've met runners that would beat you and I for 
skill, John, and if I use my own bodyguards, then I know that they are 
working for me, not for you."

Apparently, as recent events have shown.  You do know that the physical 
adept who saved you from death died not too soon after getting you to 
safety, don't you?

"What?  Howard's dead?"

Yes.  Blood loss.  And the only reason that you survived that I can tell 
is that your attacker didn't count on the defensive spells that you have 
anchored and quickened on you.  Spells that held off the attacking spell 
just long enough before collapsing that you were hit on the falling edge 
of the manabolt.  Spells that Maxim mages quickened and anchored to 
you, not your prescious freelancers.  As it stands, you're still recovering 
from your wounds.

"No, I will not let you place Maxim employees as my bodyguards."

Then absolve me of all security responsiblity for your personal safety.

"You have got to be kinding!  You're my head of security, and your first 
and foremost duty is to keep me alive!"

Then, goddammit, let me do my fraggin job!  You're alive because Maxim 
took the time and effor to make sure you stayed alive.  You're also alive 
because you're fraggin lucky.  Not because you're personally skilled, not 
because you're bodyguards, not for any other reason.  If you want to stay 
alive, then you let _me_ run your security, not you.

"Frag you, John!  I'm my own boss, and I'll decide who protects me and 
who my bodyguards are, not you.  I can have your head handed to you in 
thirty seconds, John, without so much as breaking a sweat."

If you want to run your own bodyguards, then do it.  Because if want to 
stay alive another year or so, you need me.  The bodyguards you hired are 
all dead, Nicole.  All of them!  Except for the intervention of fate, 
you'd be dead now too, and Maxim would be looking for a new CEO or 
collapsing under its own weight.  If you kill me, your enemies will have 
your head within a year.  Keep me alive, though, and I can keep you alive 
damn near indefinately.  But to do that you _must_ let me run your security!

"Go to hell, John.  Go directly to hell, do not pass go, do not collect 
200 nuyen."

If there is a hell, I'll meet you there.  But you know I'm right, 
Nicole.  You're brilliant and ruthless, but you're too fraggin stubborn 
for your own safety.

"Give me a list that I can choose from."

No.  I have four people already picked out.  Accept them or remove me 
from office.

"Damn you.  Afraid that I'll pick people you can't control, aren't you?"

No, I know you'll pick your guards for their devotion to you personally 
over thier ability to keep you alive.  I've picked them expressly on 
thier skills, background, and loyalty to Maxim Arms.  I don't give a damn 
whether they can be controled by you or not.

"What are they like, then."

Terry Tutt is an Org trained combat mage with 15 years of Org experience 
in some of their premier Quads.  His most recent quad was destroyed in 
the Berlin raid.  Lois Green is a physical adept who's been a part of 
Maxim for nearly 18 years, and was a member of the Azzy-Maxim Desert Wars 
campaign as well as one of the raiders on Shiawase last year.  Patty 
Winters is a rigger and decker who runs rotorcraft, ground cars, and who 
we've provided with a milspec cyberdeck as well.  She's been around too 
and was one of the people responsible for keeping the Cairo Outlet from 
falling to Ares corporate strike teams back after the Switzerland 
meeting.  And Erin Marcus is another Org veteran and special ops runner.  
She's had UCAS military experience, independant merc experience in the 
Yucatan, Poland, Thailand, and served in several Desert Wars campaigns.  
They are the best that Maxim has to offer in terms of all-around skill.  
They all have Mindlocks and they are all veterans with at least 10 years 
of Maxim or Org experience.

"And they all report directly to you."

Ma'am, if you order them to say nothing to me about where you go, who you 
see, what you do, they have been instructed to say nothing to me.  That's 
the best I can do regarding that aspect of your worries.

"Better than I suspected after what you said earlier.  All right, John, 
we'll try it your way.  For now."]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <23:14:55/01-14-57>
*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[Tobai missing?]<<<<<
	-- Goku (09:12:22/15-01-57)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Communications Log
>>>>>[Good morning, John, Dr. Spin.  Please, sit down.  Dr. Spin, I believe 
that you have a report for me?

'Yes, Madame President.  The initial stage of the project has reached 
it's conclusion.  We have our delivery rocket as well as 7 devices 
completed.  Refitting the missile took signifigantly longer than 
expected, but in the extra time we were able to construct an additional 
device.  We will still be testing the original, as the second and third 
are the same design with differring yeilds.'

Excellent.  How much over budget have you gone, Dr. Spin?

'Approximately 4 meganuyen.  I can proved you with an exact figure within 
minutes if you prefer.'

That is sufficient for now.  How quickly can we generate additional 
weapons at this time?

'With the current productivity and flattening learning curve, I project 
one device completed every 2 to 4 days, depending on the desired yeild.'

How soon can you be ready to test the original device?

"I'm handling that aspect of the operation, Ma'am.  The device will be 
loaded and armed within the hour.  There is a transition time of 
approximately 14 hours till it reaches the test site.  We have timed the 
test for exactly 00:03:54.22967.  At that point, there will only be 3 
known surveillance sattelites able to indirectly view the blast, but they 
are all currently pointed at Earthborne targets.  However, there is a 
problem.  We will not be able to hide our involvement.  Everyone who has 
colunar orbiting sattelites, or Lagrange sattelites, or who can track the 
delivery rocket will be able to tell where it is going and where it came 
from."

Unfortunate.  There is no way to avoid this?

'No, Madame President.  Orbital mechanics will make it obvious, I'm 
afraid.  Even without the rocket exhaust and flame visible on optical 
instruments, the rocket itself will be visible on radar.  It will be 
obvious where it is headed, I'm afraid.'

Projected responses, John?

"With what I know of corporate responses, they would maneuver various 
sattelites to ensure that they have the target area at least in optical 
view.  We have determined that none of the surveillance sattelites we 
know about will be able to acheive LOS on the target area at the time of 
detonation, thus our choice of the time.  In addition, the Big 8 have 
enough resources in orbit that each of them could very easily launch a 
rocket or sattelite drone loaded with instruments to the target area.  
The delivery rocket has been specially refitted to enable it to transit 
the distance at very high velocities.  To the best of our intelligence, 
the various nations and corporations with an orbital presence would 
require 24 hours minimum, unless they have a similarly refitted rocket 
available.  Ares and Saeder-Krupp have the technology to refit a rocket 
for a 12 hour transition, but may not have one ready.  Intelligence shows 
that it would take them at least 12 hours to refit a rocket from scratch 
and 4 hours to configure the instruments properly.  However, it is 
possible that some corporate or national interest will be able to have an 
observer at the test site within 3 hours of the blast.  Not likely, but 
possible.  I suspect closer to 10 hours, and Intelligence supports me."

Will they be able to determine precisely what we tested?

'Yes, Madame President.  The design we removed from Ares Macrotech is a 
low-radiation design, but the crater will nevertheless retain enough 
radiation to be visible on any instruments.'

So, what you are telling me is that we will have 3 to 10 hours before we 
have to assume that the Big 8 know exactly what we tested, it's yeild, 
and that we were the ones who tested it.

"That is correct, ma'am."

How soon until the next device is complete?

'It will be complete approximately the same time as our test detonation.'

Do we have delivery missiles for all the weapons?

"Yes, ma'am, we do.  The cruise missile we tested at the Ute proving 
grounds is more than capable of handling the mass of any of the weapons 
we have currently."

Excellent.  Distribute all the 7 weapons worldwide and place them in the 
missiles.  If the world will know that quickly, then I need the weapons 
to be an effective deterrant immediately after the test, or beforehand if 
possible.  After all, there is always the possibility of a leak.  What is 
the possibility of an Omega Order from the court?

"Unknown.  We have at least two 'friends' on the Council currently, but 
as we are attempting to break into a very exclusive club, the response 
could be totally unpredictable."

Thus the deterrant factor.  Very well, leave one of the weapons in 
orbit and attached it to an ablative heat shield.  I want one device 
capable of hitting anywhere in the world within 90 minutes.

"Of course.  Anything else?"

I believe that is all, unless either of you have anything else to tell me.

"No, ma'am."

'I have ordered the production of the smallest yeild devices for the next 
10 weapons produced so that we will be able to produce them quickly.  
More is better for a deterrant, I believe.'

Excellent, Dr.  Please return to Peregrine Station and report to me when 
the rocket is launched.

'Of course.'

John, stay here a minute.

{quiet, 15 seconds}

John, if the Big 8 and various national interests will be aware of our 
recent operations that quickly, then I want us to be ready to handle any 
difficulties.  After the launch is successful, I want you to very quietly 
mobilize our units, across the board.  Tell them nothing, but I want to 
be able to react instantly if the Big 8 decides to come down on us.  
We've lost much of our ability to sabotage since the last time we had 
such a risky operation, but gained a signifigant personnel and equipment 
base in exchange.  If the Big 8 want to take us down, then I want us to 
be ready to fight.

"Orbital assets included?"

Yes.  But they're the easiest ones to mobalize and the most likely to 
provoke a response.  Leave them until we absolutely must, but have 
Peregrine, MAero, and the groundstations loaded with BRB instructions for 
the various assets.

"BRB?  You are concerned, aren't you?"

John, Maxim is playing with a plasma cutting torch with this one.  It's 
at least as dangerous as when we absorbed The Org.  So yes, I'm concerned.

"Very well, then.  Have you met your new bodyguards yet?"

This morning.  They are all very agreeable, I must admit.  And they all 
appear to know what they are doing.  I read thier dossiers, and I am 
impressed.

"I'm glad to hear that.  Is that all, ma'am?"

Yes, John. ]<<<<<
	--  Internal Maxim Communications Log <11:12:05/01-15-56>

>>>>>[Got bored last night and decked into the LTG that serves that 
place in CFS the elves are poking around... Plantina.  Well, on some 
of the municipal hosts it seems that people are getting really antsy. 
That cave outside o' town where it all started?  Well, it seems like 
nobody in town knew it was there.  And they've got a good crop of 
retired naturalists and geologists and a pretty whack-nut chapter of 
the Sierra Society - I can't imagine they all missed it.

CFSGS topo maps of the region don't give the vaguest hint of any 
caves outside of town.  Land cover imagery shows the area to be 
pretty bare, so there wouldn't be any trees covering up the mouth of 
the cave.  

So how did they all miss it? It's not like it's inaccessible or out 
of the way.  The way I'm understanding this, it's a pretty popular 
area for hiking and outdoorsy, tree-hugging crap like that.

The more I dig into this, the weirder it gets.  It's almost like those 
stone circles in England - the ones that just grew outta the 
ground.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[That's some kind of ruckus to raise over one itty-bitty piasma.  What
_could_ the Tir be up to?  Don't tell me it's some wicky-wicky species 
preservation thing.  The piasma is largely capable of preserving itself, though
not when King Richard is on the job.  That's the last damn camping trip I go
on without an Enviroseal on my food bag. =)  But such _nice_ scenery.  "Ah
_love_ th' smell o' napalm in the morning!"  Too bad I couldn't ride the
Valkyries while I was at it. *smirk*]<<<<<
	--  Azrael  <12:20:52 / 01-14-57>

>>>>>[Humph.  Serves you right for upsetting ODIN, doesn't it.  But if you
recall, at least _one_ of us got lucky.  Those beauties really know how to
show a girl a good time.  A _real_ good time.  Besides, who suspected they
had triply-linked Akuma-Oh cannons on board?  What a rush.  By the way, who is
"King Richard", anyhow?]<<<<<
	--  Valerie  <12:32:09 / 01-14-57>

>>>>>[Oh, a very close friend of mine.  Something to do with the Crusades and
all, best as I can figure.  Whoever said "now I can flatten light ammo against
armor faster than ever before" was obviously the lowest form of babbling idiot.
Unless he's in a Class 1H or better, I think King Richard could give him a
suitably bad day.  Not that we can't do better. =) Acutally, I must admit that
I'm a bit jealous.  You always had more penetration potential than me *pout*
*pout* ]<<<<<
	--  Azrael  <12:40:09 / 01-14-57>

>>>>>[Oh, don't take it so hard, Az.  Quantity is one thing, but you know
you've the quality where it matters. =)  Just try to keep those "etiquitte"
skillsofts of yours under wraps, eh?  Wouldn't want to corrupt the youth, now
would we?  Plus they're worth enough to do your cause good, and make you
happier in the bargain.  Speaking of which, don't you think it's bad manners of
the Tir to try to run ECM in the vicinity of their operation?  Military-grade,
in fact.  Not that it's any of _my_ business...]<<<<<
	--  Valerie  <12:45:10 / 01-14-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[So, those _were_ Cumulous units.  Time to place a call to a certain
bird-colonel.  Be prepared to move within 3 hours of my say-so.]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  V-12  <12:54:27 / 01-14-57>

*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[Chill it. He's back. I'd be grateful if you didn't mention this
little conversation to him...]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <14:26:54/15-01-57>

>>>>>[Hey folks, I'm baaaaack.  Under threats of pain, death and 
suffering - in that order - I can only tell you somebody got ahold of 
me a couple hours back and gave me these files.  They contain 
transcripts of the transmissions from a penetration team to a base 
team outside the cave near Plantina.  Now, my source says he has 
recordings of the original and he says he run in through a voice 
stress analyzer.  The stress level of the recordings points to 
authenticity - at least, the speakers believed what they were saying.

+++++ TRANSCRIPT

1] "We are now entering the main chamber.  High background count.  
The astral is very active here."

Base] "Cause?"

1] "Unknown.  No obvious signs of pollution.  No ritual remains.  No 
symbols on the walls."

2] "Quick!  Come here.  Look at these!"

1] "What is it?"

Base] "What?  What do you see?!"

4] "I don't know.  I do not recognize it, immediately.  Humanoid, 
greater than to meters in length - definately not a troll.  Dzoo-noo-
qua, possibly.  Whatever it is, it's dead.  Explosive trauma I would 
say."

?] <garbled>

1] "Get back.  It's alive!"

?] <garbled>

?] "Get it off!  Get it away!!!!"

?] <unintelligible screams>

3] "It's burning!  What happened?"

4] "Look there's another one.  It's burning, too!"

2] "That's something different!  Look at it!"

?] <garbled>

1] "Get out, now!"

Base] "What's happening!?"

1] "We're being attack-" <screams>

?] <growling>

Base] "What!?  What is attacking!"

1] "It's an astral entity.  It's some kind of-" <screams>

5] "That way!"

6] "We came from the other direction!  That way is deeper in!"

5] "We aren't getting out _that_ way!"
 
?] <screams>

4] "What was that!?"

Base] "What's happening?"

3] "It's got me!  It's in me!" <screams>

?]  <garbled>

4] "Get off me!  SOMEBODY GET HIM OFF -" 

?] <garbled>

?] <heavy breathing>

5] "LOOKIT THIS!"

6] "It's a hive.  Get out."

7] "This is the hive of no Invae I have ever seen."

6] "Then what is it?"

7] "I- I do not know."

6] "It's opening.  GET BACK!" <screams>

7] "It has him!  Kill it!  Kill it!"

5] "I can't get the <garbled> without killing him!"

6?] <screams>

7] "I told you to kill it!!!!" <screams>  "Another one's got me!!!" 
<screams>

5?] <screams>
 
2?] "Noooo!  Don't touch the door!  Don't touch the door!  GET BACK!" 
<screams>
 
Base] "What happened?"

Base] "Anyone!  Report."

Base] "All Ghosts, report in!"

+++++ END

And that's all folks.  Better than "Against the Hive" if you ask me.  
Damn shame there weren't any eyeshots to go with.  Kinda like to have 
seen what they found.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[Aw, don' tell me we got _this_ fuckin' shit again.  I thought we just
got done fucking with all that supernatural stuff, and now it's supposed to be
back in town again?  Wait, lemme guess, the piasma's fuckin' possessed and
gonna burn down the Sierras.  'Zat the fuckin' idea now?  I swear to fuckin'
'ell that this shit gets the unfriendly treatment from now on.]<<<<<
	--  Lopez  <14:57:04 / 01-15-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[Oy, holmes...any word yet?]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  Lopez  <15:01:06 / 01-15-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[I done passed on the information; we're awaiting their response.  We're
not gonna fuck around with this shit: if it's magical, we're gonna have magic
support and use the fucking heavy artillery, dig it?  I'm pulling our Breath
Weapons just in case.  Val, I want you and E back at base and give the
Owls the twice-o'vah.  I gots a new piece of ordnance from the main man A
for us that you wanna int'grate.  Something he calls "Mink", real cute but the
hella nasty juice when necessary.  I'ma stay and handle things on this end.
]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  V-12  <15:02:24 / 01-15-57>

******PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[Got it.  I'll be there within 24.  Looks like it's time for some more
"independent study" *smile*]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  Valerie  <15:13:56 / 01-15-57>

*****PRIVATE: Elyena Hayes
>>>>>[+++++Transcript of Priority One Telecomm Session Follows:
+++++Begin:
+++++Connect on pulse 8:

What is it?

"The observational teams have been inserted. We're expecting confirmation
at any time--"

And the satellites?

"Still no luck. We've gotten a toe-hold in DeltaComm's SAN, we should have
access to their image archeives tonight--"

Howabout Traffic Analysis?

"Nothing conclusive."

Any information from our internal contacts?

"Nothing. The Tir has apparently placed a high-level media ban on this
story." 

Under who's authorization?

"I'm sorry, we don't ha--"

Have the resources. I know. I've been hearing it too much recently. Is
there anything to link it with Renaissance yet?

"No. They still appear to be two completely unrelated events. I'm fairly
certain--"

It's too close to the Proving Grounds. I want to know by morning what's
happening. Everything.

"Yes ma'am. I've prepared a report--"

I know, I'm reading it right now.

"Very good ma'am."

What about the other matter?

"*sigh* We have an affirmative. Maxim is changing it's posture, to a more
military footing I would say. We also detected a launch earlier today, it
fits with all of their standard schedules, but the trajectory was
anomalous. We are looking into it... At least on the bright side, we seem
to have appeased the CC somewhat..."

+++++Pause

That's the least of our worries. We have to know what's going at Plantina.
If it at all deals with Renaissance I want to know. By tomorrow morning.
My time.

"Yes ma'am."

Good evening Joseph. Remember what's riding on this.

+++++Garbled.
+++++Disconnect.]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Communications Logs. <18:19:36/15-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Elyena Hayes via SI Internal Mail
>>>>>[It appears we are not the only ones interested in Plantina. Some
runners appear to be entering there area. No word as yet on their
employment status.

Joseph Randell]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Security <18:46:52/15-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[I've got a job that needs doing. It might be down your alley. Give
me a call if you're interested.]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <CORRUPTED/15-01-56>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[Mum's the word. Sorry I didn't answer earlier, but I have been somewhat
preoccupied. Might make a social call at Newtype. See you there, maybe?]<<<<<
	-- Goku (12:32:56/16-01-57)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++Begin re-routing, Peregrine communications via Corporate 
Security.  Authorization:  John Skulkin, voice print/handprint/retinal 
print/24 character alphanumeric code.  Crosschecking.....  Access 
approved.  Communications rerouted via Corporate Security division.+++++

Ma'am, re-routing is complete.  Doctor, I apologize, but I needed to 
guarantee total security over this line as we are communicating 
telemetry, voice, and we cannot take any unnecessary risks.

'Very well, Mr. Skulkin.'

"ETA, Dr. Spin?"

'2 minutes, 14 seconds to detonation.'

"And the bogey?"

It will arrive sooner than I predicted.  Unfortunately, my intelligence 
was inaccurate.  It will arrive within 2 hours after detonation.  It is 
an Ares Macrotech rocket, far more sophisticated than any of our own.

"Sattelite conditions?"

There are 5 sattelites with excellent visibility, LOS, to the target 
area.  None of them are known to be surveillance sattelites.  All are 
communications sattelites.  8 sattelites have indirect views, 3 of which 
are known surveillance, none of which have been re-oriented toward that 
direction.

'ETA:  1 minute, 35 seconds.'

"Can we jam the 5 with LOS?"

Not without incuring the wrath of Tir Taingire, the Ute nation, Shiawase, 
Saeder-Krupp, and Aztechnology, no.

"And any of them could be dual-purpose sattelites like some of our own, 
correct?"

Yes.  None have exhibited unusual perspective shifts or orbit changes.

'ETA:  1 minute, 15 seconds.  Activate Telemetry on my mark.....Mark.'

(Telemetry active.)

'Bring all systems on-line.  Begin arming sequence on my mark.....Mark.  
ETA:  1 minute and counting.  Mr. Skulkin, Madame President, please sit 
back and watch the show.'

(Arming sequence begun.  All systems on-line.  Green lights across the 
board.)

'ETA:  45 seconds.  Status?'

(All systems nominal.  Tritium pressure steady.  Detonators charge in 
3...2...1...Detonator capacitors charged.)

'ETA:  35 seconds.  Telemetry?'

(Recieving.  Sat telemetry active.  All systems green light.  We are at 
Stop Point.  Awaiting final code.)

'ETA:  25 seconds.  Madame President?'

"SP Code Alpha Omega Iota Kappa Zero Active"

+++++Verification:  Nicole Velli, voiceprint/retinal/palmprint verified.  
Transmitting code.  Awaiting response....+++++

(Code transmitted and accepted.)

'ETA:  20 seconds.  19.....18.....17.....16.....15......14.....13.....12 
.....11.....10.....9.....8.....7.....6.....5.....4.....3.....2.....1.....'

(Rocket telemetry interupted.  No longer recieving.)

'Sats?'

(Still active.)

"Visual, Dr. Spin."

'Yes, Madame President.  Visual!'

(We've lost Sat 2!  Final telemetry indicates EMP!)

"My God, John....  Look at it...."

No nearly as impressive as a real airburst.  A flash, some limited 
cratering, but largely radiation damage.

'Our readings show the lunar regolith beneath the explosion has been 
fused.  Evidence of the tremendous energy emitted.'

"Sats 1 and 3?"

'Still transmitting.  They're hardened against EMP, while Sat 2 was 
specifically left unhardened to verify EMP effects.  I'll have 
preliminary yeild, radiation, etc for you shortly.'

I am become Death, the shatterer of worlds.

"What was that, John?"

Oh, just something that Oppenheimer said at the Trinity blast a hundred 
and so years ago after he saw the first nuclear test.

"Ah, I take it you don't approve, then?"

I didn't say that.  I just find the quote appropriate, that's all.

"Hmmmm....  Doctor?"

'We designed the device for a yeild of 15 kilotons, plus or minus 1%.  
For some reason, we appear to have either refined the plutonium or the 
tritium to such a purity that we achieved 16.3 kilotons, on preliminary 
data.  Lingering radiation is within 5% of projections.  EMP is 
sufficient to fuse all non-shielded electronics within a 50 km radius, we 
believe.  I'll know more as the data comes in.'

"Congratulations, Dr. Spin.  You've succeeded."

'Thank you, Madame President.  If that's all, I'd like to spend more time 
with the data.'

"Of course.  Good night, Doctor."

+++++Peregrine Station Uplink Terminated.

"Well, John?"

Congratulations, Nicole.  You've just become the worlds newest nuclear 
power.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have much to do before the rest of 
the world becomes aware of our powers.

"Of course.  One thing, though.  Did the additional weapons get 
successfully distributed?"

Yes, ma'am.  They are at thier target destinations and are in the process 
of being loaded into delivery weapons.

"Very good.  Good night, John."

I don't think so, ma'am.  I'll not sleep for quite some time, I'm 
afraid.  I will be too busy.  As will you, I suspect, very shortly.

"I suspect so as well. ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <12:13:35/01-16-57>

*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[Maybe. Newtype isn't really my kind of place though....]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <11:41:24/16-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[Hoi chummer, long time no C. (look in a CS History book if you don't
get that one... *snicker*) How have things been flying?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <11:45:12/16-01-57>

***** Private: Antilles
>>>>>[The doctor's transfer is just wrapping up.  He should be in 
Seattle by the end of the day.]<<<<<
	-- Keith Neely (09:15:22 / 01-16-57)
           Oversight Executive, Project Lazarus
           Fuchi Internal Security

***** Private: Keith Neely
>>>>>[Good.  Threat Analysis has already detected at least two 
penetrations of SD's system, looking for information on the doctor 
we suspect.  One was traced to a known Yamatetsu-sympathetic 
system.]<<<<<
	-- Special Agent Antilles (09:33:45 / 01-16-57)
           Counter-Intelligence (Special Branch), Project Lazarus
           Fuchi Internal Security
           
***** Private: Antilles
>>>>>[So soon?  Are you sure this was a good idea?]<<<<<
	-- Keith Neely (09:35:33 / 01-16-57)
           Oversight Executive, Project Lazarus
           Fuchi Internal Security
           
***** Private: Keith Neely
>>>>>[Admittedly, Threat Analysis is curious how the information of 
the transfer reached Yamatetsu so quickly.

