*****PRIVATE: Plough Breakers
>>>>>[I edited this up to try to make it as comprehensible as possible.
It doesn't solve the question of who Farmer is, nor why we were
ambushed. 

+++++begin video download
"Nightsky inbound." crackles Redemption's voice over the radio. "Windows
blacked. Two Kombis accompanying, lots of guys in each."

"Okay." Lynch looks down to his Heckler and Koch MC-51; removes the
magazine, raps it against the heel of his boot to settle the thirty big
7.62mm cartridges properly, locks it back onto the weapon. The carbine
is barely larger than a HK227, yet much more powerful: you wonder idly
how controllable it is, despite the bulky compensator on the muzzle.

He's standing in an aircraft hangar, beside the small Judas-door: it and
the main doors are closed, and there's the skeleton of a stripped-down
Cessna 750 behind him. Lilith is nearby, flexing her fingers around the 
forestock of her AK-47. A small display in the corner of his vision
shows the positions of other group members outside, and three moving red
dots must be the vehicles.

"Stopping by the office. Guys in the Kombis debussing, eight each.
Target just got out of the Nightsky, along with two companions. Easy,
JayCee, they're headed for you. Security heavily armed, all with assault
rifles, fanning out to cover."

The view jolts to a strange perspective, looking down into a hallway
from above the door: you realise Easy has braced herself above the
doorway.
"Take them as they come in?" she asks softly.
"Do it." replies Lynch. "Try and get her alive."

The door opens and two suited men carrying submachineguns enter,
covering the corridor and one moving rapidly along it. He reaches the
end, calls "Clear!", and a woman follows them in. Even as the man at the 
end glances back and sees Easy, she drops to land behind the woman and
beside the other suit, knocking the door shut. The man at the end is
turning and aiming when he spasms and jerks and falls, blood splashing
from half-a-dozen bullet wounds that appeared with almost no sound.

The other suit makes the mistake of trying to bring his Cobra to bear at
such short range, and Easy simply bats it aside, grabs him by the tie
and pulls: his head smashes into the concrete wall with a sickly
crunching noise, leaving a wet red smear as he slumps to the ground. 

The woman slashes at the Elven samurai with a cyberspur and Easy catches
the wrist and snaps it cleanly, one-handed. Ploughshare opens her mouth
to scream and the Elf drives a knifehand blow into her solar plexus,
then catches the semi-conscious, gasping woman and lowers her to the
ground.

"She's down. So are her suits." the Elf says softly.
"Security's okay." Redemption says softly. "They didn't hear anything.
And, Lynch, you have two guys headed your way." Easy is restraining the
woman, JayCee is visible at the end of the corridor ensuring the suit
she shot is dead, as the view flicks back to Lynch. 

The Judas-door opens and two men - black fatigues, carrying M23 rifles -
step inside. As the door closes, Lynch lunges silently at one, his knife
finding the nape of the man's neck. The headless body of the other takes
two steps further before collapsing, as Lilith wipes and sheathes her
katana.

"Showoff." whispers Lynch. "Redemption, Glaive, confirm, fourteen
remaining visible."
"Roger. Standing by."
"Imp, Blade, ready?"
Two clicks of a microphone, then again.
"Squatter, Easy, JayCee, stand by. On the tone. Three. Two. One." An
electronic bleep, as Lynch opens the door.

The three vehicles are parked outside a low, cinderblock office
building, and you see over a dozen of the dark-suited gunmen, standing
in a loose semicircle with weapons at the ready. The aiming mark of
settles on one and a three-round burst throws the woman backwards. You
hear the distinctive thudding of Lilith's AK as Lynch kills a second
man, this one a Troll: more, slightly distant fire, marks other people's
entry into the festivities.

The view switches back to Easy, as she emerges from the office building.
Two men are immediately visible, using the Kombi as cover, and she oepns
fire with her CAR-15: the cutdown rifle's muzzle flash and the spray of
spent brass peripheral distractions as the burst tears both men apart.
She throws herself against the side of the van, turns and fires again at
a Troll who was partly masked behind the Nightsky: you vaguely see 
another woman in her peripheral vision, being torn apart by shotgun
fire.