Otherwise, we are not concerned.]<<<<<
	-- Special Agent Antilles (10:48:12 / 01-16-57)
           Counter-Intelligence (Special Branch), Project Lazarus
           Fuchi Internal Security

>>>>>[Uh-oh, looks like the CFS is going to need to tighten the noose 
around Plantina.  Seems a coupla sightseers got paralyzed and turned 
into Barghest chow.  

BTW, that reminds me, things are getting odd - well, odder.  Seems the 
Hell Hounds, Barghests, Gabriel Hounds and Bogies are chasing off 
everything else at or near the sight.  Granted, I think they'll have 
their paws full if they try to go after a piasma, I say let 'em go at 
it and sell tickets.   Seems they aren't going after each other, 
though.  Anybody ever see anything like this happen before?]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[My apologies for the level of encryption and security I am insisting 
upon, ma'am, but I believe it to be necessary.

"That's quite all right, John.  Your report?"

Intelligence believes that the EMP effects of the test weapon destroyed 
at least 2 of the sattelites that had an effective LOS on the test area 
last night.  One of them belonged to Aztechnology, the other the Ute 
nation.  The TT and Shiawase sattelites were knocked off-line for 
approximately 4 minutes before the restart sequence automatically kicked 
in.  The S-K sattelite was unaffected.

"The dragon has hardened sattelites?  Interesting....  Perhaps there's 
more than rumor to the reports he has nuclear weapons as well.  Current 
responses?"

It appears that the Azzy sat was in fact a surveillance sattelite and was 
pointed at our target area.  Internal reports show very high activity in 
the Tenochitlan HQ, but they're keeping it very quiet.  We haven't been 
able to verify that they know for sure, but it is the assumption we are 
operating under.  TT, I suspect, knows as well, although they appear to 
none too concerned.  Our intelligence in TT was effectively decimated 
when the Org was consolidated, so I suspect that your contact will know 
far more than we do.  Ute recognized the effect on their sattelite and is 
even talking about evicting us from our HQ.  We have offered to replace 
the sattelite and we are in the process of calming them down.  We think 
that damage control in this realm will be reasonably easy.  I suspect 
that, because Ute knows, the rest of the NAN know as well.  Intelligence 
has not been forthcoming, however, and we'll know by the end of the day.  
Shiawase appears to be annoyed, but little else.  And Saeder-Krupp 
intelligence says that they are totally unaffected.  If they have nuclear 
weapons as we have been assuming, they know that they have very little to 
fear from us.

"And the rocket?"

It actually arrived even earlier than we had planned.  None of the 
observer sattelites were designed as Killers, so we were unable to 
destroy it prior to observation, and I deemed it an unnecessary waste of 
resources afterward.  Ares knows, without a doubt.  Intelligence shows 
that they have called for an emergency session of the Corporate Court, 
and the Court has accepted.

"Any information on that?"

The Court goes into session in about 8 hours, after all the respective 
corporate reps have been recalled.  Intelligence suspects that they will 
exchange information and determine what to do about us.  We have not been 
invited to join the discussions.

"(laughs)  Why am I not surprised....  John, prepare for the worst 
outcome possible.  I suspect that that den of vipers will try to teach us 
a lesson, but ultimately allow us to retain what we have when the order 
comes down from on high.  I want to be able to teach them that we are not 
to be trifled with.  Are the weapons all BRB equipped?"

Yes, ma'am.

"Good.  Keep me informed."

Of course. ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <11:58:25/12-16-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Nicole Velli
>>>>>[You stupid bitch, what the fuck did you do?  Do you have any 
fucking clue what your test will do to the balance of power in the 
world?]<<<<<
	--  Etsy <12:00:16/01-16-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Etsy
>>>>>[Ah, my good Prince.  I successfully completed a program to design 
and test a nuclear weapon.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I was even good 
enough to test it on the far side of the moon so as not to endanger 
anyone.

The balance of power?  The Big 8 will look at Maxim as more of a threat, 
but also someone they cannot harm with impunity.  The nations of the 
world will see Maxim as more powerful and less likely to be pushed around 
or threatened.  Your nation will put us on that lovely "To Watch" list, 
as will most of the rest of the nations of the world.

In effect, very little will happen to Maxim, my Prince, and the balance 
of power will remain almost exactly as it is currently, but slightly 
skewed in Maxim's favor.]<<<<<
	--  Nicole Velli <12:05:59/01-16-57>
	    President/CEO
	    Maxim Arms

*****PRIVATE:  Nicole Velli
>>>>>[Not only will Tir Tangire not allow you to 'hiccup' one of their 
sattelites, there have been calls to nationalize assets in the Tir as 
well as suggestions that we raid your facilities worldwide to teach you a 
lesson.  And what do you think the corporations will do to you?  They 
can't let you keep your creations, Nicole.]<<<<<
	--  Etsy <12:08:27/01-16-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Etsy
>>>>>[With what I know of the TT Peace Force, my Prince, I would not 
recommend that you raid our facilities.  And if you don't believe me, 
then perhaps what I know of Peace Force operations I was personally 
involved in.  Outright exposure of various operations would be most... 
embarassing for all involved, and most especially for you.  Besides, you 
still owe me how much?

As for nationalizing Maxim assets in TT, feel free to do so.  We have 
almost no assets in your beloved country to speak of and nationalizing 
them would not affect Maxim's buisness in any way.  I have kept Maxim 
assets minimal in deference to you anyway.

And the Corporations will have very little choice but to leave us our 
weapons.  They have no reason to fear our use of them, since I never plan 
on having more than a few dozen, unless they plan on Maxim's 
destruction.  And if that happens... well, let's say that they know what 
would happen in that case.  Besides, most of the Big 8 have far more 
nuclear firepower than I will even once all the material is used up.  I 
will hardly be a nuclear threat to them or anyone.  Nukes in this modern 
world are used for special reasons only, and then only as weapons of last 
resort.  I hardly expect to ever use them.

The nukes have given Maxim the same respect we had when we controled The 
Org.  We were not to be trifled with then, and not now either.]<<<<<
	--  Nicole Velli <12:20:03/01-16-57>
	    President/CEO
	    Maxim Arms

*****PRIVATE:  Nicole Velli
>>>>>[I think you're wrong, Nicole.  For your sake, I hope you're right, 
but I think not.  Good luck.  You, and Maxim, will need it.]<<<<<
	--  Etsy <12:2:39/01-16-57>

>>>>>[All I will say is this Lopez...back off.  That goes for the rest of
your team as well.  Stay the frag away from Platina.]<<<<<
	--the Dark Stranger<12:53:12/1-16-57>

*****PRIVATE: Draig Un
>>>>>[M'lord, I believe I know what is going on in the "piasma" cave in
CalFree.  It has something to do with the Tome, does it not?  My question is
as follows:  Was the blade commissioned by true defense, and forged in light?
 Or was it commissioned by the enemy, and forged for it's own purposes?

_Tome of the Blackened Noble_ 
Chapter: The Light Blade, page 103, verse 5:

"And betwixt the rocks lay the Corrupted,
Our deep shelter rent and torn asunder.
Most subtle, forsooth, we knew not how far
Our enemy had dug within our souls.
Our hope lie with a blade forged rightly;
A straight, shining, beacon of defiance
That would vanquish the taint within our hearts.
A blade to conquer ourselves, our own fear,
A blade that would grant our children the light.
And so it was the shelter wrought it's fate."

Chapter: The Light Blade, page 146, verse 294-5:

"And so it was done, the blade we forged
Shone with the light of the long ago night stars,
Brilliant as the forgotten day sun.
Pure the sword was too, as a virgin bride
Or the innocent laughter of a child.
But we looked inside our souls to find
That we had fallen prey to the hunter.
We were as the twisted rocks around us,
Our dead we hung as torches, the living
Did not wait for their chance to light IT's way.

And so as the blade was done, so we were.
I alone remain, steadfast in my faith.
But even now, as the corpse light grows dim,
I wonder if this is what IT wanted,
If this was what IT's cruel heart desired.
Faith alone had brought me to this foul place,
Crafting it's defense, healing it's people.
Have I wrought this fate upon this shelter?
Have I forged the death of innocents?
The light dims, the flames grow nearer..."

     I suppose a similar question might be to ask which came first, the
chicken or the egg.  Any enlightenment would greatly appreciated.]<<<<<
	--the Dark Stranger<12:43:12/1-14-57>

*****PRIVATE: Dark Stranger
>>>>>[You got anything mo' specific to say than that, man?  I don' look fo'
trouble without a good reason and shit, an' I ain' been given a reason good
'nuff to stick my neck out fo no fuckin' possessed piasma or whatever the
fuck is goin' down.  But if you got a good reason why I should a-void the
shit, you betta come correct, know'm'sayin?  Save ever'body all the trouble up
front and shit.]<<<<<
	--  Lopez  <13:00:13 / 01-16-57>

>>>>>[Uh-oh.  Everybody get out of the pooooo-ool.

Geeze, Darkie, what's gotten into you?  So some elves get 
slaughtered by bugs.  Big deal.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In) 

*****PRIVATE: Elyena Hayes from J. Randell via SI Internal Comm.
>>>>>[+++++Transcript of Top Priority Message Follows:

What?

"We've just detected a nuclear blast on the far side of the moon."

+++++Pause

What did you just say?

"At almost exactly 2:00pm GMT, there was an unpredecited low level
electromagnetic pulse from the far side of the moon. Radiation signitures
fit that of a man made device."

Are you sure?

"Ares requested that a closed session of the Court be called within
minutes. We're sure."

+++++Automated Translator activated. Serbian >> English mode.
Frag. Frag it all to hell.

+++++Pause

Have they contacted us yet?

+++++Automated Translator activated. English >> Serbian mode.
"Not yet ma'am."

Damn it... Frag Maxim... Frag Velli... Why the hell did she have to decide
to do this now? She just had to wait another six months... Damn, damn,
damn... 

"What are your orders?"

Get me a direct line to Lewis. I want no eavesdropping, not from SK, and
not from you. This is to be a totally private call. Understand?

"Yes ma'am. The line should be ready in a few moments."

Do we have any idea of what the CC is going to want us to do?

"Nothing specific. Although a request for immediate mobilization is
expected. We can only assume that they'll want large scale damage done to
some of Maxim's larger facilities."

I could have told you that Joseph. Tell me something I don't already know. 

"I can predict the future no better than you ma'am."

+++++Translational software brought offline. 

How very honest. Is the line ready yet?

"Not yet ma'am. Does Lewis have enough clout to get us off the hook?"

Not nearly enough, but if we're lucky he may at least soften the blow. 

"What should I do in the mean time?"

Low level mobilization of all forces. Put a few millen nuyen into some
Shadowteams... Nothing direct until we receive word from up above. We
don't want to get too involved unless we have to.

"Yes ma'am."

+++++Pause

Is there any news on Platina?

"Nothing yet. A few tourists have been mauled. Nothing more. The elves
seem to be digging in. We've received reports that some of the Ghosts had
been engaged in combat."

Renaissance?

"Can't tell." 

Keep me informed.

"Yes ma'am."
+++++Disconnect]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Logs. <CORRUPTED/16-01-57>

>>>>>[Stumbled across these today.  Interesting, since I've never 
heard of something quite like it.  Take them as you will.

+++++ Include Trideo Download +++++
+++++You see what appears to be a security camera picture, scanning 
gradually across the streets outside some building.  From the horizon, it 
appears that you are downtown near Pike's Market, and the camera 
chronometer shows the time as 13:34.  The camera appears to be on 
automatic, but you notice a lone man approaching and passing the camera.  
>From the looks of it, he's human, about average height and build, and 
wearing an upscale buisness suit.  He looks perfectly in place, and 
eminently comfortable in the area.  He stops, glances around, and then 
fades into the shadows with such ease that he is either a magician or a 
runner, or both.  The camera continues to scan away from the area where 
the man disappeared, and you catch several more figures, all human and 
japanese.  From their look, they're probably Yakuza.  With thier 
appearance, the camera manifests, besides the chronometer display, 
various Kanji, katakana, and hiragana symbols.

Unfortunately, at about this time, you see a single large figure, a 
troll, round the same corner that the man did and into the alley with the 
Yaks.  Knowing just how little Yaks like non-humans, you are not 
surprised when the two Yak enforcers draw weapons and quietly approach 
the troll.  The camera has stopped scanning, and the symbols indicate 
that there is a decker controling it and watching the play.  The troll, 
obviously not wanting a confrontation, is backing up very slowly, hands 
palm up and out.  You realize that the troll is actually female, but 
bald.  You have no audio, but suddenly a transcription enters the field 
of view:

"96% certainty, Lip Reading program LRP-14.5v22a"

Troll:  Hey, I don't want no trouble.  Just meetin a guy.
Yaks:  You impure spawn of maggots.  Your mother should be beheaded for 
bearing such an abomination.
Troll:  Excuse me?
Yaks:  Oh, and a mere woman too.  How disappointing....

+++++From what you can see, the troll has stopped backing up and is 
looking at the Yaks.  She appears to be thinking about something, smiles 
as her eyes dart over toward where you earlier saw the man fade into the 
shadows, and then she begins to move.  Her suddenness of movement is so 
fluid and rapid that she cannot help but be wired to the max, and even 
the decker has difficulty keeping up with her.  The Yaks are very 
surprised, but not for long as her arm extrudes a spur almost at the same 
instant that the troll uses it to neatly remove one of the Yak's head 
from his neck.  The other Yak, a little faster, is able to avoid the 
sudden appearance of a survival knive in the troll's other hand, but just 
barely.  Instead, the blade buries itself into his clothing and then into 
the concrete wall, pinning the Yak.  The troll stands there and the man 
steps out of the shadows.

Troll, to Yak:  I don't take well to sexist or racist comments.  Remember 
that next time you come across a troll, orc, elf, or dwarf.  Treat us 
with a little respect, ok?  Thank you.

+++++And the troll, retracting her spur, knocks the Yak unconscious.

Man:  You can't leave him alive.  No witnesses, remember?
Troll:  Fine, you kill him.  As little as I like his attitudes, I have a 
Code and killing him serves no purpose.
Man:  Ok.

+++++The man turns to the Yak pinned to the wall by his clothing, pulls 
out a couple of knives and begins to juggle them.  He turns to the troll, 
winks, and instead of throwing the blades into the Yak, focuses his eyes 
on the Yak, who suddenly begins to compress, bending and breaking in 
impossible ways and disappearing, almost as if he imploded.  The man 
maintains a smile on his face the whole time, catches the knives, and 
drops them back into his pocket.

Troll:  You know, sometimes I think you actually enjoy doing that.
Man:  Oh, but I do.  And it leaves no bodies to draw attention.

+++++At that moment, a door in the alleyway begins to open and you see 
four Yak soldiers start to pour out.  Almost simultaneously, the troll 
and man pivot, a gun appearing in the troll's hand almost instantly, and 
the man crouches down.  The troll, moving the fastest of all, pumps 
several rounds from her heavy pistol into the first target, putting two 
rounds into an area little larger than the left eye, blowing the head out 
behind the first soldier.  The body flys back and lands hard, staining 
the concrete sidewalk a dark red.  The second soldier, a little more 
careful but still unable to reverse his momentum, dives forward, hoping 
to avoid the bullets.  Unfortunately for him, the troll is too good and 
she puts two rounds into his flying form, one in the neck, the second 
into his side.  Still alive but bleeding to death, the second soldier 
slumps to the side into a gutter.  The third and fourth soldiers are much 
more careful, staying behind the cover of the doorjam.  But it's not 
enough as the man raises his hand to the heavens and there's a sudden 
crack.  Looking at the fourth soldier, you realize that for an instant 
you almost saw stars manifest around him, and then, in the instant before 
a cloud of sublimating gas obscures him, you see his body frozen solid.  
The troll's shots, apparently silenced, are split this time between the 
two Yaks, the third taking a round in his shoulder and forcing him to 
drop his SMG which he hadn't even been able to fire yet, and the second 
round hitting the fourth yak, which apparently shatters.  You literally 
see the body break into hundreds of small peices and scatter over the 
alley.

Ejecting a clip and inserting a second one, the troll adjusts her aim 
slightly more toward the wall and fires a single round.  It appears to 
hit the Yak even through 3 inches of wood wall as you see the standard 
red splatter of an armor-peircing exit wound appear on the wall behind 
where the yak was standing.

Troll:  Fraggin Yaks.....
Man:  Red?
Troll:  Neg.  All clean.  Nominal?
Man:  Fine.  Clean.  Let's roll.
Troll:  Aff.

+++++The troll carefully puts the pistol away in a concealed leg holster 
as she and the man quickly disappear out of the alley.

+++++ End Trideo Download +++++

I have one more too, but it's still in the system.  I'll get it out 
shortly.]<<<<<
	--  Trideo Pirate <22:15:23/01-16-57>

>>>>>[What the frag was with those two? Come on! Complete wusses... Stupid
mage should have been firing as he cast instead of just going with the
single output. Geez. The troll chick wasn't bad though... Plenty of
style... And that juggling act? If you're gonna do theatrics, make sure
they fit with the kill. Bringing out knives (unless ceremonial) with a
magic kill is just _not_ kocher... And fire? Where was the fire? Magic
combat sucks without fire. Or gas. Nice noxious jets of gas... And those
shots? I'm sure one of those yaks was only wounded. BAD move. You do _NOT_
want to leave yaks wounded. If you don't kill 'em with the first shot,
empty a clip into them. They're the kind that always comes back as a ghost
or a specter or some stupid drek like that, and then you have to spend a
week getting the little son-of-a-slitch exorcised... Overall, I'd give 'em
a C, maybe a C+. If the chick hadn't shaved her head, it would have been a
_definite_ B-...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <01:08:06/17-01-56>

*****PRIVATE: Elyena Hayes via SI Internal Comm Net
>>>>>[The message is here. Prepare for immediate action. Pending further
instructions, we are to mount a series of smallscale attacks on Maxim's
R&D facilities. A blueprint of the Bunker was included with the message.
The next few weeks look rough.

  Joseph Randell.]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Logs <01:13:47/17-01-57>

>>>>>[Well, this one I got given to me from a compadre in Dallas-Ft. 
Worth.  Don't know if it has anything to do with what I put up earlier, 
but I figured it'd be interesting anyway.

+++++ Begin System Upload +++++

The Matrix.  As a matter of fact, not only is it the Matrix, but it's the 
Dallas-Ft. Worth Matrix.  The iconography is too distinctive for it not 
to be.  The source of the recording is obviously a decker, but he or she 
is following another decker.  The second decker is a little more 
interesting.  The icon is noticably female, but decked out in camo 
fatigues and carrying various military items.  The icon is remarkably 
similar to the icons that the MET2000 use for their Matrix commandos, but 
it could be anyone, or no-one.  But whoever the source of the recording 
is, they are not only quiet, but they have locked out their system logs 
so that the recording has no deck specs, program loadings, etc.  It's raw 
simsense.

>From the speed of the camo'ed persona, you'd suspect that she is running 
a high powered deck of some kind, likely benchmarking at the Fairlight 
level.  Very well equipped, and she moves like she belongs here, in the 
Matrix.  Maybe she does.  For an instant you think that you see a 
reflection of the recording persona in a polished MCT SAN, but all you 
see is a blurry humanoid shape.  Under full Masking, by the looks of it.  
And the other persona hasn't noticed you yet.

She is heading toward an unusual SAN, one shaped like a big top ticket 
booth.  She pulls out an old fashioned $10 note, hands it to the cashier, 
and goes in after collecting her change.  You follow, passing easily 
without the cashier even noticing your presence.  Inside the tent are 
bleachers and veritable three ring circus.  The persona stops, looks 
around, even staring right through you, and then heads off to one of the 
exits out of the big top where she passes through without difficulty.  
Again, you follow and see her heading off toward the lion cages.  To your 
surprise, a smart frame appears and floats after the persona, entering 
the same cage she does.  In the cage, she leans forward into a lion's 
mouth, and the small frame peeks in with her.  Inside you see the output 
of a surveillance camera, specifically a camera attached to what appears 
to be the insides of an amusement park.  She backs up, forms a frame 
herself, and sends it off toward another node.

You hear, for the first time, a voice in the Matrix.

"Shiawase four tail."

"Aff.  Locate."

"Aff."

Both voices are female, one from inside the system, the persona you've 
been following, the other likely out in the amusement park.  And both 
have the unusual timbre of implanted subvocal microphones.  And another 
thing you realize is that the security system of this park is far more 
secure than it should be for a mere amusement park.  Too much IC, unless 
it's owned by MCT or someone like them.  On the screen, the camera 
continues to pan gradually, and you hear the persona's beautiful voice 
again:

"No Control.  Transit."

"Aff."

And with the response, the persona disappears, literally.  Whether she 
went into Masking mode or had managed to find a CPU for teleportation to 
another node is unknown, but you take up position in the node she was in 
and begin to watch.  Outside in the real world, you see the camera stop 
tracking and the slave node indicates "Rigger control assumed."

Is it possible that the same decker is also a rigger?  And could she have 
gone in from the Matrix and connected without having a standard rig into 
the system?  Well, possible or not, a rigger has taken control of the 
security and is using various cameras to find someone, or someones.

And the camera does.  You have apparently sent out several more frames to 
steal images from other slave nodes, and one shows a focus on a 
relatively attractive dwarf woman who is laughing and throwing darts at a 
game booth.  She appears to be winning.  Another camera has stopped on a 
group of three men, and another on a single man, moving toward the dwarf.

"Got 'em.  3 by 8 by 14 null.  1 by 6 by 10 pos."

"Aff."

And on the camera, you see the dwarf, still laughing, accept her prizes 
and move off toward the ladies room.  But rather than heading in, she 
heads around behind the building, with the four men following her.

"Transit."

"Aff."

On another camera, you see the dwarf, in full daylight, literally 
disappear.  Probably a magician.  The automatic system runs the camera 
across thermographic and ultrasonic, and the dwarf is all but gone.  She 
still shows up in the ultrasonic, but even that is only barely.  You see 
the shape move, crouching down and appearing to pull something strapped 
to her leg.  The first man rounds the corner and draws a silenced pistol 
in the process only to have a throwing knife literally appear in mid-air 
while it transits from the dwarf to the chest of the target.  With almost 
unnatural skill, the blade not only buries itself in the man's chest, but 
also appears to slip through the ribs, likely penetrating the unlucky 
man's heart, killing him.  Making no sound whatsoever, the dwarf catches 
the falling body, removes the blade, and heads up the bathroom wall to 
the roof, where she heads off.  Her movement indicates amazing skill in 
stealth, probably a well trained physical adept.

The other three find the body and fan out slightly, but one goes off, 
disappears as well except on ultrasonic, and levitates up about 4 meters 
and begins to slowly turn around, likely scanning for the dwarf in Astral 
space.  The dwarf has stopped, ducked behind a tree, and appears to be 
putting something together.  From movements, you suspect a silenced 
pistol, but you're not certain.  Just as the mage gets to the point he 
would be able to see the dwarf, she stands, takes careful aim, and fires 
a single round.  The bullet strikes the mage in the forehead, snapping 
his head back, forcing the spells to fail, and flashing in the 
thermographic like an API round would.  That is one very dead mage, and 
he falls to the ground like several dozen kilos of raw potatoes, a very 
neat bullet hole right between his eyes.

The dwarf, dropping again, heads off and disassembles her pistol, stowing 
it in various concealed holsters.  From the range and accuracy of the 
shot, you'd guess that not only is the dwarf a physical adept, but she's 
likely an assassin as well.  She reappears, unstained by blood, and walks 
into the crowd, heading for an exit.

The persona's voice comes across again:  "Two dead.  2 at exit, 2 behind."

"Frag.  Aff."

The camera appears to show two additional men, Japanese this time, 
standing a the exit watching all the people leaving.  The dwarf advances 
to the point that they see her, smiles demurely at them, and you see a 
blur of her arm as she throws something, probably the same throwing 
knife.  But almost as quickly, the man that wasn't targeted blurs into 
action and literally catches the blade just prior to it striking the 
target in the throat.  Another physical adept, since even the fastest of 
street samurai don't have that mystical ability.  He moves to throw the 
blade back at her but pauses as she has disappeared again, and the 
ultrasonic shows her moving toward a somewhat quiet and deserted area of 
the park.  Her voice comes across first this time:

"Hot PU. N. E. C."

"Rog."

And suddenly the cameras return to scan mode.  Off toward the big top, 
you see the persona appear again, pick up one of your frames, and remove 
it's "head" with a machete chop.  She then almost appears to wink at you, 
and then depixilates as she jacks out of the system.  Regaining control, 
your frames begin watching again and you see that there are now 4 people 
converging on what looks like the northeast corner of the park, where the 
dwarf has set herself up.

First comes in a guy who is most likely a samurai or corporate soldier of 
some sort, and he is moving even faster than she is.  But only for an 
instant, as his attack is redirected and he finds himself flying into a 
small tree.  The second attack comes from the Japanese physad who draws a 
long knife and attacks.  The dwarf catches the physad at his wrist, 
twists and sends the knife clattering to the ground, and the she releases 
him and spins away to avoid a blow from the other japanese man, who is 
also probably a soldier.  It appears that it is now her turn as she fades 
out and turns invisible again and almost dances toward the second 
japanese man, who finds that he cannot move quite fast enough.  The dwarf 
takes an unusual step before striking out with a spearhand blow to the 
ribs.  The blow caves in three ribs and likely collapses the entire left 
right lung, forcing the man off his feet and to the ground.  Over at the 
tree, the soldier is collecting himself and drawing a silenced heavy 
pistol.  The other physad flys forward at the dwarf with a flying side 
kick that is just too high, and he literally flys right over her and 
rolls into a damage free landing.  The second soldier, weilding several 
implanted spurs, is striking out at the dwarf with the additional range 
of the spur, but the dwarf counterattacts with a block of the spur arm 
followed by two punches to the ribs and a hammerfist to the back of the 
neck.  The soldier collapses, his neck broken and all the ribs on his 
left side shattered, very dead.

They physad, having regained his feet, stands and bows his head just 
slightly as if offering honor in combat to the dwarven woman, and then 
flicks three shuriken at her in a pattern that covers most of the 
possible escape routes she could leap for.  Not all of them, however, as 
she literally falls backward and twists between two of the stars, which 
imbed themselves in a tree.  However, the required fall also means that 
she will hit the ground hard enough to jar her.  And she hits hard.  The 
still living soldier takes a shot at her, only to miss due to his wounded 
condition, and the physad approaches cautiosly but rapidly too.  The 
dwarf, still finding it very difficult to breath, leaps up somehow, but 
with her facing away from the approaching physad, who draws a knife and 
prepares to plunge it down on the dwarf's shoulder and neck.  However, 
she drops suddenly to a kneeling position, spins around and sweeps his 
legs out from under him, dropping him to the ground and knocking this 
knife away too.  While not a throwing knife, she picks it up almost as 
quickly as it hits the ground and throws it, lopsided and everything, at 
the second soldier who is aiming at her.  It hits him on the top of the 
skull, driving hard into the brain and killing him almost instantly.  The 
physad, still stunned from his fall, doesn't see the dwarf's next move, 
her plunging his own knife into his left eye.

The dwarf, still alive but a bit bloody, leaps toward the fence where, 
through the slats you can see an Ares Roadmaster idling.  As she leaps to 
the top, a powerful explosion goes off, centered on the body that the 
lung was collapsed.  The explosion not only blasts the dwarf off the 
fence and into the Roadmaster, but also shreds all the bodies, craters 
the ground, and leaves a good 10m area laid waste.  Cranial nuke.  The 
dwarf appears to hit the truck really hard and lies on the sidewalk, 
dazed, when a tall elven woman exits the Roadmaster, picks up the dwarf, 
and takes her inside.  The Roadmaster quickly takes off from the area, 
heading north.

The recording begins to fade away.....

+++++End System Download+++++

I scanned the news for evidence of an explosion in Dallas-Ft. Worth and 
found that an amusement park was bombed by metahuman terrorists today, 
killing 6, wounding 8, and doing several thousand CAS dollars damage.  
Lone Star is looking for an Ares Roadmaster seen driving north after the 
exploion, but nothing has been forthcoming.

Now, does anyone have any clue why I was given this one?  The other I 
found and figured that the spells were loony enough to warrant you chums 
seeing them, but this one?  Beats me....]<<<<<
	--  Trideo Pirate <01:52:55/01-17-57>

>>>>>[Well, I can't speak for the mage there, but some of us use 
Centering skills to reduce drain.  Maybe he juggles to drop the drain he 
absorbs.  If that spell actually does implode people, then the drain's 
gotta be pretty bad.  And besides, juggling knives means that you have 
three or more weapons immediately available.  Not an entirely useless 
skill to have.]<<<<<
	--  Foxey Roxey <01:55:03/01-17-57>

>>>>>[I'll be sure to tell Skull that you didn't like his theatrics.  
I'm sure he'll appreciate your criticism.]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <01:58:46/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Trideo Pirate
>>>>>[It would be unwise to ever post anything regarding the individuals 
you uploaded tonight ever again.]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <02:01:39/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  AEPacker
>>>>>[Yeah, sure.]<<<<<
	--  Trideo Pirate <02:02:22/01-17-57>

>>>>>[Well, I must say that I liked the dwarven chick's moves. Nice and
slick. Not that her team is very high quality, pulling out on her like
that (fragging nice ass decker _there_). But how the hell can you
criticise an all female combat team? *mmmm* 

  Back to our dwarven friend: she was lucky those Yaks (looks like we got
a team of meta's wiping out those damn bigoted bastards... Now _theres_ a
novel idea... Reverse racism... Let's all commend them...) were acting
stupid. I have never seen a Yak that had any problem with pulling out his
fragging gun in the middle of a crowd and spraying wildly in the direction
of the target (an embaressing amount of colateral tends to occur this
way... Not even our fault this time. I have to say that now we know how
touchy you guys are on the subject...). They're probably going soft...
Now, try doing that to a Seoulpa. No, make that a _well equiped_
Seoulpa... heh...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <08:08:32/17-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: AEPacker
>>>>>[What? Can't "Skull" (I would figure that would be the bald
metachick, but you called him "he" so I'm figuring it's probably the guy)
read his own mail? 

   And I suppose you'er gonna try to bomb _us_ now because I just made
such an evil slur against the metaraces. If so, expect a much harder fight
than you got from those Yaks. We're mean. But I would like to meet that
dwarven lass -- very good moves. Style too... Hmmm...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <08:13:44/17-01-57>

>>>>>[Of course he can, except when he's busy.  Besides, we're all one, 
big happy family and we read each other's mail all the time.

As for racist comments, I'm hardly the one you'd need to worry about.  
That would be Fat Chance, the troll.

As for taking you on, I hardly think that will be necessary.  You're not 
likely to ever be a threat.

I'll be sure to tell Short Stuff you would like to meet her, though.  I'm 
sure she'll be so thrilled....

As for her team cutting out on her, she was more than capable of handling 
herself when I left.  Besides, the shots that Trideo Pirate uploaded, if 
you were observant enough to notice them, indicated that she asked me to 
perform a hot pick-up at the northeast corner.  Of course, understanding 
mil. and merc speak is beyond any runner who's not worked as a mercenary 
or come from a military background.

And one last thing.  The first group were Yaks.  The second, down here in 
Dallas-Ft. Worth were a Shiawase hit team.  Yaks may hose down areas, 
corps don't kill civilians unless no other option remains.  It's bad for 
buisness.]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <09:33:44/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Skull, Short Stuff, Fat Chance
>>>>>[J and G threat?]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <009:34:48/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  AEPacker, Short Stuff, Skull
>>>>>[Neg.  Shads say blowhards.  Null persp.]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <09:36:45/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Fat Chance, Skull, AEPacker
>>>>>[Concur.  Blind, harmless.  1 by 2 down.]<<<<<
	--  Short Stuff <09:38:28/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  AEPacker, Short Stuff, Fat Chance
>>>>>[Ignore.  Null provo.  Recall ASAP RSVP.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <09:40:36/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Skull
>>>>>[(click click)]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <09:41:45/01-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Skull
>>>>>[(click click)]<<<<<
	--  Short Stuff <09:42:23/09-17-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Skull
>>>>>[(click click)]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <09:42:55/09-17-57>

>>>>>[All right. About half an hour ago everything goes crazy. Someone
just set off a nuclear weapon, about 10-20 kilotons, in low lunar orbit.
A few comsats went tits-up for a few seconds and we lost GPS and GLONASS
coherency for a while, no word on casualties yet. Everyone's running around 
down the hall like headless chickens shouting about DROPKICK alerts and DEFCON 
status. All I know at the moment is that it's a commercial launch that went 
kaboom.

Someone's been playing with plutonium firecrackers in public. Not a 
clever thing to do. Can anyone here suggest who? More importantly,
can anyone suggest *why*? Test a weapon in a manner that's almost
impossible to deny or palm off onto others, in the most public way
possible. 

If anyone's interested, the tech-heads are babbling that there's a
tritium signature, so it's a professional weapon: not a cheap-and-
cheerful cherrybomb, a functional, practical weapon. We could have
a situation developing here. Can anyone tell me anything?

God damn, I knew retirement was getting to be too easy.]<<<<<
	-- Lynch <23:32:35/01-16-57>

*****PRIVATE: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[Things have been flying at several meters per second, and far too close
for confort. Nevertheless, I _think_ it's safe enough for me to stick my 
neck out in the open now...]<<<<<
	-- Goku (09:12:32/17-01-57)

*****PRIVATE: Tobai
>>>>>[Greetings. I have heard many good things about you, and I would like to
offer you a job. A teaching position, to be precise. I believe a man of
your expertise has many things to offer to the younger generation, is that
not true? Please contact me for details.

(Oh, and by the way, a friend of mine has until recently been playing some
games with my hardware, wich is the reason why some of my earlier attempts
to contact you resulted somewhat garbled. I believe it won't happen again.
Please accept my apologies)]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (12:47:32/01-18-57)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[Good morning, ma'am.

"You look exhausted, John."

I've slept very little since the test, I'm afraid.  I'm running on 
espresso currently, but will be laying down for several hours after we 
are finished.

"I'll try not to keep you too long.  I would like a status report."

The Court is in session and security is tight enough that intelligence 
has been totally unable to determine what, precisely, the meeting 
entails.  However, it is safe to assume that everyone important knows of 
our test at this point.  I have heard, however, from a source internal to 
MCT, that there have been various and partially successful attempts at 
delay.  However, I feel that we only have somwhere in the range of 2 or 3 
days before we receive a communication from the Court demanding full 
disclosure and one hell of an explanation.

"Very well.  How are security preparations going?"

All the continental Maxim HQs are on full alert, as are all the MAero 
groundstations.  In addition, all MAT and MAS facilities worldwide have 
upped thier security provisions.  We cannot maintain this state 
without signifigant loss of productivity for more than a week, escept 
at the HQs and vital production sites where we built this provision 
into the operations from the start.  In addition, this is the code for the 
BRB.  All you have to do is transmit it and everything tied in is activated.  

"Thank you.  I sincerely hope that I don't have to use it, though."

As do I, ma'am.

"Any additional information I should know about?"

Some of our facilities have been raided recently by independant 
shadowrunning teams.  We believe that most of them have been stopped 
prior to damage, but are certain that some of them succeeded.  All the 
target facilities had their security upgraded immediately after the 
raids.  No signifigant damage, and no information as to whom the hiring 
party is.  We naturally suspect corporate involvement, but in order to 
discover exactly who was involved would require diversion of assets 
better focused on the Big 8 and the Court.  And they've been a minor 
problem.  Nothing major at this point.

"Don't divert assets.  If it's not the Big 8 then they can be put aside 
and dealt with later."

Any news regarding Ute and TT?

"The good Prince contacte me and called me essentially insane and told me 
that I'd underestimated corporate response and resolve.  But as you agree 
with him, advised me to that effect, and then followed my orders anyway, 
we'll not discuss that.  Ute has contacted us and accepted our apologies 
and our offers.  They haven't moved to nationalize or expel, and they 
don't appear to be considering it anylonger.  However, next time we do 
something like this, and we shouldn't need to, we'll have to inform them 
first."

Of course, there could always be oversights, delayed transmissions, 
computer problems, etc....

+++++Begin transmission, Security to John_Skulkin.  Polling code...... 
Recieving code.....  Code verified.  Transmitting........ Awaiting 
verification.....Verification received.  Transmission complete.

Excuese me, ma'am, but I just recieved a priority coded direct 
transmission.  I need to peruse it quickly.

"It's not wise to keep me waiting, John."

This code is Court and Nuke related.  Please, give me a moment.

+++++Pause:  30 seconds

Most interesting, ma'am.  We now have an additional weapon, bringing the 
total to 9.  In addition, there are indications in at least 4 areas that 
various megacorps, including Ares, Saeder-Krupp, Aztechnology, and 
Mitsuhama, are moving units.  However, the areas are relatively far 
removed from most of our facilities, possibly as distractions.  No 
additional information is forthcoming and the Court is sealed tight, 
apparently to avoid our decryption experts decrypting the transmissions.  
The Court is using couriers of all things.

"Can we take a courier without risking severe retaliation?"

No, we can't.  That would be too much provocation in our current 
position, possibly in any position.  And we have no agents in position to 
foment an accident, either.

"Damn.  Well, I guess we operate in the dark, then.  The Court can't keep 
their actions completely and totally secret from us, not once they tell 
the member corporations what they plan."

Remember Ensenada, ma'am.  It is possible.

"But highly unlikely."

Mmmmmm....  Have you met your guards yet?  You had reviewed thier files 
as of yesterday.

"Yes I have, and I must say that I'm impressed.  Even more so than when I 
read the dossiers.  They will work out well, I suspect."

As do I. ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <11:13:20/01-18-57>

>>>>>[I will say this, and this alone Lopez.  

"It is said that knowledge comes only to those who seek it;  but some
knowledge pursues us without respite or mercy."

Ponder the meaning of this, and stay away from Platina.  That is the final
word until this matter is resolved.]<<<<<
	--the Dark Stranger<10:20:12/1-18-57>

*****PRIVATE: Draig Dau
>>>>>[I know not.  It shall be your quest.]<<<<<
	--Draig Un<10:26:27/1-18-57>

>>>>>[Understood.]<<<<<
	--Draig Dau<14:37:12/1-18-57>
          Draig Llwybr

+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[You folks heard it: th' situations's changed.  This is the shit, fo'
real: cor-por-aate motherfuckin' warfare.  Lopez and Az: get together at the
BOO and make sure all our gear is fully locked down; I'z goin' back Home to
finish preparing.  I want this mutha quail-tight by 1800.  And Lopez, try t'
avoid scaring the locals any more, a'ight? They don' think like you do.  And,
of course, I speak for the group employment, tho I know you wassn't tryin' to
step on my toes.]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  V-12  <12:51:49 / 01-18-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[Yeah, I got it.  Sorry fo' the fuckin' mix-up.  Mr. High and Goddamn
Mighty sounds like he's spoutin' his mystical shit again, fuckin' "pursued
forever" and whatnot, y'know?  If he's so damn smart, huh, why don't he level
it?  We all _know_ what happened th' lasstime.  Shit.  AN' he misunderstands my
posts too.  Well fuck it man, it looks like we done got some bigger fish to
_fry_ anyhow, an' I ain't gonna be the one who's ASSHOLE gets blown inside-out
befo' all _this_ is over... ]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  Lopez  <12:59:33 / 01-18-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[Mystique, Lopez, pure and simple. =)  The belief that the less others see
you as a person and the more like a Force to Be Reckoned With, the better.  And
the belief that you know better what to do with your knowledge than others.
Hell, sometimes they're even right.  Although if Platina is something as big as
D.S. makes it sound, I hope to _God_ that his "confidants" are on top of it.
Not that I wouldn't mind deciding for _myself_ whether I should have the info.
"Too much, I serve too many people/And when I finish hacking there won't be no
sequel." *smirk*

But come on, isn't it _wonderful_?  A nice, law-abiding corp decides to be a
nuclear player!  I mean, how marvelous can you get?!  I wonder how many women
and children they evicted to fund their work this time.  I don't FUCKING think
this was for anything so altruistic as deflecting the next Ice Age asteroid:
the only purpose of this shit is to kill people and make like your genitals are
bigger than the next one's.  Well it's not gonna stick if _I_ have anything to
say about it.  *snort*  And also, can you believe that shit about GPS being
disrupted?  It's all bullshit: do they think the military is really that wank?
Bastard obviously wasn't using a milspec transceiver.  Goddamn amateurs and
their disinformation.  Almost makes me long for the good old days of C4 and
spraypaint.  But I'm smarter than that. =) ]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  Azrael  <13:05:27 / 01-18-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
+++++engage DelosTheta 1.2
>>>>>[Now now, don't be too hard on them.  We both were in that boat once, and
we're all certainly still afloat on the same ocean.  But _why_ on earth would
a corp be so _stupid_ as to do something like this?  Are they that _obviously_
sui/homi-cidal?  Do they want another war, or were they simply not paying
attention in History class?  Fucking uncivil savages.  *sigh*  Right.  Well,
at least I've still got the Flock to keep me company.  That new stuff that we
got has only improved the _finest_ independent squadron of private aircraft in
the free world, _if_ I do say so myself.  I have to agree with Mr. N, though,
V-12: "Mink" is just _really_ really cute, and feels so _good_ under my
fingertips. =)  Maybe Az is getting some competition after all *smooch*  But of
course the proof is in the pudding, and we're talking Ethanol Jello here.  Take
heed: we'll be ready when the shit really hits the ducted fan. ]<<<<<
+++++disengage DelosTheta
	--  Valerie  <13:14:50 / 01-18-57>

>>>>>[Hoi Packer, just so you know, we run more professionally than you
could ever hope to. If it'd been us against that Shiawase squad, they
wouldn't have even had time to draw their guns...

     And about leaving a team member in: it doesn't happen. A real team
_doesn't_ do it. It's the whole damn team or nothing... Unless of course
you're just a bunch of runner wannabe's, in which case we can understand
it...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <18:49:15/18-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Marksanspensah
>>>>>[*grin* Good to hear about your hardware. I was starting to wonder... =)

   About the teaching: I'm interested. I can zip you off a copy of my
resume if you really want me to (It's kinda dull and boring, the highlights
being nine years of teaching computational theory, programming in the
large, integrated parallel constructs and realtime applications -- all
this was at NewCastle University (redbrick, not any of your posh places)). 

   A few questions: Where? When? Why me? Why someone on Shadowland? (I
assume you're gonna being doing some nasties with these pupils once I'm
done with them. I want to know the full gore before I commit myself) And
who the hell are these kids? 

   And what kind of guarentee can you give me for my safety? (this IS
Shadowland afteralll....)]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <18:55:38/18-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[I should know better than to ask: Freddy?

   Howzabout giving NewType another shot (it should be a little harder
this time: I've got Cynthia running an active security app. She's been
running it in a threespeeded (even she has operating perameters) sim, so
she should be pretty nasty...) *grin* I've got a few users now, so you'll
have to sleaze your way past them before you can even get NEAR the CPU's
SAN... And before you ask: yes, it is remote... *snicker*

   All of the ICE will be wearing tags. Make sure to get an ident before
you start trashing anything. I don't want LoneStar knocking on my door if
one of us frags up... Don't worry, the tags are completely autonamous. The
ICE won't know it's been scanned. Here's a copy of the scanner (it's
heavily checked, so don't bother trying to modify it... =)

+++++Include File: Goku's.ICE.Scanner]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <19:00:50/18-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Joseph Randell via SI Internal Comm. Net
>>>>>[+++++Transcript of Priority Telecomm Exchange Follows:
+++++Two rings before connect.

"Hello?"

Do you have any news yet?

"No. Not yet. Absolutely nothing. The Court is keeping itself completely
sealed. Lewis hasn't gotten back to us and it doesn't look like he will.
We've been watching the SK internal mail daemons and it appears that his
phone number and office have been reassigned. It appears SK finally found
him out. I'm sorry."

Hmm. Have a fund set up for any of his family's survivors. Keep it quiet.

"Yes ma'am."

What else?

"Maxim has finally closed it's matrix nodes. We hadn't made much progress,
but it's still a blow to our intelligence operations."

It's nice to see someone else out there is worried. Anything concrete?

"Nothing we didn't expect."

What about the runs?

"Most of them have been intercepted, but a few of them managed to do a bit
of damage. We have not yet been linked to them."

Keep it that way. I want absolutely no record of our involvement. And
stepup the attacks as well. 

"Yes ma'am."

What about Renaissance?

"You mean Platina? Nothing since the elves created their perimeter. A few
gorings, but nothing more. We have been able to get a toehold in the elven
military hierarchy, but that isn't bearing fruit yet. You might also be
interested to know that the Platina situation has attracted some attention
on the nearby shadowrunner bulliten boards. It--"

Does anyone know anything?

"Possibly. Shadowrunner's like to have their mistique though, so we can't
be sure."

Watch everyone involved. If there is even the _slightest_ chance that some
of them know something, I want them brought in. Understand?

"Yes ma'am."

Thankyou Joseph. It's nice to see that you're suffering as much as I am
because of this whole thing. 

"It's what you pay me for."

Your loyalty is overwhelming.

"I'm sorry ma'am."

Nevermind. And if you're at all inclined, feel free to get some sleep. 

"Thankyou ma'am."
+++++Connection Terminated]<<<<<
	-- SI Internal Security Logs <19:26:24/18-01-57>

>>>>>[Leaving a member in is done, IF it is on purpose.  Particularly on a
suicide mission or (semi-)permanent infiltration.  AEPacker, that was a well
executed mission at the circus, Jen and Gabe are just a couple of clowns, who
are always trying to rain on everyone's parade.  It's a pity they only seem
to rain on their own.]<<<<<
	-- Gunny (20:25:30 PST/ 01:18:56)

*****PRIVATE:  Skull
>>>>>[Perm respond?]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <18:44:34/01-18-57>

*****PRIVATE:  AEPacker
>>>>>[Hold.

(Sir, permission to respond to several runners who have been commenting 
about our operations?)

[Certainly.]

Aff.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <18:46:08/01-18-57>

>>>>>[You're absolutely right, they wouldn't have had a chance to draw 
their weapons.  But from what I've heard, the collateral damage would 
have been much higher, as would have been the number of additional 
fatalities.

And I don't know about the rest of the team(they're hardly "mine"), but 
calling me a runner is inaccurate.  I'm a soldier.  And soldiers do what 
they are told.  Next time you operate with a special forces unit and they 
tell you to leave and you don't, you'll be shot and killed unless you're 
dead already.  You're absolutely right, though.  The team is everything.

When you are personally responsible for saving 200 lives while another 
100 died in combat, then I'll listen to you with a little respect.  Until 
then.]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <18:53:58/01-18-57>

>>>>>[(YAWN)  Runners professional?  Please.  Mercenaries and soldiers 
and corporate forces are professional.  You go where your commander tells 
you and do what they tell.  If your employer shouts "Jump!"  You shout 
"How high!" while in the air.  I've spent over 20 years as a mercenary 
working for governments, corporations, oppressed peoples, and private 
individuals.  I follow a Code to the letter.  I know what I am capable of 
and what I'm not, and I am not afraid to tell someone that I can't do 
what they are asking for.

I am a professional.

Gunny, many thanks.  See you on the battlefield.  (Tips her hat)]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <19:00:40/01-18-57>

>>>>>[When you tell your team member to extract you from an unpleasant 
and volatile situation, it would be unprofessional for her not to follow 
your wishes.  Only a fraggin shadowrunner or wannabe-mercenary 
wouldn't.]<<<<<
	--  Short Stuff <19:04:41/01-18-57>

>>>>>[Please excuse my team, everyone, if thier attitudes about 
shadowrunners are somewhat caustic.  We have all had our run-ins and 
quality control problems over the years.