"LOOK OUT!" A shout by voice, not by radio, as Easy reflexively throws
herself flat: the fusillade of automatic fire from the Kombi's open door
chews into the tarmac, not into her, as she rolls and brings up an 
the rifle-

The driver, who was preparing to finish the Elven girl off, is thrown
backwards, clothing ablaze, his HK flying from his hands. Easy rises to
her feet as the firing slackens, seeing JayCee in the office doorway.
The woman looks severely dazed, with blood trickling from her nose and
ears. Her Beretta 70 dangles from one hand, almost forgotten: the other
is still outstretched, and smoke coils around the fingers.

The Elven razorgirl moves to the other van, looks inside. An Ork raises
his hands in surrender. "Please, don't, I-" A short burst from the CAR-
15 flings him back, silencing him forever. The Nightsky's door is closed
and locked: she draws back a fist, punches cleanly through the armoured
glass of a side window and opens the door, but the big car is empty.

"Easy. Clear. JayCee's hurt."
"Imp. Clear."
"Blade. Got one alive."
"Squatter. Clear."
"Redemption. Clear."
"Lynch. Clear."

Lynch's view again as he breaks cover, heading for the office at a run
as Squatter climbs out through a broken window: he struggles a moment,
unused to the weight and bulk of his Enfield assault shotgun, and he
checks the weapon carefully once he's outside. Something small and grey
leaps out of hiscoat pocket, scampers over to the dazed JayCee as Lynch
reaches her.

"JayCee, you okay?" The female mercenary blinks, looks at Lynch with
unfocussed eyes.
"My head hurts." she says, and collapses. Lynch catches and rapidly
checks her, finding no wounds. "Easy, what the hell happened to her?"

The samurai - masked, you notice, every inch of flesh covered - shrugs.
"I came out, killed those two. Shot the Troll there, JayCee warned me
and I dropped. The driver of that van was tryng to shoot me in the
back."

Lynch looks at the van, by now burning. "What, JayCee shot him?"
"No, he got nailed with some sort of spell." Easy shrugs, slides the
magazine out of her CAR-15 and replaces it with a full one. "Didn't know
she was a magician."
"Neither did I.Neither did she, it seems." Lynch finishes checking
JayCee over. From by his foot you hear a plaintive squeak and he looks
down at a smallish grey rat. It twitches its whiskers expressively, then
runs back to Squatter.
"Okay. Uh, Squatter's rat says she's going to be okay eventually, but
she hurt herself with that one. Ploughshare?"

"Inside. Alive." Lynch nods, then tenses.
"You hear something?"
Easy, who had been loading cartridges into the partly-used magazine,
pauses. "No, but your ears are better than mine."
"Everyone, cover. Helos inbound." Lynch sprints, dragging JayCee, to a
drainage culvert, drops into it. Seconds later, gunfire echoes, heavy-
calibre miniguns: small-arms fire responds.

"Yellowjackets. Two." Imp's calm voice. A shadow flits over Lynch and
you hear engines and rotor blades suddenly and close. "Autorotated up
close. Well armoured, I hit one for no result-" There is a pause. "And
we have a sniper in the bushes to the northwest. Not an outstanding
marksman, though. Lilith's pursuing." More gunfire, as everyone seems to
be firing at the helicopters, though so far with little effect. 

"Gotcha." Lynch snaps the selector on his carbine to full-auto, rolls
onto his back. Minigun fire roars somewhere, then you hear the rushing
sound of rocket fire and several shattering explosions. Lynch rises 
enough to see as one of the Yellowjackets - Aztechnology colours - swoop
low over the blazing ruin of the office building, one Kombi shot up and
burning too.

The aiming mark blinks on the cockpit, and jerks to the side as the
smartlink calculates range and deflection: then the armoured Perspex
sparks and flashes as the 7.62mm sabots punch into it. The Yellowjacket
jinks to the side, and you hear three or four more weapons open up again
as other runners riddle its exposed belly.

The MC-51 jerks and climbs on full-auto despite the muzzle compensator,
and Lynch keeps the bursts short, walking rounds over the cockpit and up
into the gearbox: the transparencies are splashed with blood on the
inside, and the helo is streaming a mist of vapour: fuel or hydraulic
fluid. Two airburst minigrenades suddenly detonate either side of the
helicopter, and the vapour ignites with a roar. You hear the wrenching
noise of metal failing, and the helicopter lurches to the side and
smashes into the ground, cartwheeling along in a blaze of burning fuel
and cooked-off ammunition.