None of us are runners.  We are all soldiers, and gainfully employed as 
well.  I'm sure we all appreciate your concern, though.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <19:08:07/01-18-57>

>>>>>[+++++Include File: umbrella.construct3.918.mccl

   You might want to use this Gunny, we wouldn't want to see your delicate
mechanisms go all rusty...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <00:50:35/19-01-57>

>>>>>[Tyeah! Okay chummers. You're "soldiers". That makes you SOOOO much
more different from the rest of us. Newsflash: A fair chunk of the runner
population is somehow ex-military. And that includes us. What we did (I'm
not sure you "soldier" types understand this concept -- it means when you
actually _do_ something without waiting six and a half months to get it
cleared from some dumb-assed CEO who has NO idea whats going on) is kinda
private (we did the dirty stuff you haven't heard of. And never will), so
we're not about to tell you. But we will say this:

    We were part of an insertian team. A bunch of us would go in, frag
over a facility, and take out the goodies. No big deal. Everyone does that
drek. But when your team is important, you don't go putting parts of it in
jeapordy. Nobody has the right to tell you to leave a comrade where he or
she is gonna get trashed. That would burn up the team, not to mention frag
the privacy concept over pretty well too. We've kept dustoff waiting for
more than thirty minutes in hostile airspace to get the whole team out. If
the pickup had been trashed, then we would have either fought our way to
safety, or died (personally, I put my bets on the former. You do NOT want
to see Jenna when she's pissed). Null persp. All for one, neh?]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <01:02:02/19-01-57>

>>>>>[What my partner means to say is: If you leave someone to get
trashed, it's not their fault, its nobodies fault but yours. Nobody can
order you to let a buddy die. And if they do, the'd better prepare for an
earful of static...]<<<<<
	-- Jenna <01:04:47/19-01-57>

>>>>>[I am not a wuss!]<<<<<
	-- Gabriel <01:04:48/19-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Gabriel 
>>>>>[Yes you are, dear. Now be a good boy and feed Killer]<<<<<
	-- Jenna <01:04:49/19-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Jenna
>>>>>[Say that again. I dare you.]<<<<<
	-- Gabriel <01:04:50/19-01-57>

>>>>>[Fine. Gabriel >>CORRUPTED<< you are a wu--
+++++LINE ERROR (1) -- ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT
$#DF}[R] at [-gd]
           34g~~\fj45FGB{
+++++LINE ERROR (2) -- TERMINATING CONNECTION
+++++CONNECTION TERMINATED
+++++Reset Privacy Level? <y/n>y

     Just so you all know: I'm not a wuss. And this is Gabe...]<<<<<
	-- Jenna <01:04:53/19-01-57>
                        

*****PRIVATE:  Skull
>>>>>[J et G def corp.  Prince uncle.  Scan?]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <00-14-46/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE:  AEPacker
>>>>>[Neg.  Min risk et prio.  Go cure, wanna.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <00:17:42/01-19-57>

>>>>>[I take it then you're part of a corporate black ops squad, then.   
I'll remember to file that away as a potentially useful bit of information.  
Oh, and we never said we were "ex" anything.  We _are_ soldiers, not ex- 
soldiers.]<<<<<
	--  AEPacker <00:21:19/01-19-57>

>>>>>[When you've fought in Poland during the EuroWars, Thailand, 
Cambodia, both sides of the Aztlan civil war, and four Desert Wars 
campaigns, then you'll have earned your bragging rights.  When you have 
your Code, then you'll have earned fairness in combat.  When you have 
lived to your word and proven your honor, you'll have earned my respect.

Until then.]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <00:27:39/01-19-57>

>>>>>[I'm surprised that you runners haven't hunted these blowhards down 
yet.  Or are they just not annoying enough?]<<<<<
	--  Short Stuff <00:30:51/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Fat Chance, Short Stuff, AEPacker
>>>>>[CND.  JS say nullit.  QB too.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <00:33:30/01-19-57>

>>>>>[People try to hunt us down all the time. Either they all _really_
suck, or we're just _really_ good. And considering the number of folks who
have tried to slag us, I'd have to say that it's statistically highly
improbable that they all sucked. Even though a fair number of them did...

   And no, we haven't faught in the Eurowards. And whats all this "Code"
drek? You have weapons, you use them, neh? You keep your team in one peice
(which you seem barely capable of. I guess I'm glad we're not soldiers.
I'd feel pretty drekky if I'd been trained to leave folks behind for
retarded reasons), and ce ca. Oh. Lemme guess. "Always take your hat off
to a lady before your tear her throat open with a minigun" or something,
right? Frag off. Your worse than the "matrix-walkers"... No offense
Mercury, just a nice friendly josh...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <08:13:19/19-01-57>

>>>>>[As CO of my team, I have disallowed them from further responses to 
your mail.  If we wanted you dead, or if my CO wanted you dead, you'd be 
dead.  You can choose to believe that or not as is your perogative.

Unlike you, however, my team follows orders, even when the don't make 
sense to outsiders.  Obviously you've never lived by any code of honor or 
code of combat like a mercenary, or you would understand Fat Chance's way 
of life, and to a lesser extent, the rest of our lives as well.  If you 
wish to understand and learn, check out the Fields of Fire mercenary 
compilation elsewhere on this board.  Otherwise, lay off my team in this 
regard.  You only show your ignorance otherwise.

Good day.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <11:25:39/01-19-57>

>>>>>[Let's see, Fat Chance is the Troll lady, right? And you say you've
fought in Poland during the Euro Wars... hmmm. I know it's unpolite to 
ask something like this to a lady, but how old are you?]<<<<<
	-- Goku (13:12:34/01-19-57)

>>>>>[Something you all might find interesting, on the _off_ chance that you
don't watch the news.
+++++include trideo
"This is Chelsea Wong reporting for Turner Networks with an update on the
developing nuclear crisis.  Sources have now confirmed that it was indeed a
nuclear weapon which was detonated on the dark side of the moon, damaging or
destroying several sattelites and producing a burst of interference on many
radio frequencies.  We have word that an emergency session of the "Corporate
Court" has been called, though the press has been strictly excluded from the
discussions.  It would _seem_ that a private corporation was behind the test,
though exactly which remains a mystery.  The corporations are keeping a very
tight rein on information, but the Ares corporate rep did have this to say
this morning."

Cut to a view of a the lobby of some large office building, its spacious
interior furnished with subtle but eloquently expensive desks, chairs, and
couches.  A tall, balding man clad in a dark blue business suit and spectacles
is striding across the lobby toward the elevators, surrounded by six immensely
muscular men in loose-fitting suits and sunglasses.  Trailing behind the man
is a gaggle of medias sprouting cameras and boom microphones, frantically
shouting questions.  One of the voices manages to rise enough above the din to
be clearly audible: "Can you tell the public anything to allay fears of nuclear
proliferation?!"

The man breaks his stride and spins on his heel to address the crowd.  His
brow is furrowed into a deep scowl, and his voice is hard and commanding.  "I
will say only this.  No sane person believes for a _second_ that nuclear war is
a good idea.  There are no _winners_, no _victors_, only thousands or millions
of people vaporized or poisoned by radiation.  Both the corporations and the
national governments of the world have labored long and hard to reduce the
threat of nuclear weapons; some terrorist organization is now trying very hard
to countermand our efforts and return to the days of bomb-shelters and fear.
Ares is _firmly_ committed to the prevention of such an atrocity, and is an
_active_ member of the coalition who is seeking the culprit to make them answer
_in_full_ for their crime against society.  The public may Rest Assured that
this matter will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.  I have no further
comment."  The man turns and resumes his stride, bodyguards fending off the
mob of reporters.
+++++end trideo

An interesting appeal to maintaining the peace from one of the leading makers of
the tools of war.  Of course, it's also true that man is a violent animal, and
that true peace will never be more than a dream, so corps like Ares will always
serve a purpose.  In fact, _no_ rational corp wants wholescale destruction of
civilians: it would ruin their market.  Ares may just be acting out of
expedience, but it's expedience I can at least agree with. =) ]<<<<<
	--  Azrael  <13:46:03 / 01-19-57>

>>>>>[I think we've all had about enough of this merc-this/merc-that shit.  If
you've got your male-bonding and your Code of Honor, good for you.  _Everyone_
has their own Code of Ethics, even if they don't have to write it down to
remember it like some people seem to.  It's _supposed_ to go without saying,
unless you're somehow insecure about it.  So you fought in various God-forsaken
parts of the world.  Join the statistical parade.  Millions have fought and
died in _war_ over the course of civilization.  The only ones who are remembered
are the people that changed the politics.  Maybe instead of fighting the war
you should think about fighting the cause _behind_ the war.  _That's_ what
happens when you think for yourself and don't obey the pack-leader like a bunch
of trained dogs.  Unlike mercenaries who are paid to let someone else make
decisions for them, the "shadowrunner" is a free agent, taking causes only if
they suit them.  The "runner" gets paid and the merc gets paid, but the runner
gets his pay for doing what he feels is right.  If what you want to do is
follow orders, why not get lobotomized and have an expert system installed?
It'd be more efficient, and save us having to hear all the bullshit at the same
time... ]<<<<<
	--  CORRUPTED  <CORRUPTED / CORRUPTED>

>>>>>[I goblinized when I was 14, joined the army at age 17, and saw 
combat first in 2032.  I am now 43 and have spent the last 26 years in 
combat.]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <15:38:41/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE: Fat Chance
>>>>>[Ahhh. Goblinized. that explains a lot. I have a friend who was born a 
Troll, you see, and she is acutely aware of the accelerated ageing rates
some metahumans are prone to. Of course, if you were born human you don't
have to worry about that]<<<<<
	-- Goku (15:45:23/01-19-57)

>>>>>[Most interesting, Mr. Corrupted.  In my experience, it's the other 
way around.  Mercenaries walk when the orders contradict their code while 
runners don't give a flying frag about what they do to who just so long 
as they get paid.  I've hired more runners who would frag over thier 
mothers for a nuyen than who actually cared about the job they did.  
Naturally, there are exceptions, but they are just that;  exceptions.  
The rule, in my experience and the experience of my team as well, is that 
runners are noisy, have no honor or code except what the almighty nuyen 
dictates, totally unprofessional, with an attitude that their bodies and 
brains can't support.

As a runner, your word is your signature.  As a mercenary, my signature 
is on a written contract, and that contract says that I can walk under 
various circumstances.  If you try that as a runner after you've given 
your word, most fixers will gun you down, and if they don't, then they 
should.  As a runner, you usually don't know who you're working for and 
what the game is.  As a mercenary, I always know exactly who I'm working 
for and precisely what the game is, or I walk.  As a runner, you almost 
never know who's calling the shots(not necessarily the same person as 
your employer) unless they let you know.  As a mercenary, I know exactly 
who gives me my orders and why.  

As a runner, you have no way to influence the causes.  Most runners view  
the corporate world as the cause of the world's current woes, and they'd 
be half right.  Yet runners exist simply because the corporations of 
this world allow them to.  Runners, otherwise known as "temporary,  
disposable, and deniable assets" in corporations, are bought, sold, 
traded, eliminated, and created at corporate whim.  If the corporations 
of the world wanted all runners destroyed, you'd all be dead.  Runners 
exist because they're useful and so long as they remain useful, they will 
continue to exist.  But the instant that runners become more of a hassle 
than they are worth, the entire "culture" will be destroyed.  To belive 
that you can actually influence the corporate world that lets you live is 
hubris and hypocritical.

Mercenaries existed far before runners did.  We exist appart from the 
corporate world.  The corporations could blow up the planet tomorrow and 
mercenaries would still exist, selling thier brains, bodies, and blood to 
nations, warlords, or whoever remained to pay them.  Corporations will 
never destroy mercenaries, even if they could, because they need us far 
more than we need them.  Mercenaries always have alternatives to 
corporate work; runners do not.  Mercenaries have a power to influence 
the world that runners cannot have, and never will.  Mercenaries have 
turned the tides of war more times than I can count.  Mercenaries hired 
as advisors are in positions of power, capable of changing policy with a 
well placed and spoken word.  Mercenaries have the ability to stop war 
before it starts, or to turn it off before it goes too far.  I can count 
the number of runners who have ever had that power on one hand, but I 
lost count years ago on the number of times I alone weilded that much 
power, exercised that power, and changed the world.]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <16:16:14/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Skull
>>>>>['nough?]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <16:17:06/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Fat Chance
>>>>>[Aff.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <16:17:57/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Goku
>>>>>[Personally, you're absolutely correct.  But my husband died of old 
age 6 years ago, at the age of 33.  "Who wants to live forever...."]<<<<<
	--  Fat Chance <16:21:44/01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE: Valerie
>>>>>[*GROWL* Can you believe this shit:  "as a runner, your word is your
signature".  What does that mean?  My name (and my Icon) are signature enough,
and they go on every contract I agree to too.  Breach of contract is as
legitimate a phenomenon for us as it is for them.  And I rather _doubt_ that
those bozos actually know who is giving their precious CO their orders, or
what that person is thinking.  And if they think they've got the _why_ for
all their orders, they're fucking nutcase.  And as for influencing causes,
I know what my cause is, and I sure as fucking hell know that I'm working
toward it.  I hang with the crew because that's how to be effective, and we
all agree before taking the contract; none of this arbitrary helpless shit.
Not to mention that the corps will never decide to get rid of 'runners, because
they need what we provide.  Not that if they decided to wipe us all out they
could do it, any more than they could exterminate all the over-confident mercs.
And who cares if mercs have been around since the dawn of time.  Large,
clunky groups of clods tramping around and following orders.  Wonderful.
Anyone can wield a sword; it takes subtlety and brains to wield a knife after
sneaking into your target's room, and even more to make it out alive again.
Certainly, the mercs are as much at the mercy of economics as we are.  Hell,
even more, since most corps that want a military force would rather do it
in house than hire out to a bunch of people with independent loyalties.

Oh, and what's this "mercs hired as advisors" bullshit?  If the ruling cadre
was that weak, why was it in power in the first place?  Hiring an advisor such
as that is tantamount to selling out your entire power base.  And the ability
to stop war at the touch of a button?!  WHERE THE FUCK WERE THEY TO STOP THE
TWO WORLD WARS?!?!?!?  Could they have stopped the destruction of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki?  _*FUCK*NO*_!!!  Goddamn bastard-ass shit-sucking motherfuckers
have NO fucking idea what they're even talking about.  Clearly they sold out
what is left of their _idiotic_ brains to their commanders long ago....
And the truly powerful runners are _not_ the ones he's even heard about.  And
if he wants to ego trip and say that he was so instrumental in the course of
history........

*SIGH*  What a sad ego-tripping motherfucker.  I know I shouldn't let this
shit get to me, but...with this nuclear shit and all.  *sigh*  Goddamn.  I
just hope this shit blows over soon...so that we... ]<<<<<
	--  Azrael  <17:18:45 / 01-19-57>

*****PRIVATE: Azrael
>>>>>[*sigh* I know how you feel.  I'm all hyped-up too for this nuclear
showdown stuff, but it is pretty stressful.  And then to have people so
obviously and perniciously stupid as these.  Don't worry about a few idiots
with oversized egos.  I'm still here.  I...know it won't be the same, but why
don't you and I use It at [ENCRYPTED] tonight.  I...think we both are long
overdue.]<<<<<
	--  Valerie  <17:37:49 / 01-19-57>

>>>>>[No offense taken on my part, even though I am a "shadowrunner".  Gunny
happens to be my brother, and I, too, used to work for the Feds.]<<<<<
	-- Buzz (The one the Only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

>>>>>[Yeah Skull. Whatever you say. Merc's code of honour. Yep. Yep. Heard
it all before. 

   We don't give a flying frag what your team does or why. For all we
care, you could go on a mad shooting spree in the middle of a kiddy's
hospital with popguns. Whatever spins your crank. 

   Your life is yours to lead. You make all the mistakes you want. We just
so happen to hold a few opinions, and we become worried for the welfare of
a team when it's willing to bug out on a member who's under fire. And
since this world we live in is a democracy that supports some modicum of
free speach, we decided to let our concerns be known, so as to allow a you
to benefit from our vast and immeasurably valuable pool of experience. 

    And telling your team to shut up wasn't a very nice thing to do. We
were just starting to get involved. Killer was even starting to take a
liking to the smell of your posts.

+++++Include Image: Killer.smelling.post]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <00:01:20/20-01-57>

>>>>>[Goku, we all know how stupid that question really is. She's
_obviously_ just a really long lived ork with a DREK LOAD of experience.
Duh. She wouldn't make that kind of crap up... Geez. You're WAY too
cynical.]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <00:05:45/20-01-57>

>>>>>[You folks definitely do go out of your way to provide a good show,
don't you? *grin* 

    I don't want to make any comments about posturing or anything like
that, since I know most of you, and I know that isn't something most of
you would do, but I find your various point's of view very interesting.
What exactly are your Codes of Honour? *grin* I'm pretty sure I'd rather
be stuck in a fire fight involving Skull's team rather than Jen and Gabe
(no offense meant, its just that you two seem to have made quite a
reputation for yourselves), or at least I'm assuming that's true. Tell me
more! I want to know! =)]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <00:09:59/20-01-57>

>>>>>[No worries chummer. Here's a hint: if you're ever caught in a fire
fight between us and some folks stupid enough to try to stop us from where
we want to be, just keep down. We don't kill for fun, and so long as
you're a smart bystander, you'll be a live bystander. But keep in mind
ammunition tends to explode when it's burning or on fire, so you DON'T
want to be near the bad guys (them), by far the safest place is somewhere
near the good guys (us), but not too close, 'cause you might get hit by a
(one of theirs) stray shot. And make sure not to move around too quickly,
or else we might mistake you for a badguy (it's happend a few times, even
to us) after which point, we take no further responsibility.

 Here, how about this: Gabe'll make up a nice dayglo yellow card that says
"Get out of firefight free card. Redeemable at any firefight." and fax it
to you. You just carry that around, and whenever you get stuck in a fire
fight (it'll probably work best in one that we're involved in. You can
easily recognize us by our overwhelming charm, style and good looks) pull
it out of your pocket and hold it up in the air (you may wish to use a
stick or something unless you want a baddy to remove that appendage). We
will then make a concerted effort not only to miss you, but to actually
advance in such a manner as to keep you safe.
 
   Sound fair?]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <00:22:21/20-01-57>

>>>>>[Even I am answerable to someone, you two.  You may have no-one but 
yourselves to answer to, but I have my CO as well.  In some lines of 
work, drawing attention to yourself is fatal.  My team and I were drawing 
too much attention, thus partial blackouts were necessary.  Sometime 
revealing your connections and abilities is advantageous, other times 
it's not.  At this stage, my CO has determined that it is not advantageous.

Considering how the shadows reacted to the decker Dante's presence a year 
ago, I find it absolutely fascinating that you two are still alive.  In 
some ways, you draw more attention than Dante ever did.]<<<<<
	--  Skull <22:22:04/01-19-57>

>>>>>[What exactly is the difference between a merc and a runner?]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <00:27:31/20-01-57>

>>>>>[Hey Skull, I thought you'd decided to shut up? Or does that just go
for your "hirees" (which are just SOOO different from us runners)? That
doesn't really fit with the righteous and godly merc image, y'know. After
all, aren't you supposed to be the champions for goodness and light?
Truth, justice, and the mercinary way? (ie, doing REALLY stupid stuff,
instead of just marginally retarded stuff)

   And if you want to know why we're still alive? The answer starts with
an "S", ends with two "ll"s and has a "ki" in between. No, not "llkis",
"skill"... Dunce...]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <00:35:44/20-01-57>

>>>>>[(spit)Ya know, as little as I is likin what yer sayin, Skull(spit), 
I gotta agree o'bout one part.  Jen and Gabe're mighty loud, 'n(spit) I 
is thinkin that bumfuck luck's playin a bit(spit) bigger part in they're 
livin than anythin else.(spit)]<<<<<
	--  Josie Wails <22:46:37/01-19-57>

>>>>>[Mercenaries, you say?  Interesting.

+++++Pause:  5 minutes

Oh, that's good.  Hi, Ter... er, Skull.  You really should have kept that 
physical mask spell up.  And Short Stuff, still having problems with 
Shiawase, I see.  AEPacker, you've moved up in the world.  Not surprised, 
considering your skills and experience.  Congratulations.  And last but 
not least, Fat Chance.

Hate to do this, but as I know all four of them, I have to admit that 
they're skills and experience are all that they say they are.  Such a 
fine joke, though.  I'll not spoil it.]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <22:53:43/01-19057>

*****PRIVATE:  Action Jackson
>>>>>[(click click)]<<<<<
	--  Skull <22:54:49/01-19-57>

>>>>>[Well, I'll let this speak for itself.]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <23:21:26/01-19-57>

>>>>>[Hi, everyone.]<<<<<
	--  Diana, Mistress of the Night <11:22:01/01-19-57>

>>>>>[Congradulations, Alex. We are pleased for your daughter's
health.]<<<<<
	-- Righteous and Dana <CORRUPTED/CORRUPTED>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Communications Log
>>>>>[Ma'am, I am receiving a transmission from the Corporate Court, direct 
feed, real time.  Shall I put it through?

"Let the good justices wait a moment.  Making them sweat a moment will 
provide a little leverage."

Very well.

+++++Pause:  43 seconds

"Long enough, John.  Patch them through."

Activate communications, full A/V.

"Gentlemen and ladies.  My apologies for not being able to respond 
immediately, but I was indisposed.  What can I do for you this morning?"

(Good morning, Ms. Velli.  As your time, and ours, is prescious, we will 
attempt to keep this transmission short.  You are, of course, aware of 
the recent nuclear detonation on the far side of the moon.  The Court 
would like for you to open your research databases to inspection.)

"You'll understand if I ask why."

(We believe your company to have been responsible for the detonation.  We 
would like you to allow inspection so that we may verify your innocence 
or guilt in this matter.  It destroyed several sattelites and created 
problems with various navigational and communications systems, and we'd 
like to know who we should charge the bill to.)

"I see.  I'm sorry, your Honors, but I cannot allow Corporate Court 
representatives to inspect Maxim research databases, even on a small scale.  
That would be paramount to sitting back and allowing corporate espionage 
on an unprecedented scale.  As the president of Maxim Arms, I would be 
remiss in my duties if I permitted Court representatives to inspect 
anything owned or operated by Maxim Arms or thier subsidiaries on simply 
the request of the Court.  If you have evidence of our involvement in the 
detonation, please present it and I may reconsider.  Maxim Arms lost a 
sattelite to the EMP as well as having our communications temporarily 
disrupted as well."

(So you are refusing to comply with a mandate of the Court?)

"You stated that it was a request, your Honors, not a documented 
mandate."

(Prepare to recieve a transmission, then.)

+++++Receiving transmission from Corporate Court:  Maxim_Mandate-document

(Please read it quickly.  Our time is prescious.)

+++++Pause:  45 seconds

"Your Honors, even after receiving this, I am afraid that the answer 
remains no.  I will not allow Court representatives to inspect Maxim 
research databases."

(Do you not accept the veracity of the mandate, Ms. Velli?)

"No, I do accept it.  But as a corporation in the forefront of the second 
tier megacorporations, I feel that it is as important to make a 
statement.  Specifically, Maxim must lead the way in resisting 
unsubstantiated claims and illegal requests from the Court.  I will not 
open Maxim databases because doing so is contrary to personal and 
corporate principles."

(Ms. Velli, cut the bulldrek.  You won't open your research to scrutiny 
because all the evidence that you see in that mandate is circumstantial 
and you want to save your company's collective ass.  You know that only 
by opening your databases will we finally know the truth.  And with the 
rather large psychological file we justices have on you, we know that you 
don't give a flying frag about principles except when they happen to 
coincide with your goals.  Well, Ms. Velli, do you still refuse?)

"Yes, as President and CEO of Maxim Arms, I do refuse."

(Fine.  Your refusal will be noted in Court records.  Prepare to receive 
a document.)

+++++Receiving Corporate Court Document:  Maxim_Nuke_Mandate-document

(As you can see, it's rather large.  I'll summarize and allow you to read 
it closely at your leisure.  You, Ms. Velli, as president and CEO of 
Maxim Arms are hereby ordered by the duly appointed representatives of 
the Corporate Court to cease and desist all operations involving the 
refinement, creation, and production of all nuclear and thermonuclear 
devices.  All currently existing devices are too be removed from orbit as 
well as the following locations and placed in a single, high security
facility where they will remain indefinately.  In addition, Maxim Arms will 
consolidate all weapons grade nuclear material to the same site and pay 
for the adequate precautions and safety requirements.  In addition, Maxim 
Arms will pay reparations to all corporations that the detonation 
affected in any way, shape, or form.  In addition, Maxim Arms will agree to 
never produce additional nuclear devices or to use the weapons grade 
nuclear material for any military purpose.  In addition, Maxim Arms will 
allow regularly scheduled corporate inspection teams into said facility 
for the purpose of inspection and verification.  In addition Maxim Arms 
will agree never to remove said materials and devices from said facility 
under pain of Corporate Court Omega Order.  In addition, Maxim Arms will 
comply to the mandate of the Corporate Court within 72 hours.

Do you have questions or additional comments, Ms. Velli?)

"What proof do you have to justify your mandate?"

(Please read the mandate in whole, Ms. Velli, and your question will be 
answered.  Anything else?)

"This is quite a shock, your Honors, and I will protest this action."

(Very droll, Ms. Velli.  Please be aware that your protest will never 
arrive at the Court, and never be seen.  It will, regretably, be 
unrecoverably lost and/or unreadable due to faulty communications lines 
that had been affected by the recent EMP.  Good day, Ms. Velli.  We will 
await your compliance with our mandate.)

+++++Connection terminated at Corporate Court

"FRAG!  John, why didn't you see this coming?"

Intelligence couldn't penetrate the secrecy around the Court.  Our only 
agent from the Org days was deep spaced almost a year ago, and we were 
unable to place an agent in the pipeline from the Court to the Big 8.

"Copy that mandate, give a copy to the lawyers, keep one for yourself, 
and begin the very gradual movement of nukes.  Find a facility, up the 
security.  We want the Court to see we have begun to comply.  But keep it 
VERY slow.  I want it to take years.  Implement whatever you have to in 
order to ensure this."

Yes, ma'am.  ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Communications Log <10:41:48/01-20-57>

>>>>>[ just saw all of this and could not help but have to add to the fray.
First to Jen and Gab, lay off Skull's team, I ran in to them about 5-6yrs back,
in whats left of china, we were overrun buy them(we were out numbered) and when
we gave up, they did not do what comes to a few "shadowruners" would do and
kill all of the hostages, even for the fact that we did slug it out for a long
time, and I'm shure we both lost some freinds in the fight.
And second skull not all 'runners are that bad.  It's the people not what they
do.]<<<<<
	--Death Jestor (1:17:25/1-20-57)
      of Team Heads Will Roll

>>>>>[You gave up? LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSER!]<<<<<
	-- Jen and Gabe <20:03:41/20-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Elyena Hayes via SI Secure Internal Telecomm
>>>>>[+++++Transcript of telecomm transmission follows:
+++++1 ring.

Hello?

"It's here. The message just arrived."

Nothing personal? I'm offended.

"It came by courier. The letter has been sent to your office and should
arrive some time this evening."

Did you open it?

"Yes. All it says is 'begin'. The threat is implied."

We might as well begin then mightn't we?

"Yes ma'am. Do you authorize the assault?"

I do. 

"Very good ma'am. Deployment shall begin immediately."

Very well. Try to keep our casualties to a minimum. And keep our name out
of the spotlight for as long as possible. I don't think the shareholders
will be very pleased when they hear about what their retirement
investments are going into.

"No ma'am."

Start with a few costly accidents. Take one of their ships or something.

"Very well ma'am."]<<<<<
	-- SI Security Log <CORRUPTED/20-01-57>

>>>>>[Can we lay off bashing mercs and shadowrunners? I've been both for...
longer than I like to remember. You'll be starting on civil servants next
and that will *really* start to annoy me. I've known runners who were
gun-happy scum and mercs who would follow orders to kill their own
mothers, mercs who were some of the most honest soldiers I knew and
runners with a sense of honour that left me ashamed of myself. 

And, word of warning, nobody go near any government facilities for a few
days. With all this recent hassle, the security is sort of trigger-happy
at the moment. 

*More* corporations with nuclear weapons. Boy, do I feel safer. Not. We've
had them for one hundred and twelve years and we're still scared of them.
These bozos have owned theirs for a few months. One wonders if they realised 
what they just bought themselves into.

They almost certainly don't. All I know for sure is that I'm likely to have
to help clean this mess up.]<<<<<
	-- Lynch (09:40/20-1-57)

*****PRIVATE: Fat Chance
>>>>>[I'm sorry to hear about your husband, ma'm. Rest assured however, that
not all Japanese are as foolish about race as those Yakuza fools you 
rightly chastised. And neither are all shadowrunners unprincipled scum
(Although I'll be the first to admit that I have met a fair share who would
fit that description)]<<<<<
	-- Goku (10:45:23/01-21-57)

>>>>>[Gee Lynch, now that you mention it, Civil Servants _are_ the scum
of the earth. Hahah]<<<<<
	-- Goku (10:40:21/21-01-57)

*****PRIVATE: Gryphon
>>>>>[Talking about desk hugging parasites, hey, YOU! I ain't hiding anymore,
so you can tell your bosses at the Renraku head office that they can stop
sending their bruisers looking for me. I'm ready to take the first assignment.
And remember, the agreement is five jobs and I'm through. No more]<<<<<
	-- Goku ("#%^%EH%/$"!%%^&$)

  
>>>>>[Excusemoi, but if we're gonna spend this much bandwidth on
the subject:
MERC: someone you hire when you want applied violence.
'RUNNER: someone you hire when you want something done, usually illegal,
but not directly including blowing up the other guy. Despite this, a
lot of 'runs degrade into violence anyway.

Personally, I prefer 'running to merc-work, because the cost-benefit
ratio is so much higher. Just last week I made 12k for doing what was
essentially library research.]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <LadyIn/MyLife>

>>>>>[Hi, lady Di. Good to have you back among the conscious.]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <Human/Nature>

*****PRIVATE: Tobai Dark
>>>>>[I do not need your resume. I have researched your background already
(Like you said yourself, this IS Shadowland after all) I arrived at your
name through a rather circuitous route. I contacted an agency specialising
in locating personell, gave them the parameters I needed, and they used
their databases and investigative resources to provide me with a list of
names. Yours was in the top ten match, and since I recognized you from 
Shadowland, you appeared to be a likely choice.

That is the 'how'. The 'What':

You have, I assume, heard of Haven, mmm? The barrens refuge and all around
goody-two shoes operation to save the soul of this troubled city. What is
less well known is the fact that Haven is a training ground for Ryaka Science
and Tech security personnel. I aim to do the same on a smaller, more modest,
and slightly more direct form. We are taking in volunteers from the city's
disenfranchised youth and offering them the training that will allow them
to survive in today's world. 

And I want you to be one of the instructors. Your task will not limit itself
to teaching these kids ways of using computers to break the law - Indeed,
most of your pupils will have some experience already in that field. What
you are to do is to provide them with an in-depth understanding of the place
of matrix operators in the world today, in short, matrix etiquette, as well
as your considerable technical expertise, of course.

As for the 'where', I am afraid I cannot reveal that over this line, but If
you are interested I can give you a guided tour of the facilities.

Can I guarantee your security? I won't make extravagant promises I cannot keep,
but part of the contract includes a DocWagon Platinum card, and an armoured
vehicle for commuting purposes.

Of course, the classes could be given remotely, but I fear this would not be
satisfactory in the firts stages of the project.

Do contact me with your reply]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (11:20:22/21-01-57)

>>>>>[Goku, you suffer from a case of mistaken identity. You've evidently
confused me with someone who might actually care what you think. <g>]<<<<<
	-- Lynch (21:05:21/21-01-57)

*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[Very good, we're glad you decided to listen to reason. We
(that is, my superior in security) would like you to begin by investigating
the incidents here in Seattle last year, surrounding a nuclear facility
in Redmond and a school for wayward youths in the same area. I believe
the headmaster of that school was incarcerated at the time; I'm sure it
was on the newsfiles.

I'm not sure why they feel this is important, but I think that they
think that there might be some connection between this and the current
nuclear crisis, and that they're trying to score some points with the
Corp Court.

Come up with something on this, and if you do it fast enough, there might
e something extra in it for you.]<<<<<
	--Gryphon <13:56:20/21-01-57>
	  Matrix Security
	  RENRAKU/SEATTLE

*****PRIVATE : Stripe
>>>>>[ Hoi Chummer, I haven't seen Gawain anywhere. Do you 
think he went back to London? Now that you remind me I 
haven't seen anyone since G.O.D. went up in puffs but I 
think Nova still has G's Colt and some of his HEAPDS shells? 
I can't say I feel good about that. Teal sends her love, pop 
down the Club'd To Death sometime and we'll chat. ]<<<<<
	--The Woodpecker <14:14:23/Outtalunch>

>>>>>[Did the elves take care of whatever it was in Platina?  I haven't heard
anything in a while.]<<<<<
	--Rage<10:20:26/1-22-57>

>>>>>[Greetings, I represent a group of individuals and organizations
who are intent on delivering the cutting edge of biotech and cyber research
into the hands of (meta)humanity. For this purpose we need the cooperation
of brave and resourceful individuals who will take it upon themselves to
test the limits of these exciting new technologies.]<<<<<
	-- Blackjack (00:46:12/22-01-57)

>>>>>[<grin> No harm intended, Lynch-san. My old man was a civil servant.
I come from a long line of civil servants. _That_ is how I know they are
the scum of the earth ;)]<<<<<
	-- Goku (00:35:21/01-22-57)

*****PRIVATE: Gryphon
>>>>>[That was quick. Very well, I will have results within two days. 
]<<<<<
	-- Goku (TraceThis/DeskHugger)

>>>>>[Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Sorry 'bout that folks.  Other things're 
coming up.  Any of you ever heard of a guy, fixer or a Johnson - I 
still can't decide - callin' himself Mr. Flash?  I've done some work 
for him before - stuff like Moonwalker was talking about - library 
work really.  Now, instead of the skeletons, he wants whole 
bodies.]<<<<<
	-- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In) 

>>>>>[Da man means 'Guinea pigs', chummers]<<<<<
	-- Brocken Bone (14:23:12/22-01-57)

*****PRIVATE: Tobai
>>>>>[W-w-wow To-to-tobai-sama. Y-y-y-y-you c-c-c-certainly h-h-h-h-have
upgraded sec-security at N-n-new-new-new-new - The BBS.

Ex-ex-excuse mm-m-me a m-moment

+++++RUN MEDIC PROGRAM
Diagnostic: Construct integrity 86% Partial Memory corrupt - Reloading
master copies, please wait.....................................................
...............................................................................
Done. 
Defrag active. Please wait.....................................................
............................................Done.
Hardware damage - Negative.
Mediscan on. Wetware damage - Negative. Activate stress relief program
+++++Activate Mellow_out.sim
 
Ahh. Muuch better. As I was saying, the security at Newtype is certainly 
a big improvement from last time - You get my vote as 'Most secure system
owned by a private individual who isn't filthy rich'.

Took some bad hits from that concealed Killer IC - What do you call that, the
'Purloined letter IC'? I never expected it to be there.

All in all, the biggest flaw is it's biggest advantage - Your hardware has 
some severe limits when it comes to this kind of rough play, so I had to
enter with a _very_ slim deck, wich is to the advantage of the defence,
but there at the end I think you tried something like 'party ICE', is that
right? Whatever it was, as I jacked out I got the distinct impression the
node I was in crashed. Gotta watch the system load!

Have fun finding out what I did during the 5 minutes I was in undetected! 
:P

+++++Activate: Mail.Conceal.Tobai

Yoo-hoo! Hi there Cynthia! Miss me? I put in a 'back door' in Tobai's 
mailer program - He shouldn't be able to read this. Isn't privacy great? 
:) 
Now what was that you were telling me the last time, about 'Virtual being
better than real'??]<<<<<
	-- Goku (12:25:23/01-22-57)

*****PRIVATE: Goku 
>>>>>[Heheh. It worked... *grin* I thought that would slow you down...
*grin* Oi! Cynthia is already reporting a few problems, jsec... 

++++PAUSE: 7.4 seconds

WHAT THE HELL??? ALL MY LINKS! YOU REROUTED MY LINKS! 

  Bastard... 

++++PAUSE: 2.0 seconds

  ReligionNet? You rerouted them to RELIGIONNET? Uh-oh... My autoposter
has been mailing them all afternoon... Damn... Time to pull out the flame
retardant...

+++++INCLUDE FILE: Hidden.message
+++++READ INCLUDED FILE? <y/n>y

What? You expect me to answer that kind of question under my programmer's
watchful eye? What do you think I am? Some sort of... Nevermind...

 Just in case you were interested: that freeze when you jacked out was
from another peice of ICE. Tobai-sama was trying to keep you locked in,
but it didn't work and he locked the node instead. And sorry about that
smartframe. And watch your smartframe. I don't know if the Runt ICE was
succesful (you trashed it before it had a chance to return a diagnostic.
Bastard), but it tries install another peice of ICE on any smartframe
you might be running at the time. If it worked the thing may suddenly
decide to take up patricide as a hobby...

 I've also taken the liberty to take a gander at that backdoor... Not bad.
But you might want to be careful with that virtual SAN. They don't work
NEARLY as well without a registered entry node (I assume you're just going
to try decking directly into NewType's CPU?) -- I assume you haven't
registered yet right? Oh well, either way. I've given it a safe node so
you shouldn't be attacked by any of NewType's ICE. Any time you want to
drop by, feel free... *wink*]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <18:56:34/22-01-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Blackjack
>>>>>[Hi.  I'm interested, depending upon what you have in-mind.  What you
need tested, and what's the catch?]<<<<<
	-- Anubis <23:43:29 / 1-22-57>

>>>>>[This should be on every news channel (all 23 of them in Seattle) right
now, so tear yourself away from Shadowland and turn on the trid.  If you
can't, I'll patch a few items of importance as they come down.

+++++The screen rezs into view, showing Hal Jackson, daytime anchor of CNNI.
 Time is 10:44am.

     "We are receiving unsubstantiated reports that the city of Warsaw is
under attack by unknown forces.  It appears at this time that bombers and
missiles were involved in the attack.  We are also receiving rumors that
ground troops and tanks are also involved, but at this time, we cannot
confirm anything.  The UCAS officials at the Pentagon appear to have no
statement at this time.

+++++Time is now 11:02am
    "We can now confirm that there has been a large scale assault just
outside Warsaw.  Based on local reports, a large Maxim Arms factory was
nearly leveled by a combined assault by unknown forces.  Fred Mason is live
on the phone in Warsaw."

Hal, from the roof of my hotel I can see where the Maxim factory once was.
 It now appears to have taken very heavy damage, and is currently on fire.
 You may be able to hear in the background heavy weapons fire still going on.

     "Fred, what do we know about what happened?"

Based on what I saw, and what eyewitnesses say, about 10:40 or so, what
looked like stealth aircraft flew overhead and began dropping bombs on the
Maxim factory.  Some eyewitnesses claim that they also saw cruise missiles.
 We are now...yes, I am now being told that several other buildings within
Warsaw itself have been hit by missiles, and are now burning.  I can easily
see the smoke from here.

     "For our trid audience, we apologize for having no picture, but
communications out of Warsaw are being constricted.  Fred, what about the
rumors of a ground assault?"

I can't confirm that yet, but I've spoken with a number of eyewitnesses who
claim they say tanks and armored personnel carriers at about the same time as
the bombing attack.  However, I haven't seen any tanks or APCs driving away
from the Maxim factory yet.

     "Fred, do you think you might be able to get any closer?"

I'll should be able to.  This is Fred Mason, reporting live from Warsaw.

     "Now joining us via satellite is Jaclyn Rivers, our primary corporate
analyst.  Tell us, what is going on?"

Hard to tell at this point Hal.  Clearly this was an assault on the Maxim
facility, which did production for both their security and military branches.
 Exactly why it has been attacked is unsure, however, Maxim has been known to
step on a few toes.

     "Might this have to do with the emergency session of the Corporate
Court?"

A strong possibility.  Until someone makes a statement, however, we won't
know for sure.  No one is really sure why the Court held an emergency session
in the first place.

     "We now have Fred Mason back on the phone.  What can you tell us now?"

I'm now at the verge of town, within easy view of the Maxim factory.  More
than 20 minutes after the attack, the scene is now quiet.  What appear to be
heavily armed Maxim soldiers are patrolling the perimeter of the facility,
both on foot and in armored vehicles.  There are numerous destroyed tanks and
armored vehicles, all unmarked.  There is also an unknown number of dead.
 From my rooftop vantage point, it looks like easily hundreds of dead
soldiers.  The fires are now out, but smoke still billows up into the late
morning sky.  It's an ugly scene Hal.  I'm almost glad we can't send
pictures.

     "We are being told that Maxim Arms is about to hold a press conference.
 We now take you to London."

+++++A blue curtain is the only backdrop.  An human woman steps into the
camera, but no name is given.
+++++Time 11:14am

At precisely 10:41 am, the Maxim production facility outside Warsaw was
attacked without provocation.  This facility serviced Maxim Armaments
Technologies, Maxim Arms Systems, and Maxim Security Incorporated.  

We do not know who perpetrated this unwarranted attack, but we are bending
all available resources to finding our attackers.  A second bombing attack,
shortly after the first, was repulsed with no casualties.

Maxim Arms will be donating whatever funds necessary for the medical bills of
the innocent victims of Warsaw that also suffered form this unjustified
attack.

At this point, we do not know the number of casualties, but we believe they
are light.  However, our  security forces from Krasnoyarsk have secured the
site to prevent further attacks.

We further wish to reassure our stockholders and our clients that this
outrage will have no affect on the quality of our service, nor will it delay
currently placed orders.  That is all for now.

+++++END Tri-D Link

     That it at this point.  I don't know about you, but I'm keeping the news
on all day today.  Heard about Ensenada?  Frag, I better go stock up on
groceries...]<<<<<
	--Rage<11:15:34/1-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Anubis
>>>>>[We have a certain number of fully tested combat drugs - Reflex, strength,
speed enhancers, also medical/1st aid drugs. All these are synthetic molecules
guaranteed free of side-effects and addictiveness. They have not, however
been tested under 'real life' combat or similar situations, so we would 
be interested in receiving a complete feedback report of such a test.

We will provide several batches of each substance to you and any of your
friends/pardners for free. This is for a start - If our relationship goes
well, we may be able to provide you with some of our more, ah, exciting
products in the future]<<<<<
	-- Blackjack (14:06:56/01-23-57)

*****PRIVATE: Marksanspensah 
>>>>>[I'm still on those damn lists? I shall have to take a little look at
those databases... 

    I'm definitely interested in the job, and would appreciate it if you
contact me at >>encrypted<<. There are a few things I'd like to know as well:

* Can I stay on campus? (I know I should probably take a look to see what
the campus is like first, but it is something I want to know. I know the
hours programmers keep and I like to be available for my students whenever
possible)
* Can I meet a few of the pupils when I visit? (and not just your star
ones either. As you know, I have enough teaching experience behind me to
be able to spot a bell curve a mile away...)
* Why do I need an armoured vehicle? (ie, is my life going to be directly
at risk, or are you just making me feel safe?)
* For whome will I be working? (just curious. If you don't want to answer
that, feel free to say so to my face)

* What kind of program will I be expected to give? I don't give crappy
little two week "accelerated" courses. I want at least four months of
these student's time. Ten hours of classes a week (mandatory attendence).
Three hours of labs (mandatory attendence), and two hours of tutorial. All
under my DIRECT supervision. I also want detailed class lists. And to have
the student files opened (if you don't open these for me, this situation
can be remedied, but I'd rather do it with your permission). 
* What skill level are these kids going to have? (newbies or hackers? If I
had my choice, I'd take newbies. People who consider themselves
"experienced" tend to have a lot of habits that need breaking...)
* What (in detailed terms) will the students be expected to do when they
get out into "the real world"? Am I going to be teaching them self
defense? Programming concepts? Generalized architecture? It would probably
be best if we discussed this when we met...

  I might be a little finicky, but you'll be getting a good teacher, and a
crop of even better students.]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <01:20:30/01-22-57>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[I GOT A JOB! 

   Or at least I will have one soon... It's another teaching post... I
don't know too much about it yet, but I don't think I should be sending
the details over these lines... (stupid transatlantic links) If I can I'll
drop by Denmark for a few days next week... *grin*]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <01:20:30/01-22-57>

*****PRIVATE: Tobai Dark 
>>>>>[You're teaching again? Oh great. I shall warn all of my teenage
friends "stay away from Seattle" I shall say, "There's a mad man there. He
likes to torment you by keeping you inside for weeks on end, peering into
LCD's. Considering how much that new doublespeeded datajack will cost
(it's the only way you can keep up with the old far's notes. He just
doesn't shut up), and if it's worth cheating on his final (you have to
pass SOMEHOW). He'll give you an assignment due in six hours. Why? He says
it's because he cares... But I'll tell you the real reason: sadism..."
*grin*]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <01:35:08/01-22-57>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[You cheated on my exams? Bad! But that does explain why your marks
were so high... And there was me getting all depressed because one of my
students was getting above a C... *mutter*]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <01:38:17/01-22-57>
   

*****PRIVATE: Tobai Dark
>>>>>[Glad to hear from you.

Yes, you can stay on-campus. (Interesting word that. Must consider using it
more often, hmmm.)
Yes, you can meet the pupils when you visit. I might add that your visit would
not involve any sort of compromise regarding the job - I would expect 
discretion though.
You won't be at risk, but the campus is located in an unfashionable area of
town. Frankly, I can picture you coming over and getting blown up by a 
go-gang on your way. I would prefer to avoid this. On site security, on 
the other hand, is quite adequate. I _am_ trying to make you feel safe.
Am I succeeding? *grin*

You will be working for me. I am in charge of this project. I DO have some
corporate sponsorship - Megamedia, to be precise. But it isn't their project,
nor do they own a controlling interest. There are other, private sponsors
too, of whom I will not speak. No Universal Brotherhood though, so relax.

The syllabus will be up to you. Everything. Even some of the installations
and hardware, if you join us soon enough, as this project is still in it's
first stages.

As for student files, you are welcome to anything I might have on them, but
a sizable proportion are SINless. I think you had best come around so we
can discuss the finer details face to face. Name the time and the place, and
I'll have a vehicle pick you up.]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (13:20:23/23-01-57)

>>>>>[Okay you Shadorunner types - I think I figured out an angle o' my
biz ya all gonna be interested in. Ever been in a situation where you needed
ta get some info FAST but couldna afford to resort to the Heavy stuff?
Like... someone overhearing the screams, or getting your good leathers
covered in blood?? I got the riight thing fer you - Tortureware!

Yeah Ladies an' gentlemen - The military's black op's standby, just snap
the chip inta a datajack or skillchip slot and presto! The poor sap is
thrown into a world of pain. Plus, no noise and no trashing around, as the
tortureware chip shut down the user's nervous system like normal sims do.

'Oh sure!' you say. 'I can do that wit' a rigged simdeck anna Black Beetle,
right?'

Wrong chummero, wrong - These babies are customized military jobs through
and through - NO comparison. Wit Black Beetles or other such crass affairs,
you run the risk of cardiorespiratory failure, neural damage, and all that
shit, plus trashing around, moans and all that Yahoo. Not with Tortureware.
This stuff is customized and designed by the best military shrinks and
interrogation specialists to guarantee breaking _anyone_ within 15 minutes
('Though 5 minutes is pretty standard) without any overt damage. 

Here's a few descriptions fer yer appreciatn'

*Oblivion - Nice an' subtle, if that's yer bag. Simply speakin' it shuts down
the subject's senses and leaves 'em in total sensory deprivation. Also, it
plays wit' the subject's time sense, so that every minute feels like an hour.
Jam packed wit' subliminals to erode patience an play on fears. It tests for
phobias, and tries to induce 'em. Nice, if you've got the time for it.

*Doom - Standard, unimaginative 'hell' scenario. Demons torture the subject
with some nice time extension loops to make 'em feel it really lasts an
eternity - Works a treat on the religious, and has a handy menu to customize
according ta religion - Catholic, Prod, Bhuddist, Hindu, Muslim, etc...

And loads more, 'course. Jest get in touch an' I'll tell ya all 'bout 'em
]<<<<<
	-- Gutsys (13:45:58/01-23-57)

*****NOT TO: Gutsys
>>>>>[Wow. A real charmer, heh? And did anyone see his ICON??!? I think I'm
gonna throw up....]<<<<<
	-- Kralem (13:57:20/01-23-57)

>>>>>[My apologies for the intrusion. Please immediately pass the following
to all senior management and acknowledge reciept.