More minigun fire, and an unidentifed gasp on the radio, as Lynch
changes magazines: then you hear the engine note fade rapidly as the
gunfire dwindles.

"Anyone hurt?" He checks JayCee, who is beginning to come out of her
stunned trance and is unhurt.
"I'm fine." Imp. 
"Couple of shrapnel nicks. Squatter's in shock looking at his Enfield
saying 'it works, it works'," Blade sounds amused. "I don't think he
expected the grenades to be so effective."
"Bruises." Easy's Tarislar accent. "Nothing worse."
"Glaive's hit bad." Redemption's voice. "He got up to run, made it maybe
a hundred yards and they shot him as they bugged out. I'm on it."

"Ploughshare?" asks Lilith.
"She was in the office when they rocketed it." replies Imp. "I don't
think she's coming out of there. I'm getting credsticks, weapons and any
other ID I can find off the dead grunts, though."

"Ploughshare's dead." says Easy after a pause. "Roof beam came down on
her chest. I've got a hand and the head, so we can do an identification
of... what's left."
"The shooter?" asks Lynch.
"Was careless, is dead." drawls Lilith, visible returning with a SM-3
sniper rifle in her arms. She picks up her AK-47 from where she dropped
it: you notice a smear of blood on her chin.

"Lilith? You're wearing haemoglobin lipstick." points out Lynch. She
hastily wipes the crimson stain off, as she asks "Okay. Let's get the
hell out of here. Redemption, will Glaive be able to walk?" 

"I'm not sure he's gonna make it. He certainly can't move by himself."
"Shit. We'll use the Nightsky to get him back to our transport, then.
Get clear of the scene and call in DocWagon."

Lilith climbs into the driver's seat, starts the engine, as Easy guides
the still-dazed JayCee into the back and Imp - finishing the job of
loading weapons and other items, including a dead body, into the trunk -
piles in beside her. 

Lynch takes the front passenger seat, stripping the SM-3 down and
packing it into its foam-lined carry case as Lilith pulls off the road,
heading for Redemption and Glaive. Blade and Squatter are herding a 
hooded and bound prisoner along the road, heading for a stand of pine
trees.

"I don't know that she rated a Nightsky of her own, this must be
borrowed." Lynch checks the glovebox, finds nothing. "Wonder who this
car belongs to?"

"It's not a car, it's a limo, baby." replies Lilith. 
Lynch covers his eyes with one hand. He seems to be laughing. "Whose
limo is this?"
"Ploughshare's." Lilith grins wickedly.
"Who's Ploughshare?"
"Ploughshare's dead, baby. Ploughshare's dead." 

The car grinds to a halt next to Redemption and the prone Glaive. They
lift him into the back, resting him on the floor: Lynch and Imp trade
places, Lynch going to work on the badly-wounded man. You see at least 
five bad wounds.

"Will he...?" Redemption frets.
"Maybe. They were loading APDS, that probably helped him. The heavy-
calibre ones don't tumble or yaw in flesh that much, doesn't do so much
damage." Lynch is methodically spraying foam bandages over the chest
wounds, sealing them off. "He's gonna be a sick puppy for a while, no
matter what. I'll get Quinn to drop by and heal the worst of it." 

Lilith, meanwhile, has found the controls for the in-car entertainment,
and the tail end of a Bob Dylan song fills a sudden silence in the
limousine.

                "It was the time of the Preacher,
                 in the year of the gun
                 And when you think it's all over,
                 It's only just begun...."

+++++end video download

Glaive's recovering, and will be okay. The prisoner isn't talking...
yet. The weapons are Aztlan in origin and the dead guy and the prisoner
both had Leopard Guard tattoos. 

Suggestions for what we do next?]<<<<<
	-- Lynch <15:32:21/09-01-57>

*****PRIVATE: Lynch
>>>>>[Who gave us the info of where Ploughshare was going to be?]<<<<<
	-- Shadow (07:45:30 PDT/ 09:01:57)

***PRIVATE: Shadow
>>>>>[A decker called Dark Falcon, via Glaive.]<<<<<
	-- Lynch <17:20:43/01-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Okay, we'll meet you at >>time and place<<, we being those of us who are
so far interested in the group.]<<<<<
	-- Ice <06:58:42/08-31-57>