+++++BEGIN DIPLOMATIC NOTE

1   The government of the United Canadian and American States views with great
    concern recent developments regarding Maxim (the subsidiaries responsible
    not clearly known) and their recent procurement and testing of nuclear 
    weapons. 

1.1 This testing caused great risk to many organisations and individuals using
    civilian communication and navigation systems. While no fatalities are
    believed to have resulted from Maxim's nuclear test, this is the result
    solely of good fortune, and the UCAS wishes to express its severest 
    displeasure at such irresponsible behaviour.

1.2 In addition, as events in Warsaw are already proving, Maxim's possession
    of nuclear weapons is contested by other corporations, organisations,
    foundations and other bodies. This contention has been seen to result in 
    collateral damage extending outside the bounds of the Maxim facilities
    in question.

2   It has therefore been decided that any holdings of nuclear arms, 
    facilities for the production of nuclear arms, or development facilities
    for the design and/or improvement of nuclear arms, in Maxim territories 
    located within or contiguous to the UCAS, its territories and dominions,
    pose a clear and present danger to the people and properties of the UCAS.

3   It is the intention of the United Canadian and American States that 
    Maxim shall withdraw or destroy all nuclear arms and the facilities for the
    production, design, development, testing and/or deployment of said arms, to
    a location or locations not less than one hundred nautical miles from any
    part of the UCAS within seven days of the reciept of this note. 

3.1 Should such withdrawal or destruction be deemed impractical, unsafe or 
    uneconomic by Maxim, said arms and facilities shall be secured and 
    administered on a de facto basis by the armed forces of the UCAS within 
    forty-eight hours of the reciept of this note. This occupation shall be 
    deemed solely to protect the citizenry and property of the UCAS, and shall 
    not be judged to imply any change in the ownership of the arms or 
    facilities involved. 

3.2 However, such occupation shall be assumed to be of an extremely temporary 
    nature in order to permit Maxim to remove its arms and facilities to a 
    location as described above, or to make arrangements for the complete and 
    safe destruction of such arms and facilities, with this removal or 
    destruction to occur in not less than twenty-eight days from the 
    reciept of this note, or to negotiate the sale of such arms and/or
    facilities to the UCAS where neither removal nor destruction can be
    safely achieved within seven days from the reciept of this note.

3.3 The UCAS wishes to make clear that it claims no jurisdiction over Maxim
    properties, personnel or facilities other than that required for the
    protection of its citizenry, properties and territories. Where Maxim 
    properties, facilities and equipments must be destroyed or sold to the 
    UCAS to comply with the terms of 3.1, a value shall be negotiated between
    Maxim and the UCAS and such sum paid to Maxim in compensation. Should
    negotiation be unable to agree a value, then independent arbitration 
    shall be sought.

3.4 The co-operation of all Maxim personnel is most actively sought by the UCAS
    in this matter.

4   The UCAS also wishes to inform Maxim that compliance with this note is not
    requested, it is required. Should compliance and co-operation not be
    forthcoming, the UCAS will take active measures as necessary to secure its 
    aims as declared in (3 and 3.1) above. The Maxim Corporation shall be 
    held liable for all costs, liabilities, damage etc. arising out of
    such active measures. 

5   Maxim is also warned that, in the absence of other declarations of 
    liability, any and all collateral damage arising from attacks on Maxim 
    facilities within or contiguous to the UCAS (other than by uniformed 
    members of the UCAS armed forces) will be assessed as the liability of the 
    Maxim Corporation and its subsidiarities, unless the conditions laid out 
    above have been complied with in full.

6   Any nation, corporation or organisation activating any nuclear, biological 
    or chemical weapon within the UCAS will be treated as having committed an 
    act of war against the UCAS and be liable to retaliation in kind, or of any 
    lesser degree deemed appropriate. 

+++++END DIPLOMATIC NOTE

This officially constitutes 'delivery'. The clock is running, people.

Translation, for the cerebrally impaired, is that we don't really care
what Maxim does with its nuclear firecrackers. What we care about is
all that collateral damage to voting taxpayers caused by your corporate
infighting. Madam Velli, please understand that the above is neither a warning, 
nor idle posturing. We *will not* permit the sort of damage Warsaw just 
suffered to be inflicted on any of our cities.

And, just to clarify things, we have a handle on some of your assets involved.
We don't claim to know where they all are. Unless Maxim are co-operative,
we *will* be required to take an extremely active approach to seeking out
and securing your nuclear stockpile. I repeat, the UCAS will not knowingly 
allow corporations to play nuclear brinkmanship within its territory.

Your move.]<<<<<
	--Lynch <23:50:34/23-1-57>

>>>>>[Hey, more hot news. Wonder what this is all about? <g> As if we
couldn't guess.

+++++BEGIN NEWSCAST CLIP
<Time is 23:44 pm local. Cut to a harassed-looking and windblown reporter
standing by a high chainlink fence>
"...standing by the perimeter wire at Ellsworth Air Force Base, watching
activity inside that seems to indicate some sort of major alert in progress.
Every few minutes, an aircraft is taking off, and very few seem to be
landing. Most of them are tankers, but some are bombers, and from where
we're standing it <jet noise drowns out all sound, dark shape with four
blue-white spears of afterburner flashes by in background> sorry about that, 
from where we're standing we can see armed sentries around the aircraft. 
That suggests that the aircraft are armed with live ordnance and that this 
is not a routine peacetime drill. We're being approached by a vehicle, it
appears to be Air Force Police, and we may have to <static>"

<Cut to aerial camera view of Norfolk Naval Base: ships are being moved
out of their berths. Voiceover>
"It's the same story here at Norfolk, Sarah. At least five ships have put
to sea in the last few hours. We're looking down on the missile cruiser
"John Wayne" now, and she appears to be loading ordnance: armed guards, 
and warning flags flying. The carrier "Lexington" is embarking her air
wing as we speak, while her escort group forms up around her."

<Cut to a view of a military base's gatehouse, rather jerky>
"Can we speak to your press officer?"
"I'm sorry, sir, that won't be possible right now-"
"Who is your commanding officer?"
"You can check the base directory, sir. I must ask that you-"
"We have a right to know what's going on! <view advances towards soldiers> We 
have the right-<black screen, sounds of struggle and several bleeped curses>"
<picture returns, view from outside closed gate>
"I'm sorry, sir, but the base is closed to all visitors until further notice."
<View pulls back to show the sign proclaiming this as Fort Bragg.>
 
<Cut back to anchorwoman.>
"And so the mysterious alert continues, as Pentagon spokesmen refuse to
comment on either the sudden increase in security at all UCAS military
bases, the unexplained military operations, or the alarming explosion
of a nuclear weapon beyond the Moon. As the mystery deepens, we are
left to wonder exactly what is going on. Sarah Jennings, for 'Inquiry'."
+++++END NEWSCAST CLIP

Sounds to me like someone just ordered a big slice of Trouble Pie.]<<<<<
	--The Mighty Quinn <00:15:13/24-1-57>

*****PRIVATE: Marksanspensah
>>>>>[I'm there. Pick me up at >>encrypted<< tomorrow around two.]<<<<<
	-- Tobai Dark <20:02:59/23-01-57>

>>>>>[Thanks.  For everyone's knowledge, Diana still isn't well.  She has 
memory problems from time to time, goes through rapid mood changes, has a 
really cold personality, and.....  Come to think of it, she's pretty much 
normal except for the memory problems.  So if she doesn't remember you 
too well, please be patient.]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <17:54:26/01-23-17>

>>>>>[But the one thing I do remember PERFECTLY is how I got mindlocked, 
and who did it, and what else they did to me, and how Micheal helped me.

I don't remember any of Jasmine, Nightfox, or Olorin's help, although I'm 
told they helped more than anyone.  Thanks.  Even though I don't seem to 
have any memory of Nightfox at all.

As I told Dad, I was kidnapped by an Org....er, Maxim Quad in July, on 
direct orders of Nicole Velli, was tortured, mindlocked, psychologically 
conditioned.....+++++Timeout Elapsed+++++]<<<<<
	--  Diana, Mistress of the Night <17:59:33/01-23-57>

>>>>>[Please excuse Diana.  The cast-iron voodoo bitch from hell just 
collapsed.

From what I heard from Micheal(The Baron to all of you) after he pumped 
Diana's brain, she'd undergone more pain than should be endurable.  
Everyone has thier fears, whether they be rats, mice, electrical 
torture, or whatever, and anyone with enough patience can exploit those 
fears.  Apparently Maxim, and the butchers in the Research sections, had 
enough patience to torture, brainwash, condition, and mindlock my daughter.

Micheal, I know you read this on occasion, so please, tell me what the 
hell you did to break her conditioning?  The mindlock was gone, but the 
healers couldn't do anything else.  What the fuck did you do to her 
that could be so bad that she won't even talk about it?]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <18:07:18/01-23-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Action Jackson 
>>>>>[Mon, ya used ta...frag yer enemies.  I've seen some of yer original 
handiwork, mon, an' as a spirit who loves death, destruction, an' chaos, 
I gotta compliment ya.  But yer a doctor, a healer, an' ya can't do da 
pain thin.  Yer a predator, mon, an' ya know it, yet ya don't revel in it 
like ya should.  I don't go 'round killin for da hell of it, mon, but I 
do it.  It's part of me, mon, as much as it a part of YOU.  Ya can't live 
without causin pain an' sufferin, but ya always find some way ta minimize 
it.  For you, that important, so I honor that.  For yer healin friends, 
it important too.

But fer yer daughter, she's borderline bokor.  Just like ya fight da 
predator within, mon, she fights that part of her too.  But just like ya 
have ta let it out sometimes, so does she.  And just like you, mon, she 
calls upon that part of her when she needs da strength, da cunnin, da 
brutality ta do what she's gotta do.  Da doctor couldn't have lived 
through what da fragger HAMMER did ta ya, AJ.  But da predator could, an' 
did, and was strong enough ta keep da doctor alive too.  Da doctor wasn't 
strong enough ta keep ya going when Janice was kidnapped by that fraggin 
elf, an' after when da explodin deadhead fraggin near blew ya inta 
drekloads of tiny peices, an' da doctor isn't what's got ya huntin fer 
Drake ta leave him one of yer fletched friends.  Yer as much da predator 
as da doctor, mon, an' either one would die without da other.  Frag, mon, 
ya were literally split by that explosion.

Janice would likely die without her darker half too, an' that half is 
what she uses when she bursts a mon's heart in his chest, or boils his 
blood out of his veins, or calmly puts a bullet through his left eye.  
It's that half that da Roxey wo-mon used ta kill that ganger with da 
long-lastin deathtouch.

In Janice's case, she was bein kept sane by da magic.  Jasmine, Nightfox, 
and Olorin repaired da physical and magical damage, but in so doin 
released da glue holdin da halfs together.  Catchin me, mon?  That's why 
she'd not recovered.  I glued da halfs together again, with da same glue 
that kept her goin for so long and what made her so strong in da first 
place.  That's all I did, mon.]<<<<<
	--  The Baron <18:38:19/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  The Baron
>>>>>[But with what?]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <18:50:29/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Action Jackson
>>>>>[Pain.]<<<<<
	--  The Baron<18:50:50/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  The Baron
>>>>>[Pain?]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <18:51:45/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Action Jackson
>>>>>[Pain, mon.  Just pain.  But more of it than any sane person could 
stand an' stay sane.  Pain is da glue that kept Janice goin for all those 
years after ya left her mother.  Pain is all she had when she was a blind 
kid in da bayou.  Pain is what Maxim used ta mold her inta what they 
needed her ta be and drove her insane in da process.  An' pain is what 
brought her back, mon.  An' it's what will keep da coolest wo-mon on da 
planet goin and what will keep her da coolest wo-mon on da planet.]<<<<<
	--  The Baron <18:56:08/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Gutsys
>>>>>[ Do you have anything of the sort that would make the subject
die in a nightmare, only to wake up in a cold sweat into another 
nightmare, and then die and wake up again...

Man, I've been reading too many TwenCen comics... ]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <Human/Nature>

*****PRIVATE : The Woodpecker
>>>>>[ Yo Woody - long time no sig.  I was starting 
to think you guys had all dropped off the planet, or 
onto another one, if you catch...
Nova has G's gear?  That's positively dangerous.  I may have 
to do something about it.
As to G.O.D going boom - is there something I should know?
Catch ya at the Club'd.]<<<<<
	--Stripe <14:14:23/1:24:57>

>>>>>[ Can anyone recomend me a good, cheap Decker for a 
quiet run? ]<<<<<
	-- The Woodpecker <06:12:24/ILuvTeal>

*****PRIVATE : The Woodpecker
>>>>>[ Try Rowan, Net Address >encrypted<. She's been 
running the Matrix almost as long as you have and my 
contacts tell me that her meatbody recently relocated to 
Seattle. ]<<<<<
	-- Lucifer <12:23:14/1-24-57>

*****PRIVATE : Rowan
>>>>>[ Excuse the coldmail Rowan, but I was recomended you 
by an aquaintance of yours named Lucifer (Who is he by the 
way? He's neither of the two that I allready know?). I have 
a low-pay information gathering task that I wish to farm out 
without using anyone I know or work with. If intersted call 
>encrypted< and we'll talk.]<<<<<
	-- The Woodpecker <15:54:34/ILuvTeal>

*****PRIVATE : Stripe
>>>>>[ Have you been attracting attention to us again 
Stripe? I've lived a quiet life since the GOD thing last 
year but now someone's asking questions about me, any 
thoughts? Hook your deck up directly to >encrypted< at 
midday tomorrow and I'll set it up to encrypt future mail, 
just to be on the safe side. ]<<<<<
	-- The Woodpecker (16:02:12/ILuvTeal>

*****PRIVATE: Blackjack
>>>>>[Sounds good.  Meet me at <encrypted> to drop of any drugs you want
tested.  I will need enough to test it on myself and one other individual.
That person is a human, but I have the equivalent body-mass of a Troll.  See
ya.]<<<<<
	--  Anubis <23:25:07 / 1-23-57>

>>>>>[Could I point out to everyone out there that 'militaryware'
usually means corporate? 'Tortureware' counts as an explicit violation of
the Hague Convention, the Geneva Protocols and the Montreal Agreeement on
Methods of Conflict. Get caught using this, and you - and we - are
going to find out what happens when we plug it into you and turn it up to
maximum gain. If you don't have a datajack, fear not, we can find an
appropriate orifice to insert it into, preferably at high velocity and
with great force.
Of course, our corporate friends don't really care about these matters,
but I just felt anyone with more wit should be warned.]<<<<<
	--Lynch <01:05:53 24-1-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++ Time Index:  10:04:37.78

Good morning, ma'am.

"Good morning, John.  Anything hot?"

It appears that the Germans are on aerial maneuvers near the Polish 
border.  With the recent diplomatic difficulties, it is only to be 
expected.  A show of force from the Germans.  The Poles are likely to 
respond in kind later today.  There's also a good sized Azzy fleet not 
too far outside of the Caribbean League's territorial waters.  It appears 
to be another show of force.  A Yamatetsu fleet is engaged in maneuvers 
near Hawaii, Saeder-Krupp has it's fleet cruising around the Baltic, 
heading toward Estonia and Lithuania, Fuchi launched a Killer sattelite 
that should be inserted into a stable orbit within an hour, and Ares 
Macrotech is moving troops from Detroit to London.

"Is that all?"

Excepting that we are now less than 35 minutes from our Court imposed 
deadline, that is all I currently feel is 'hot', yes.

"And what about warm?"

We have heard a few rumors that something big is going down, but I've not 
heard any specifics.  There's been unusual activity around FuchiUK, S-K 
HQ, various Knight-Errant and Ares installations around the world.  
Considering that the biggest thing to happen recently involves us, I find 
it reasonable to propose that the something might involve Maxim.  Add in 
the fact that we don't know what the Court will do when we haven't 
complied to thier demands, I suspect some form of retaliation.  However, 
intelligence has been unable to tell me precisely what form the 
retaliation will take.

"Why not?"

We simply do not have the nearly infinite intelligence resources we used 
to, ma'am.  The Org died and we consolidated much of what was left under 
our control.  We didn't tell the Court and rest of the world every agent 
we had, but it will take years, perhaps even decades, to recover, if we 
ever do.  Simply activating various sleepers will not suffice, as we'd 
only destroy our future intelligence base for current gains.

"No, I'd much rather not know exactly what is going on for now and know 
exactly what's going on in 20 years than vice versa.  Those agents are an 
investment in the future."

Precisely, ma'am.

+++++ Time Index:  10:09:28.02

"And how about our 'compliance' with the Court?  Is it going well?"

Perfectly.  Three weapons have been consolidated to the Phenom Penh 
plant.  We have boosted the security systems there to keep them from 
being stolen by anyone.  I have placed three additional platoons at the 
plant, and will augment them with an additional 3 platoons within the 
week.  The weapons we have already there are well guarded around the 
clock by fully armed and armored troops.  That particular facility was 
one of our most secure after the regional HQs due to the nature of the 
area, and we've increased it's normally extreme security quite a bit.  In 
addition to the normal troops, tanks, choppers, and powered armor, I have 
dispatched 4 Quads to the area and several of the prototypes.  It should 
be well defended.

"And the weapons in transit?"

Two are coming by ship, the rest ostensibly by air.  The one exception is 
the orbital bomb.  That will be moved by aerospaceplane, but we've 
intentionally placed it in a very difficult orbit to intercept, both to 
keep it from being easily destroyed by the Big 8 and so we can't easily 
retrieve it.  The shipborne weapons are at least a week away, and the 
rest haven't even been moved yet.  We are using the "safeguards" excuse, 
and will continue to do so....

+++++ Communication coming in:  Fuchi to all Corporate and National 
Goverments:  Message Follows.

My apologies for the breach of standard protocol, but the sattelite we 
recently launched has gone out of control.  It was hit by a 
micro-meteorite in the control processor, firing the station-keeping 
thrustors and destroying our ability to force it to perform catastrophic
atmospheric reentry.  It is out of control.  Here are all the 
trajectories we have for it, so you all may ensure that none of your 
facilities or sattelites are destroyed by the runaway sattelite.  
However, analysis shows that it will graze several sattelites, hopefully 
being destroyed in the process.  If it is not, analysis shows that it is 
on a direct collision course with the Peregrine Station, owned and 
operated by Maxim Arms in approximately 40 minutes.  Our apologies.  We are 
willing to aid in the evacuation of Peregrine Station and to recompense 
Maxim Arms, or any interest, for damaged orbital assets.

Message Ends +++++

That's a Killer, ma'am.

"Download data to MAero and Peregrine."

Already done.  We and Fuchi combined don't have enough available assets 
to evacuate Peregrine, or even the most important personnel from the 
station.  I recommend we destroy the sattelite.

"Peregrine's weapons are last resort weapons, John.  Wyverns?"

We have three in orbit now, and we can have several more lifted in time 
to intercept.

"Use two and lift two.  Fully armed just in case.  Inform Fuchi and all 
affected interests that we will take care of the sattelite, and that they 
owe us.  I'll contact the lawyers and get the litigation for damages and 
services rendered without payment going."

Yes ma'am.  This could be the beginning of problems.  Recommend we go to 
alert status.

"Do it."

+++++ Time Index:  10:12:08.87

+++++ Connections opened:  FRFZ-Souix, FRFZ-Pueblo, FRFZ-UCAS, FRFZ-CAS, 
FRFZ-Ute, Quito, Krasnoyarsk, London, Tokyo, Hawaii, Sidney, Marrakech, 
Peregrine +++++

This is John Skulkin.  Alert Status 14-a-6-zed-gamma-Not-4.  Confirm.

+++++ Awaiting confirmation.....Souix, Tokyo, Marrakech, Pueblo, 
Peregrine UCAS, Quito, London, Krasnoyarsk, Ute, CAS, Sidney, Hawaii 
Confirmed. +++++

We are at alert status, ma'am.

+++++ Closing all connections except Peregrine, Quito, Sidney

Action code m8i99-fgo.

+++++ Awaiting confirmation.....Peregrine, Sidney, Quito Confirmed +++++

Ma'am, two from Peregrine are scrambling as I speak, and one each from 
Sidney and Quito will lift off within 5 minutes, fully armed.  

+++++ Trajectory analysis uploading..... available +++++

CS confirms stated trajectory.  However, it's too perfect.  The killer 
won't even come close to grazing any sattelite but will impact exactly at 
the center of gravity of Peregrine.

"Play along, then.  Collateral damage from our destruction of the sat 
needs to coincide with the destruction of at least one Fuchi sattelite."

Understood.  CS will get right on it.  I recommend you join me in here, 
ma'am.  If the drek hits the fan, you'll be more able to control it from 
here than your office.

"On my way down.  Have an interception target area when I arrive."

Yes ma'am.

+++++ Time Index:  10:15:00.42 +++++ ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log (10:15:00/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++ Open Communications connection:  Corporate Court, Fuchi, 
MCT, Aztechnology, Ares, Saeder-Krupp, Shiawase, Renraku, Yamatetsu +++++

Justices, Presidents, and Chairmen of the Board's of your respective 
corporations, you all know me.  I am Nicole Velli, President and CEO of 
Maxim Arms.  I am communicating with you to inform you that, in 
compliance with the Corporate mandate delivered to Maxim Arms HQ at 10:43 
this morning.  I am reporting that all the nuclear weapons Maxim has 
produced have been consolidated to the Phenom Penh facility as of 5 
minutes ago, a full 25 minutes prior to deadline.  Your forces have 
verified that the weapons are in place, with all the requisite 
safeguards, and you should have already received notification from them.  

In compliance with the additional demands, Maxim Arms has begun immediate 
construction of plutonium and tritium storage on the  same site and 
had the amounts of plutonium and tritum verified by Corporate Court 
representatives backed by corporate technicians.  The storage 
compartments will be completed within 3 weeks.

Maxim has also wired the necessary compensation to the grieved parties.

As your experts have already returned their reports to you, this should 
be sufficient.

"Ms. Velli, speaking for the Corporate Court, I am pleased to see that 
you have fully complied with our mandate so efficiently.  We will be in 
contact with you about further requests for your corporation as they 
arise.  Feel free to contact us with regards to anything at any time in 
the future.  Good night.

+++++ Connections terminated. +++++

good night, John.

'Ma'am.']<<<<<
	--  Maxin Internal Security Log <22:22:58/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++ Time Index:  10:16:34.75

Hello, ma'am.  I have an intercept area.  It appears that the best target 
intercept area is here, over Greece.  The destruction will cause the most 
damage to Fuchi sattelites somewhere in that area.  In addition, it will 
allow a large margin of safety. The Wyvern's from Peregrine have already 
begun moving toward that area slowly and will arrive in approximately 18 
minutes.

"Good."

That's odd....

"What, John?"

Give me a minute, ma'am.........

"Well, John?  What's going on?"

For a moment, it appeared as if there were multiple ghost images on the 
look-down radar surveillance of several different commercial airliners.  
The nearest ground radar is in Warsaw, and it's well out of range.  And 
the computer also registered what appeared to be several missile launches 
from the S-K fleet in the Baltic, but then radar lost them.  Thermal has 
been unable to verify since radar lost contact.  That was about 5 minutes 
ago.

+++++Connection opened:  Havana to HQ

Havana to HQ.  A1 busy.  Check.

Connection severed +++++

Well, now, that's also interesting.  I just recieved a transmission from 
Havana saying that the Azzies were busy in the area and they wanted us to 
check it.  I've also started getting reports from other facilities 
worldwide that various corporate assets in the areas are getting 
restless.  The computers have reported very little unusual, but it seems 
that all the 'hot' items I told you about earlier are active now, in one 
way or another.

"So, it looks like someone's going to try and teach us a lesson or two.  
Well, let's get ready for it.  Is everything tied in?"

Ma'am, BRB has been ready since 6 hours after you ordered it made 
available.  Enter your personal code, push this red button, and Maxim as 
well as a signifigant percentage of Maxim's enemies will suddenly cease 
to exist.  I do not recommend it, however, for obvious reasons.

"I won't do it unless the corporations give me little choice.  If thier 
vaunted personnel files and dossiers don't predict what I feel would 
leave me with little choice, then that's their problem and fatal 
mistake.  However, I personally would not want to be the cause of that 
much distruction.  I'll avoid it if I possibly can."

I'm glad to hear that.  But I'd say that various corporations are 
attempting to distract us.  From where, I'm not sure yet.  I'm working on it.

+++++ Time Index:  10:18:54.91

"ETA to sattelite destruction?"

Currently about 15 minutes.  And I'm ordering all facilities up to 
maximum security status for the next hour.  I need the access codeword to 
do so, ma'am.

"Codeword Malachite Beta Omega Sigma Four."

+++++ Matching.....codeword matches.  Source:  Nicole Macha Velli, 
P/CEO.  Voiceprint matches.  Awaiting DNA ID. +++++

Ma'am, if you'll put your hand here for a second.  Thank you.

+++++ Scanning database.....  DNA pattern matches Nicole Macha Velli.  
Codeword tranmitting.....transmitted.  Awaiting universal 
response.............  Response recieved.  All facilities active. +++++

Ma'am, all facilities have been activated and moved to full combat status 
as of now.  They will remain at this status until ordered to stand down 
or engaged.  However, Matrix contact has not been severed, nor have 
orbital assets been activated.  That is the final level, from which there 
is no return.  That only occurs under BRB protocol.

"Very good.  Keep me appraised.  I'll be right back." ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <10:20:21/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Moonwalker
>>>>>[Yeah, I got that one. It's called 'The Krueger Loop'. Frags wit' the
subject's short term memory so ha don't remember you slottin' da chip inta
him - They think they're at home, nicely snuggled in bed, and then WHAMMO!
it hit's em wit' da most surreal fraggin' scenario ya ever seen. Then dey
wake up, and da sim makes 'em feel nice, cosy and releived for a few 
minutes (Subjective) and FRAGGO! Off ya go again. You interested??]<<<<<
	-- Gutsys (10:40:23/01-25-57)

>>>>>[OoooooOOOOOoooooOOOooooHHHH!!!Lessee... Da Hague convention? Da Geneva
protocols?? Da Montreal agreement? Huh-huh. Yeah, right. You're real up ta
date aren't ya?? Pffff.

Military an' corporate mean da same thing nowadays, ya daft slot.

Anyhow, da man makes a valid point - Not every dog soldier's gotta datajack,
right?? No prob - Da tortureware chips canna be used from a standard chip deck,
usin' electrodes. Some quality is lost, but yer 'client' ain't gonna complain.
Playin' through a cyberdeck ensures max. clarity tho.

Geneva convention in shadowrunnin'. Ha ha fraggin' Ha! It's good ta know 
innocence ain't dead in da world.]<<<<<
	-- Gutsys (10:56:23/01-24-57)

*****PRIVATE: Gutsys
>>>>>[How much ya talkin' for a batch of 'em chips?]<<<<<
	-- Brocken Bone (11:03:34/01-25-57)

*****PRIVATE: Blackjack 
>>>>>[I'll take what yar offerin'. Contact me at >>encrypted<<]<<<<<
	-- Brocken Bone (11:06:59/01-25-57)

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++ Time Index:  10:25:22.37

Welcome back, ma'am.

"Update?"

We've narrowed the target area to somewhere in Europe and we're 
concentrating our sattelite survillance there.  However, there are too 
many possible targets in the are-

+++++ Incoming message:  OR1 priority.  Message is as follows:

FuchiUK A6 to A1.  Momma's liver shows signs of TB.  Where she got it is 
anyone's guess, but not too close to home.  Hope you have the cure.

Message ends. +++++

"DREK!"
DREK!

+++++ WARNING!!!!  Launch Detection!  4 Aerospace combat fighters lifting 
off from Kennedy, heading NE.  Approximate target area:  Europe.  
Additional information unavailable at this time. +++++

"Now thing's are getting serious.  Eliminate Britain from the knowbot and 
Fuchi decker targets.  That leaves how many?

10 possible targets in Europe.  And the computer says that the Aerospace 
fighers lifting off from Kennedy are doing so fully armed.  ETA to most 
of Europe is 12 to 18 minutes at current velocities and known Ares thrust 
per vehicle profiles.  Move assets to intercept, ma'am?

"Not yet.  Wait until we have a better idea where they're heading.  How 
about our fighters.  Will they be in range to drop and defend assets in 
Europe?"

Yes.  Recommend we launch troops from Krasnoyarsk for Europe.  We have 
troops we were going to put into place around Phenom Pehn already loaded 
and we can have an additional company from London or Krasnoyarsk in the air 
within 10 minutes.  Also recommend that we launch via ballistic 
transport.  ETA from London to anywhere in Europe will be less than 20 
minutes, and from Krasnoyarsk les than 40.

"Send the loaded forces immediately.  ETA?"

Less than 30 minutes.  They're already in the air.

+++++ Radar acquisition:  Thermal acquiring....radar lost target  
Computing possible point of origin, target area.....  Point of origin:  
Baltic Sea or nations, target area....Warsaw, Linz +++++

+++++ Time Index:  10:30:16.26

+++++ Incoming transmission:  Production lines shutting down at following 
facilities:  Linz, Sparta, Marseille, Stockholm, Warsaw.  Likely 
decker/viral contamination.

"Knowbots, dammit.  Activate Demons.  Defensive only."

Already done.  They went active the instant  a problem developed.

+++++ WARNING!!!  S-Sat 16 has gone blind.  WARNING!!!  S-Sat 16 
reporting active jamming.  Source indeterminate currently. +++++

"Plot a footprint!"

Coming up.....  It appears to cover most of eastern and central...

+++++ WARNING!!!  S-Sat 35 has gone blind.  WARNING!!!  S-Sat 22 
reporting active jamming.  WARNING!!!  KS-Sat 2 reporting active Jamming. 
WARNING!!!  CS-SAT 7 has gone blind.  WARNING!!!  S-Sat 35 reporting 
active jamming.  WARNING!!!  CS-SAT 7 reporting active jamming.  
WARNING!!!  S-Sat 22 has gone blind.  WARNING!!!  KS-Sat 2 has gone blind.

"Footprints overlapping.  It's not Linz....  Target area is Warsaw.  
Divert assets to Warsaw.  Warn them."

Computer reports jamming is sattelite and low-altitude aircraft 
generated.  Communications unable to peirce jamming at this time.  
Attempting landlines.....landlines have been cut.  That means there's 
ground assets.

"Contact the aerospace fighters.  Tell them to destroy the sats and 
splash the parts near Warsaw.  Will there be anything large enough to 
damage the city?"

No, not with the weapons we pack on the Wyverns.  Aerospace contact in 2 
minutes.  All the debris will burn up prior to ground contact.  It'll be 
one hell of a show.  

"That's what I'm counting on."

I've also remodified trajectory for the transport from Krasnoyarsk.  
ETA:  18 minutes. ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <10:32:11/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++ Time Index:  10:33:36.62

"Scramble any available fighters from nearby bases."

There are none.  Warsaw has a few, but they won't necessarily know what 
to do in this instance.  However, they're not idiots, so they should 
scramble the assets.

+++++ Partial connection engaged....  LOS air emergency tightbeam.  
Source:  Warsaw.

(^jr7(&lkj..> ti^htbea8 via_L0S from@ link 2o neearb5 micro#((0 llker, 
re+_ou$ing.  4wo of f1v% aircraft air8)7ne already.  Hol3 wh23098;)&n08(8

+++++ Full connection re-established.  Unauthorized link overridden by 
John Skulkin.

'Sir, we have a full decker and knowbot assult.  They are concentrating 
thier work on the security sytems, which will fall shortly.  Demon 
knowbots are working well in defeating invading knowbots.  Profiles 
indicate Fuchi deckers and Renraku knowbots.  Landlines are cut, and 
perimeter reports engines firing up within a klick.  Vets say tanks and 
APCs.  Awaiting response.'

Sever connection.  On own until troops arrive.  Good luck.

+++++ Connection severed at source +++++

"Was that necessary?"

Yes.  Aerospace interception of sat in 20 seconds.  No resistance 
reported.  15 seconds.  10 seconds.  Firing missiles.  5 seconds 4...3...
2...firing lasers.  Sattelite destroyed.  No fighter damage, no 
resistance.  Radar reports no debris large enough to reach planetfall.  
As I said, one hell of a show.

+++++ Time Index:  10:35:02.01

"Ares aerospace fighters?"

Below and NE of sattelite.  Descending toward Warsaw.

+++++ WARNING!!!  S-Sat 14 moving into Warsaw footprint.  Thermal 
tracking 1....8....16....23....23....23 inbound bogies. Computer match 
indicates cruise missiles, bombers, figh...WARNING!!!  S-Sat 14 has gone 
blind.  WARNING:  S-SAT 14 receiving active jamming. +++++

Ma'am, I'm not going to answer any more questions, and you need to trust 
me to do everything in my power to save that facility.  So please, I'll 
talk out loud, but no questions or counterorders.  We have, by my watch, 
less than 6 minutes to preliminary impact.

"It's your show as of now, John.  Go for it."

Yes'm.

+++++ Connection:  MAHQ-PS-PS.A.1,3,SI.A.4,QU.A.2

MAHQ orders:  Drop and intercept targets approaching Warsaw.

Roger.
Roger.
Roger.
Roger.

Connection Terminated +++++

+++++ ETA to Ares craft:  4 minutes, 30 seconds. ]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <10:36:34/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ +++++ Time Index:  10:39:46.41

We are cutting through the jamming, maybe through the blinding as well.  
Hard to tell....  The first missile should impact Warsaw in less than a 
minute.

+++++ ATTENTION!!!  Radar surveillance and jamming have been peirced.  
Returning to nominal.

+++++ Aerospace communication being piped in.

'10 seconds to intercept.  Go Diam2 Cross.'
'Roger.'
'Adjusting.  8 seconds to intercept.'

'Lock weapons at 5.  Now!'
'Roger.' 'Roger.' 'Roger.'

'Targets beginning evasive maneuvers.'
'FIRE!'
'Away!' 'Lit!' 'Fired.'

'Missiles tracking...1 hit....2 hit....2 hit....1 miss.'

'Three splashed.  2 by 2, winger drop.'
'Roger.' 'Roger.' 'Roger.'

'Get 'em, boys.  Mike, bogey at 4L.'
'Roger.  Closing.  WHAT!?!  REAR WEAPO.....(static)'

'Assist?'
'Negative.  Drop and support.  Watch rear-firing weapons.  I'll take this 
guy.'

'Come on, you son of a slitch....  Laser armed.  Firing.  Missed.  Target 
looping.  Too agile.  Bomb release!  Warsaw, LGBs released.  Incoming in 20.'

'Target behind me.  Wing 2 engaging standard aircraft below.'
'Engaging enemy.  Ares, SK emblems.  Anti-radiation armed....fire!
'Roger.  Weapon away.  Jammers....destroyed.  Splash 2.  Lasers arming.'  

'Evading bogey.  Reducing speed.  Stall and flameout!  Falling 
tailfirst.  Bogey overshoot.  Firing laser.  Hit!  Bogey destroyed.  Now, 
to stay alive....'
'Ground shows tanks.  Radar shows incoming bombs, missiles, aircraft.'
'Locked on....TARGETED!  Evading.....(static)'
'Wingman gone.  Locked on....firing.  Splash 1.  Warsaw firing 
countermeasures.... Radar up again....(static)
'Restart failing.  Self-Destruc...(static)'

Connection Terminated at endpoint. +++++

+++++ ATTENTION!!!  Voice to Warsaw reactivated.

.....e lost Security.  Total system shutdown and crash.  Security 
restarting.  Troops armed and positioned.  Aircraft destroyed.  Demons 
almost enough.  Tanks in transit.  4 missiles of....  (Static).

Communications to Warsaw severed at source +++++

We have impact.  3 laser-guided bombs.  Surviellance shows....

+++++ WARNING!!!  Multiple impacts at Warsaw facility.  ATTENTION!!!  
Blinding of sattelites discontinued. +++++

+++++ Time Index:  10:41:05.69

"Drek....."

No additional assets within combat range.  Surveillance reports at least 
15 individual impacts at the Warsaw facility.  16, now.  More weapons 
inbound.  Collateral damage exists North, Northwest, and South of Warsaw 
facility.  Two strikes are in habited areas so far.  Additional damage 
expected.  Troops are 6 minutes out.

"What's that sattelite?"

L-Sat 8.  Lucifer sattelite.  MIKE capable.

"Use it on the ground units.  I want no retreats.  Make it appear like 
debris damage.  Maxim soil only, John."

Uh, I recommend against it, ma'am.  Severely recommend against it.

"That's my order, John.  Carry it out."

Very well, ma'am.

+++++ Lucifer Arming Sequence initiated......Thrustors....Guidance..... 
RET guidance..... Device armed.  Debris atmospheric impact in 20 
seconds.  ETOPF:  35 seconds.  Releasing device.  Thrusting.....  Reentry 
in 5...4...3...2...1...Atmospheric contact.  23 seconds to impact.  
Thrusting....  Thrusting.....  Maximum velocity.  17 seconds to impact.  
GPS Active, Radar tracking active.  Modifying trajectory.  Programming MIKE.
MIKE armed.  12 seconds to impact.  Debris ETOPF:  15 seconds.  MIKE 
Engaged.  6....5...4...3...2...1...Impact. +++++

Survillance indicates MIKE impact.  No collateral damage external to 
Warsaw facility.  Survillance also indicates that the forces that were 
attacking have been totally destroyed.  Likely no survivors.

Ma'am, I'll have damage estimates for you ASAP.

"Good.  If you need me, I'll be up in my office."

+++++ Time Index:  10:42:56.83

+++++ Connection Requested:  Source, Corporate Court.

Ma'am?

"Put them through.  I'll take it here."

Yes, ma'am.

'Good morning, Ms. Velli.'

"Depends on your perspective.  Cut the bulldrek and get to the point."

'As you wish.  You and your corporation defied the legal mandate of the 
Corporate Court.  While this, in and of itself, is grounds for punative 
action, your corporation's prior actions indicated that you would not 
likely respond to mere veiled threats.  In addition, your corporation has 
a very poor reputation for keeping its word.  Finally, as a second tier 
megacorporation, you are not in a position to dictate policy to any of 
the AAA megacorporations, nor will you be.

As the Court is aware of your position in the world economy, as well as 
your global military assets and the concept of MAD, and most importantly, 
the interest of various influential corporations and board members of 
corporations, your corporation will not be obliterated at this time.  
However, if you do not cooperate fully with all demands of the Corporate 
Court, and Unlimited Mandate will be issued against Maxim Arms and all 
their subsidiaries.  You have 12 hours to fully comply with the original 
demands stated in the original mandate as well as to recompense all 
involved and greived parties for damage to facilities, personnel, and 
material that has been expended in this operation.

Should you not have enough cash on hand to justly compensate all involved 
parties, Maxim Arms will be issued a loan by the Corporate Court if 
appropriate collateral can be provided.

Good day, Ms. Velli.

+++++ Connection severed at source. +++++

"I'll be in my office, John.  Keep me appraised.]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <10:50:21/01-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ryuga
>>>>>[I do NOT like unnecessary killing either. BUT in this case I figure
it's very, very, very fraggin NECESSARY. 'Helped give him back his humanity'?
What the FRAG is that supposed to mean?? It would appear you've got a very
short memory, dragon.

+++++INSERT VIDEO:

Vargas morphed into Teutone Bleu is standing among the burning wreckage 
of what used to be a heavily populated section of the barrens. He grabs a 
small ork girl and lifts her up into the air. The girl bursts into flames.
A long keening scream issues out of her mouth as the superheated air inside
her lungs forces it's way out through her throat. Vargas smiles towards the
camera.
 
+++++END VIDEO.
 
That's the guy you're protecting Ryuga. Remember?

+++++ signal alteration. continuing.
 
Judge not, lest you be judged. Hahahahahahahahah. Very well, Ryuga, do as
you please]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (11:24:12/01-30-57)

*****PRIVATE: Niner
>>>>>[Anna mailed me last night, she said you were going on a preliminary
recon. How'dit go? I would offer support, but I'm kind of uh....
Indesposed right now... (I'm having to bounce through four auto-mailers
just so my employees don't think I'm mailing off company secrets...)]<<<<< 
	-- Zippy <15:25:09/30-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Marskenspensah
>>>>>[I just thought you might like to know: Tobai got me to drive him out
of town (somewhere near Everett) on Sunday night. He stopped in the middle
of nowhere, got a briefcase bike out of the trunk and drove off. I waited
for about three hours before he came back. No word on what he did.]<<<<<
	-- Brennan <15:29:08/30-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Brennan
>>>>>[What?? I don't have time for this right now, Brennan. Are you telling
me you didn't tail him? Are you telling me you, the grizzled merc veteran
decided to play chauffeur all of a sudden, just on a whim? That you drove
that old codger out in the middle of nowhere, WITHOUT ASKING ANY QUESTIONS?
THAT YOU LET HIM GO OFF BY HIMSELF, IN THE MIDDLE OF GANG INFESTED SEATTLE,
ON A FRAGGIN BRIEFCASE BIKE? THAT YOU, YOU, THE MOST UNDISCIPLINED MAN I
HAVE EVER HAD UNDER MY COMMAND WAITED FOR THREE WHOLE HOURS, AND DIDN'T ASK
ANY QUESTIONS???

AND, FURTHERMORE, YOU JUST HAPPEN TO MENTION THIS TO ME TWO WHOLE FRAGGIN'
DAYS AFTER THE EVENT???

Brennan. Are you feeling all right?? That is so completely, totally, absolutely
out of character that I worry about you. We're going to have a long talk
once I finish the current business in hand]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (14:43:23/01-30-57)

*****PRIVATE: Keif
>>>>>[Watch Brennan for me, would you? I suspect he's been hitting the 
Glenlivet again]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (14:43:45/01-30-57)

>>>>>[FNARR, FNARR, FNARR!! Hoy Skull, I guess that means nobody gives
YOU the finger, huh?? FNARR, FNARR, FNARR!!
 
Yeah, I got me a coupla Gutsys's chips - It ain't everybody's got a fraggin'
mage at thar beck an' call, an' it ain't everybody's gotta fraggin d'gree in
physiowhatchamacallems an' knows all 'em nerves an' things like they was
fraggin underground maps. An since I's a sensitive guy an' hittin' peoples
wit iron bars is kinda icky (Not ta mention repetitive), I'd praferr ta
jes jack 'em in an' take it easy, like. Jes my 0.2 =Y=.]<<<<<
	-- Brocken Bone (14:03:39/01-30-57)

>>>>>[The plot thickens.  How, yes how indeed, to control the masses, to coopt
them and make them dependent?  Well, it looks like Hayashi has an answer. 
Aren't "pharmaceuticals" wonderful?  In fairness, they've also been on the
cutting edge of biotech, out there improving people's lives and extending their
lifespan, though that _could_ just be so that they can consume for longer and
longer stretches of time.  "...caught a lite sneeze/dreamed a little dream/made
my own pretty hate machine..."  But then again, noone should believe everything
they hear. =) And I digress...

+++++insert news.clip2
"...Turning to the international business scene, there has been a shocking new
development in the tragic slaying of Mitsuhama employee Toriichi Takeda in
Seattle.  Investigation of the victim's personal effects has uncovered
evidence of massive trafficking of illegal substances on the part of Hayashi
Incorporated, one of the leading biotech research firms.  To furnish further
details, here is Michael Novacek, reporting live from the Seattle area."

The shot switches from Chelsea Wong's immaculately concerned expression to a
windblown street corner overlooking the Seattle waterfront.  Standing in
front of the camera is an ecstatic-looking Michael Novacek, microphone clutched
in a white-knuckled hand like a mythical sword as his stylish trenchcoat and
hairdo are ruffled by the wind.  "Good afternoon, Chelsea," he says, his
voice crystal clear despite the background noise.  "The scene around here is one
of administrative red tape and tight security as Interpol has _totally_
corridoned off the victim's house.  This blockade has made it _extremely_
difficult to find out what is going on inside, especially considering the
guards with automatic weapons stationed around the site!  However, our
_dilligent_ inquiries have finally uncovered the reason for all the security.
It _so_happens_ that Mr.  Takeda was in the process of investigating a massive
case of corruption in the rival Hayashi corporation.  It seems he had collected
a large body of evidence linking Hayashi to the production of several different
kinds of addictive drugs, sold to the underworld or possibly even right on the
street!"

"That's incredible, Michael," Chelsea's voice says with exactly the appropriate
level of surprise.  "Has this evidence been confirmed as of now?"  "We don't
have confirmation _yet_, but our correspondents are busily researching the
question," Michael declares confidently.  "Should this evidence prove true, it
would be a _major_ scandal for one of the most highly-regarded biotech firms in
the business.  But that's not the half of it!" he shouts over the wind, his eyes
lighting up with fervor.  "According to Interpol estimates, it seems that
someone was trying to _destroy_ the evidence when Mr. Takeda came home and
surprised them!  The felons apparently attacked him with a knife, inflicting
vicious puncture wounds all over his body before fleeing the scene after the
PANICBUTTON was pushed.  It is not currently known if the perpetrators were
Hayashi personell, but they are assumed to be at large and are being considered
armed and dangerous.  When asked about this new revelation, Mitsuhama
administration expressed shock and grief that any corporation would help foster
the corruption infesting our society and then resort to murder to cover their
tracks.  It seems that Mr. Takeda has become something of a martyr for the
cause of corporate accountability to the public!  Hayashi refused to answer all
questions posed by the media, saying that a public statement would be released
by the end of the week.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Hayashi's
side of the story is.  For Turner Networks, this is Michael Novacek, reporting,"
he concludes with a flourish.

The shot flashes back to Chelsea, her expression somber.  "Mitsuhama has set up
a trust fund for Mr. Takeda's next of kin and is offering to pay for the
funeral expenses.  News of this development have apparently leaked to the
international securities markets, as Hayashi's stock has already slid another
six points off its value of two days ago."
+++++end video

Of course, it's a tad ironic that I've directly benefitted from these people's
technology, but then again, I've benefitted from just about _everybody's_
technology.  An interesting conundrum, isn't it... ]<<<<<
	--  Azrael  <13:14:28 / 01-30-57>

*****NOT TO: Gutsys
>>>>>[If anyone wants to spoil Gutsys's day, any information on the
manufacturer(s) of his merchandise would be most welcome. Drop a
dime and let me know. You'll feel like a better person for it <g>.
Any useful information recieved in confidence at >>encrypted<<.]<<<<<
	--Lynch <17:43:36/30-1-57>

*****PRIVATE: Lynch
>>>>>[<ENCRYPTED>, <ENCRYPTED>, and <ENCRYPTED>.  Don't disappoint me.]<<<<<
	--  Eriq  <16:18:17 / 01-30-57>

*****PRIVATE:Marksanspensah
>>>>>[I remember, but at the TIME he HAD NO remorse; now he is very troubled.
 Read his post again, you'll see he VERY remorseful.  What he needs right now
is people to help him atone for his past crimes.  Brimstone, I remember still
the things YOU did, but do I hold them against you?  Am I clamoring to have
you destroyed for them?  I think not.]<<<<<
	-- Ryuga (16:45:30 PST/ 01:30:56)
             CEO
             Ryaka Science and Tech

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

Good morning, Seattle, my name is Charlie Fingers and this is the morning 
news.

Early this morning, an unknown assailant attacked and killed two people 
in Pioneer Square.  The bodies, each cut neatly in half, have not yet 
been identified, but are suspected to be Mafia enforcers who ran afoul of 
the Yakuza.  

Lone Star has commented that a lone person, likely using magic to hide 
his or her identity, fled the scene before police could arrive, and that 
no evidence has been forthcoming from the crime scene.

+++++End Trideo Download +++++ ]<<<<<
	--  Trideo Pirate <18:23:56/01-30-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Goku
>>>>>[Consider yourself a friend.  Many thanks.]<<<<<
	--  Diana, Mistress of the Night <17:53:15/01-30-57>

>>>>>[Dad, these are two names I'm not familiar with.  Could you tell me 
a little about them?  Terry Tutt and Lois Green.]<<<<<
	--  Diana, Mistress of the Night <17:54:41/01-30-57>

>>>>>[Hon, those are two names I've not heard too often recently.

Remember the combat mage who was skimming the Mil Tech profits and 
selling info to my competitors a couple of years back?  That's Terry.  
After I ordered Mil Tech self-destructed, he lost a lot of income and 
never forgave me.  He hates me with a passion.  The last time I saw him 
was just before Nightmare captured me in Berlin.  He was one of the 
raiders on the BIS facility under my command because he is highly skilled 
regardless of our personal differences.  He's worked with Maxim and the Org 
for about 15 years now.  Last I heard, he'd been promoted to a MAR 
thaumaturgical researcher.

Lois, on the other hand, is a professional assassin who's been with Maxim 
Arms or the Org for 18 years.  Very dangerous, very, very good.  She was 
with the MA Desert Wars force that took on the Azzies last year and won.  
You remember, before the drek hit the fan with Velli and all that.  Her 
manner is pretty laid back, but I remember her being able to go from 
friendly and laughing to humorless as she put a knife in your back and 
back again before you'd hit the floor.

Why those names?

And you really should know by now that only you're calling will tell the 
system to wake me up.  Was that so important to deny your father his 
beauty sleep?]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <18:05:20/01-30-57>

>>>>>[So Terry's that slag, then....  No wonder I recognized him....

Dad, take a look at these:

+++++ Internal Encryption +++++
+++++ Include Maxim Files:  Diana Project, Shiawase, Veirte Reich.
+++++ End Encryption +++++

As you can see, besides Skulkin and Velli, those two names are the only 
ones that stick out like a sore thumb, and we both know about those two.

Terry Tutt was the one who.... fragit, why am I so FRAGGIN WEAK!!!!!

Micheal, be a dear and hand me my rum, go get me a goat, a chicken, and a 
squatter.  No, on second thought, the goat and chicken will do.  Wouldn't 
want to cross that line....

Tutt was the fragger who tortured, mind-raped, drugged, and mindlocked 
me.  Which fits perfectly well with the "thaumaturgical research" bit.  
I'd add a healthy dose of sadism too, just for good measure.  I'd say 
he's at least as bad as that fragger Gutsys, or maybe Skull even.  He 
broke me, Dad, in ways I didn't even know enough about to dream about 
worrying about them.

Lois I don't give a frag about.  But what about Haven?  IT WAS ALL 
FRAGGIN TIED IN!!!!!]<<<<<
	--  Diana, Mistress of the Night <18:26:37/01-30-57>

>>>>>[I'll handle it, Diana.  Time to tell some people, I think.]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <18:27:48/01-30-57>

*****NOT TO:  Maxim Employees, Big 8 Employees, InterPol
>>>>>[Since this needs not to get back to the people who inquired about 
it originally, the encryption is necessary.

I recently received a set of documents that I'd like to tell you all 
about, in brief.

Val, Haven was targeted by the VR because Maxim felt you were a theat to 
her.  You're very principles became a liability as she felt your 
connections to those runners who rescued me last year made you and Haven 
dangerous.  She wanted to destroy Haven because it would hurt us.

Everyone, Maxim Arms now has nuclear weapons.  The runs here involving 
Gaiatronics, Shaiwase, and Ares were Maxim runs to acquire raw materials 
for a nuclear stockpile.  I don't know who you all were, and I don't 
care, but you helped Maxim in the process.

Maybe if we're lucky, the recent destruction of Maxim Warsaw was a second 
Ensenada strike to teach Maxim a lesson and force them to disarm thier 
nukes.

That's the jist of the documents I have.  So, if Maxim still has nukes, 
what, if anything, are we going to do about it?]<<<<<
	--  Action Jackson <18:41:04/01-30-57>

NOT TO: Maxim Employees, Big 8 Employees, Interpol
>>>>>[We find where the nukes are then destroy them; because if they are not
destroyed, Velli could do SEVERE damage to the people of this world.
 Disarming them would only be a temporary solution.  The question is how do
we destroy the nukes without setting them off.]<<<<<
	-- Buzz (The one the Only...Human Bee in the Matrix)

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
>>>>>[Well boss, what's the word on the shit?  Is we?]<<<<<
	--  Lopez  <18:57:58 / 01-30-57>

*****PRIVATE: [a--i--s] at [Pentagram]
>>>>>[Chill for a sec and we'll see.]<<<<<
	--  V-12  <18:59:01 / 01-30-57>

*****NOTTO: Maxim-employees, Interpol, [a--i--s] at [Blacklist]
>>>>>[One question: who the hell is paying for this shit?  And under what
terms?]<<<<<
	--  V-12  <18:59:52 / 01-30-57>

>>>>>[Hey, Diana wo-mon!!!  Feelin better, are ya!  Glad ta hear it.  But 
I'm no lacky ya can order around, wo-mon.  Get yer own damn goat or 
chicken.  Yer just gonna kill it anyway, wo-mon.

An' for da rest of ya, ya know that Drake-mon an' his little "accident", 
mons?  Well, guess who was responsible?  No, it wasn't da Baron, mon.  
Who, mons, do ya know who leaves black arrows with engraved names on them 
imbedded in da wall above beds?]<<<<<
	--  The Baron <20:04:32/01-30-57>
 

*****PRIVATE:  SKINT
>>>>>[Frag....  Almost lost it.

+++++WARNING!!!  Trace and Nuke activated.  30 seconds to trace.

FRAG!!  Gotta get this off....

+++++Begin Upload.  28 seconds to full upload.

drekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrekdrek

Wait a sec....

+++++Upload Pause:  Storing Upload location.  Uploading SF.8_mA8l

+++++Upload complete.

GO!!!

+++++SF.9_mA8l released.  Tracking....tracking.....tracking.....tracking....

+++++Restart Upload.  Searching....end located.  Uploading.  21 seconds 
to full upload.

++++++tracking.....tracking.....tracking....T&N located.  No defenses.

Destroy it!

++++++SF.8_mA8l activated....  reports T&N still active.  T&N damaged.  
48 seconds to location.

Better.  Status!

+++++Attack Loaded.  Armor Loaded.  Shield Loaded.  OSNuke Loaded.
+++++Damage:  10%  Reboot recommended
+++++Upload Time:  12 seconds to full upload.

"Hello, traitor."

No....  +++++ Attack activated.  Shifting to BdM.

+++++Illegal code present.  WARNING!!!  Virus present in deck.

"Nice shot.  But now you die as the CIDS destroys your deck as well as 
your mind."

+++++OSNuke....armed.  Activated.  WARNING!!!  Armor corrupted.  
Recommend reload.

Not likely.  Time to die, Pe-De.  Upload status!

+++++Upload complete in 2 seco....  Upload complete.

Transmit.

+++++Engage Emergency dump procedure.

"Very nice program, traitor."

See you in hell, Patty.

+++++Transmission complete.  Decker has jacked out.]<<<<<
	--  SKMaAg4 <20:26:47/01-30-57>

*****Mitsuhama Industries Internal Security Voice Log (English Version)
*****/30.01.57/19:10:16/2340-565-3458B
>>>>>[+++++InitiateRecord
+++++EngageTranslator

"Have you looked at the report on the Takeda Case?"

Yes, sir.

"What is your opinion?"

I think that this is a most intriguing situation, sir.  Certainly the
events so far represent a great opportunity to strengthen our
position.

"It is a most interesting little developement, is it not?  And if we
play our cards right, we won't even have to do most of the work.  But
just to make sure that everything goes as it should, pressure should
be put all the appropriate government agencies to make sure that the
case is not _neglected_, shall we say?  Hayashi will be sure to try to
exert its influence, we can't afford to let that happen.  I want you
to take care of it."

Yes, sir.  I think also that the press could prove to be a useful tool
here.  We should make sure that they don't lose their fire for such a
sensational case.  If the public gets too outraged, Hayashi will be
hurt even if there is an official coverup.

"A very good thought there...  I want you to take care of that angle
as well, then."

Thank you, sir.  There was another question I had, sir: what is to be
done about Takeda's murder?

"Obviously, we cannot allow Hayashi to kill our executives on its
pleasure.  They must be punished, of course.  I want you to contact
Mr. Ishii in External Operations and have him take care of it.  Tell
him to use the usual expedient for preventing anything from coming
back to us."

Yes, sir.  One thing puzzles me about this case, though.  Why on earth
was Takeda researching Hayashi's pharmaceutical production anyway?

"Hehehe.  One does _indeed_ wonder..."

I see, sir.  Oh.  One more thing: I took the liberty of consulting
with some of our local experts.  It seems that if everything goes
well, we could stand to gain over 2% in market share...

"That sounds most promising.  I leave you to take care of things,
then."

My pleasure, sir.

+++++DisengageTranslation
+++++EndRecord]<<<<<

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[  "Well, John, did we stop it?"

The transmission never left the facility.  However, the traitor was not 
internal when she jacked out.  Our trace was unable to determine where 
she was.  She damaged the Trace and Nuke before it was complete.

"Do we know where she went?"

(Ma'am, if I may intrude.)

"At ease, Terry.  Please, tell us how your search is going."

(We stormed the home with not success.  This was not a surprise.  
However, she was spotted heading through a demarcator to the Souix 
Sector.  MAT HQ is set to arrest her on sight, and she'll be summarily 
executed upon reaching Maxim grounds.)

When was this?

(About two minutes ago.  she did not have time to send any messages but 
the one we intercepted.)

"Are you sure, Terry?"

(Yes, ma'am, I am.  Patty is running the demarkator system now and we 
should have her....  She assumed the name of Mariah Friedman.  She has 
called for a taxi, destination:  DIA.)

"Take care of it.  Now.  I don't want her to reach the airport."

(Done.)

"John, I though you said that there were only 5 people who knew about the 
two nukes?"

Terry, Patty, Lois, and Erin don't know anything about them.  But she was 
an aide to Dr. Spin.  She should not have known.

"I see.  Computer, open a channel to Dr. Spin, Presidential Priority."

+++++Opening Connection....  Connection open.

'Hello, madame President.  What can I do for you?'

"I would like you here ASAP.  You are not being given a choice.

'I....I understand.  I'll be there within an hour.'

"Excellent.  Until then.  Close connection."

+++++ Connection closed.

"Strike two for the Doctor, John."

I'll take care of it.

"ETA for my bodyguards?"

They'll be in the area within 15 minutes, even with the demarkators to 
deal with.

"Contact me when she's dead."

Yes, ma'am.]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <20:48:16/01-30-57>

>>>>>[Just found this in the FRFZ(Denver, for you slags with no clue) 
cable channels.

+++++ Include Trideo Download +++++

...and took off again.  As of this moment, the authorities have no idea 
who could have done this. 

In case you've just joined us, behind us you see the smoking remains of a 
taxi which was destroyed less than five minutes ago by unknown assailants 
who, from the official account, let the taxi enter the intersection 
before firing what appears to have been a light anti-tank rocket at the 
taxi, hitting it just above the gas tank and destroying the taxi.  Two 
badly burned bodies were recovered from the still smouldering ruins.
Police are not commenting on the attack until a possible motive and 
suspect are identified.  Witnesses were only able to state that the 
attack came from a three story building slated for demolition behind the 
taxi....

+++++ End Trideo Download +++++ ]<<<<<
	--  Trideo Pirate <20:59:09/01-30-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Maxim Internal Security Log
>>>>>[ Ma'am, she's dead.

"Good.  Exposure?"

The rocket was fired from a collapsing building.  Terry verified that 
there were no witnesses and that both the target and the driver were 
killed.  In addition, all four were careful to be sure they left no 
traces.  Terry even went so far as to sterilize the area.

"Minimal explosure, then.  Excellent.  How about the chance that she'd 
successfully delivered the data prior to her death?"

About 2.8%.  Higher than I would like, but there were times where she was 
out of our survillance.  In addition, it's possible that a dead drop was 
arranged.  2.8% is the best we can hope for, and it's possibly much 
higher, depending on how long she'd been gathering information and how 
well set the disclosure protocols she was operating under.

"So the worst case scenario is that they know already."

Yes.

"Drek.  I want to know if they know or not as soon as they do."

Of course.]<<<<<
	--  Maxim Internal Security Log <21:08:42/01-30-57>

*****NOT TO: Maxim Employees, Big 8 Employees, Interpol
>>>>>[Uh, Guys.  Maybe I came in late, but since when does a corp. with
nukes provide any more of a threat to the world than we currently have.
What's so special about Maxim?  Besides, the way to disarm the thing would
require someone from at least one of the runs that allowed Maxim to build
their nukes.  This would tell us what type of nukes they are, and therefore
how to diffuse them.]<<<<<
	--  Shade <21:44:49 / 1-30-96>
*****PRIVATE: Goku
>>>>>[ You have done well, Grasshopper. more than half of that info
was new to the itnel boys. Keep in touch.]<<<<<
	--Gryphon <14:47:56/01-31-57>
	Cheif, Matrix Security
	RENRAKU/SEATTLE

*****PRIVATE: Rumormonger
>>>>>[Not that I'm implying anything, but the current lockout codes
for the Big Ear have just become available on Shadowland:SilVal.
Take a look if you're interested.]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <Thri/ller>

>>>>>[you're right, of course. It's 1 a.m. and I've just gotten up.
When you live in the matrix your time sense gets a little screwy. I
really should take a vacation. Dinner sounds like a good start; when
and where?]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <Human/Nature>

*****PRIVATE: SysOpus
>>>>>[If you don't need me right now, I'm gonna take some downtime.]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <Beat/It>

*****PRIVATE: Moonwalker
>>>>>[Sure, kid. I can handle it. I've only been running this place
for how many years now?]<<<<<
	--SysOpus <01:21:00/01-30-57>

 
*****NOT TO:  Maxim Employees, Big 8 Employees, InterPol
>>>>>[Holy Drek, Batbrain! You mean that a bunch of 'runners got
used by a malicious corp to further their own ends? I'm shocked
and appalled, I am. 

C'mon, AJ, even I'm not that naive. And if the world has yet _another_
nuclear power (lessee, that makes.....damn, ran out of fingers) then
that is between the members of the atomic cafe club. The rest of us
just have more shadows to scuttle through. I don't know about the rest
of you, but a new or newly-important corp always means more business
for me.]<<<<<
	--Moonwalker <HIS/tory>

*****PRIVATE: Leonardo
>>>>>[Dammit Lenny, you gotta come over. I went to check up on Vargas 
at the coffin, and he wuz in a fraggin' bad shape. He was huddled inta
fetal position, mumblin' somethin' about 'Thedragonthedragonthedragon'.
The coffin' terminal was on, logged onta fraggin Shadowland again, an'
there was a message from a guy called Ryuga on the screen, I think thas
what frightened him so bad - He's gone fraggin' loco man, more so than
he useta be. And there ain't no sign of his ghost pal either. Lissename
Lenny, I know ya think he saved your life an all that, but  ya gotta
ditch this bloody azzie madman - He's gonna get you dead man, dead!]<<<<<
	-- Marcos (05:45:23/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Marcos
>>>>>[WHAT? Dammit. I thougth I told you to disable that terminal, didn't I?
How the hell did he get it to work without a credstick??? You better move
outta there, there's no telling how long the link was open, or who traced it.
Dammit, I'm gonna lose the job. I'll see if I can get one of the lads to cover
for me...Get outta there NOW, okay??]<<<<<
	-- Leonardo (05:50:23/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Niner
>>>>>[Niner? What the hell are you playing at? Respond. I'll get one of
Tobai's search engines after you if you aren't careful!]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <08:07:15/31-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Anna
>>>>>[Has Niner gone and gotten himself ICEd? He's not responding to my
mail again...]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <08:07:22/31-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Atahualpa
>>>>>[Target located. Squad deployed around the location. He is currently
squatted in a cheap coffin hotel in >>encrypted<< There is one other
individual with him, and matrix survveillance indicates they have just
sent an e-mail message. Excuse me - 

Yes, trace reports the destinatary was an employee of Jolly Roger Security
Inc.  Intel indicates 95% possibility this is Leonardo Rodriguez, the other
escapee from the deathgame fiasco in November.

They seem to be moving out - Astral surveillance reports no sign of 
Tehuactlipoc]<<<<<
	-- Manuel Leiborz (06:12:23/01-31-57)
        Team Leader
        Aztechnology Insurance Investigation
        Special Forces Division

*****PRIVATE: Manuel Leiborz
>>>>>[Be extremely careful. Psych indicates Vargas was broken by the debriefing
he underwent after the Ryaka affair, and does not appear to be capable of
any meaningful offensive response, BUT he could be faking it. Play it subtle
and safe, if possible. But if not, call in an elemental strike]<<<<<
	-- Atahualpa (06:13:56/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: V-12
>>>>>[You seem to be showing some interest in the destruction of Maxim's
property. Very noble. It just so happens that I have the same interests.
Contact me a >>encrypted<< for more information.]<<<<<
	-- CORRUPTED <CORRUPTED/CORRUPTED>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[I don't know what happened. Him and Rotter and a guy called Kralem
were going to meet to do the recon on Gutsys. I was to come too, but
I kinda got cold feet... Haven't heard of either of them since.]<<<<<
	-- Anna (08:34:45/01-31-57)

 NOT TO: Maxim Employees, Big 8 Employees, Interpol
 >>>>>[Why would the people who got the nuclear waste know what
 type of bombs were made from it?  I do not know about you, but
 allowing nut cases to have nukes is a bad idea.]<<<<<
	--  Paladin <07:15:55 / 1-31-96>

*****PRIVATE: Marksanspensah
>>>>>[Hawya Boss? Aws jes been wachin awver awl Brennan like ya says ta me,
an I' looks as yaw was wight - Ole Tobiah gave him a bottle o' Scotch for
'is troubles, an it lawks loike i' was Tob's hiself oo was doin' awl da 
dwivin'. Oi dinna ask Toby wa 'e was doin' though. D'yoo wa me ta gie 'Im
the ole 3rd grade en?]<<<<<
	-- Keif (09:23:12/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Keif
>>>>>[YESSS! RIP THE OLD FOOL's NAILS OUT UNTIL HE CONFESSES!!!

+++++signal alteration. continuing

Ehhhwww... that's a joke. No, don't bother - I might ask him myself, but
I've got other business to attend to right now... And please, Keith,
use the spellchecker program when posting, okay? Your cockney accent is
making a mess of your datajack signal]<<<<<
	-- Marksanspensah (09:35:35/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE:  Righteous and Dana
>>>>>[Since I've not connected with you yet, and you're already a little 
worried that I might try something, I figured a surprise wouldn't be a 
good thing to spring on you.  I'm feeling much better.  Tired, but much 
better.  And if I stink of rum and, well, chicken, I apologize.  Time 
for a shower.  Gotta get this blood off me....]<<<<<
	--  Diana, Mistress of the Night <09:04:43/01-31-57>

>>>>>[ Marky, you had better stay the frag out of my way.  I know what you did
to Freddy, you shit, and if I _ever_ catch sight of your ass again, you'd
better
be ready to kiss it goodbye. ]<<<<<
	-- Griffyn <11:30:10/01-31-57>

***** Not To: Maxim Employees, Big 8 Employees, Interpol
 >>>>>[Why would the people who stole the nuclear waste would have any
idea what type of bombs Maxim made from it?  How stable is the head of
Maxim anyway?]<<<<<
	--  Paladin <08:30:00 / 01-31-56>

*****PRIVATE:  Serenity Security
>>>>>[  Ok folks, I know you all ready S-Land regularly, so you saw Dr.
Jackson's post about the nuclear weapons.  I'm not willing to stand by
and allow them to maintain that capability.   As a corporation, there's
nothing we can do to Maxim.  Maxim would crush us beneath their heel like
a bug .. nevertheless, I can't stand by and watch this happen.

I'm planning to assemble some reasources to do something about it.  Please
let me know if you are interested in being part of the effort.   I won't
hold anything against those of you who are not interested.  Contact me at
>>encrypted<< if you're in.  ]<<<<<
	-- Griffyn <11:45:39/01-31-57>

*****PRIVATE: Griffyn
>>>>>[  Tristiana and I are in.  I'll start doing some digging to see what I
can find out.  Contact Tangent.  If you do something physical, his team could
be a big help .. >encrypted< is the last drop I've got for him.  It should
still
work, it's fairly recent. ]<<<<<
	-- Neuron Basher <11:50:12/01-31-57>

*****PRIVATE: Tangent
>>>>>[  I need your team on a job that's coming up soon.  Prepare to download
the specifics.

+++++include file:  maxim.profile

Let me know if you're in.  The haul for this one is >encrypted<.  ]<<<<<
	-- Griffyn <11:52:40/01-31-57>

*****PRIVATE: Griffyn
>>>>>[  Message recieved.  Response pending.  Wait.  ]<<<<<
	-- Tangent <11:55:41/01-31-57>

*****PRIVATE: Anna
>>>>>[Who's Kralem? And for that matter, I thought Rotter was in
Amsterdam... Damn. Shows how up to date I am... Are you sure everything's
on the level?]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <13:28:47/31-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[Kralem was a guy Niner met in Shadowland, seems he agreed something
had to be done about that creep Gutsys, so he invited him over for the
recon. Rotter came back from Holland a couple of months ago...

Listen, I'm going to go check the CyberCentre Cafe, see if Leland (Y'know,
the owner, remember?) knows anything. They might've gone off to celebrate.
It isn't the first time he's done something like that, you know]<<<<<
	-- Anna (11:56:34/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Gutsys, Kralem
>>>>>[Attention user, this is an automatic message. Routine check shows
you have two accounts. Shadowland BBS policy indicates clearly that this
is a big No-no. You have one (1) week to delete one of the accounts, or
else you will come to the notice of the Sysops. 

And believe you me, you do _not_ want to get on the Shadowland Sysops' bad
side. Especially if you aren't good enough to hide from an autocheck.]<<<<<
	-- SLand Administrative 'Bot (16:34:23/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Anna
>>>>>[Frag it. Still nothing. I mailed Leland, nothing back from him (big
surprise there), I've even tried getting some info on Kralem, no deal.
He's either very good, or very new... Damn. I'll try some of my Seattle
contacts... When you see Niner make sure to give him a very BIG
punch...]<<<<< 
	-- Zippy <14:09:48/31-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Tobai Dark 
>>>>>[The Moral Majority seems to have disappeared. Niner and Rotter
haven't been heard of since Tuesday night. I'm starting to get worried. I
was wondering if you could drop by the CyberCentre and talk to the owner
(Leland) (Niner's gf has already gone to have a chat, but she's
un-reliable...), ask him if any weirdness went on on Tuesday. Tell him you
know Zippy. 

  One other thing: They were poking about Gutsys' node when they
disappeared. I don't want to think about the ramifications of this
one...]<<<<<
	-- Zippy <14:13:32/31-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Zippy
>>>>>[Your message has been received and queued. Tobai will respond at the
first possible opportunity. 

   Have a nice day.]<<<<<
	-- Tobai's Answering Machine <14:13:32/31-01-57>

>>>>>[How about Tom's Diner, at >>encrypted<<?]<<<<<
	--  Hermit <12:45:7/01-31-57>

*****PRIVATE: Marcos
>>>>>[Are you still alive? What happened? Meet me at >>encrypted<<]<<<<<
	-- Leonardo (12:13:45/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Juan Tlaloc
>>>>>[Ah, sir, there seems to have been ah, a certain degree of, ah, -

We lost the whole squad. 

>From what we can determine, it appears that Tehuactlipoc turned up. Details
are unclear, but, well, it seems the squad requested an elemental strike.
Two force 8 fire elementals were diverted from high security patrol status
and sent to the operations theater. Details at that point become sketchy.
Vargas may or may not have re-activated. Total bodycount is in the teens
range, our medical personnel retreived all casualties from the area within
15 minutes, and a total press blackout was implemented. It is a non-event,
as far as the world is concerned. We are preparing a specialised task force
to deal with the problem. Intel reccomends using >>encrypted<<.

Also, a plainclothes detachment was sent to retrieve Leonardo Rodriguez from
Rolly Roger security, unfortunately, Jolly Roger personnel proved uncooperative
and had to be persuaded. The target escaped, and its current whereabouts
are unknown.]<<<<<
	--  Atahualpa (12:35:56/01-31-57)

*****PRIVATE: Atahualpa
>>>>>[The losses can be offset if we can recover Vargas as an active 
operative. Do not fail]<<<<<
	-- Juan Tlaloc (12:38:45/01-31-57)

>>>>>[ Greetings.  I am an intermediary for certain parties who are
interested in employing capable persons to carry out a certain covert
operation.

The expected payment should be in the area of >>Encrypted<< per
individual employed.

Further details will be provided in response to inquiries by qualified
persons. ]<<<<<
	--  Smiley -- <13:37:45/01-31-57>