*****PRIVATE: Shiftboy
>>>>>[We have another bite, told her we'd meet her at >>time and place<<. Can
you make it?]<<<<<
	-- Ice  <07:03:22/08-31-96>

*****Private:Ice
>>>>>[Yeah.

Say, did i tell you about Runs-Over-Pedestrians yet? He'd like to join
to (too? two? Tu?).]<<<<<
	-- Shiftboy <9-1-57/18:33:36>

*****PRIVATE: Shiftboy
>>>>>[Runs over pedestrians? Words fail me. Bring him along, I guess. Can he
use an alias? We don't want to scare off the other prospective member.]<<<<<
	-- Ice  <19:46:19/09-01-57>

>>>>>[I was looking at the history of the crash, and I noticed something
interesting... I did some more digging, and I've found what I was looking
for... proof of what caused the crash.

The crash was feb the 8th, '29. On feb the 7th, '29, a now defunct software
company called Microsoft released an OS called Windows '28, the latest in a
long line of Windows products. One of the features of Windows was that it
adjusted the formats of assorted files during installation, but if it
failed midway through the process, the files were rendered useless... and
Windows was notorious for crashing in mid-installation. On the Microsoft
machines it worked okay, but it took certain hardware configurations to
make it work right every time, configurations the rest of the world did not
necessarily have.  Advance shareware copies of limited-function Windows '28
were sent to every system on the planet that was hooked up to the precursor
of today's matrix, and they started to install themselves... and crashed,
causing the crash of 29.]<<<<<
	-- Squatter  <19:56:17/08-01-57>

*****Private:Ice
>>>>>[Okay. He's "Fred" for the meet.]<<<<<
	-- Shiftboy <9-1-57/21:02:27>

>>>>>[Mark Twain once said "rumors of my death have been greatlyexaggerated." The same holds true for me.]<<<<<
	-- TDH <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[Tommy? No way it's you chummer. I *saw* the azzies use youin a blood ritual... there's no coming back from that. From the look
of the mojo they threw at the rest of us, it's safe to say the
ritual succeeded... which means you died. If you expect me to believe
you survived this one, I need proof.]<<<<<
	-- Dark Elf <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[Very well... the proof you want is at >>encrypted<<]<<<<<
	-- TDH <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[Whoa...man.... Where did you get that fossil?  I mean, that data
should be hanging on the parapets of the Oliver Stone Memorial Institute
for Advanced Para-conspiratorial Theory at Berkley.  When was the last
time you jacked out, my good brother of the matrix?  While it seems that
that corp you named, Microsoft, was around in '29, all the checking I have
done after spotting your post says that all the major corps and
proto-matrix hubs ran on an OpSys called Omnix, or some spiced to taste
flavor thereof. I think the program you are talking about ran on telecoms
or some such.  Doubt that even if what you said did happen it would have
hurt the matrix about as bad as if everybody unplugged their telecom from
the wall.  Crashing everybody's telcom would piss of a lot of people and
frag their personal records, but doubt it could have caused _The Crash_. 

On the other hand, I don't even think "The Great Geek God" >>insert
spitting sound here<< or his corp could have come up with something as
nasty as what caused _The Crash_.  As I remember from the OGs (Original
Gurus), back when I ran with a Tech-crue (BTW...They never will catch us
for when we popped his statue's head off and replaced it with a pumpkin
for Halloween, oh so long ago) he was the one who was for deluging
computer software to the unwashed masses with the concept of "if you make
something foolproof, only a fool will use it" as a design philosophy, not
a warning.  He and his corp cut intellectually reprehensible corners now
and then and every time he could get away with it so that they could
schedule their obsolescence with a day-planner.  Feckt...the geek was a
suit.  They wouldn't have released something that would scrag Tommy's
computer, they would get their asses sued pennyless and that doesn't make
biz-sense.

DISENGAGE TIRADE MODE

Sorry, all I'm saying is that _The Crash_ was the Technomage version of
the fucking Great Ghost Dance, and blasted a lot of Smooth Operators
(Requiescat in Pace) trying to slaying that beast.  That's why I don't buy
the Windows '28 angle, even though the whole thing was before my time.  If
some stupid archo-family had their telcom OS send their little turtle into
a meltdown:  "aw...tough luck, go buy yourself a real computer and get
decent ware for it...."  What you're talking about wouldn't have even
touched the Nodes and Hubs, and that's exactly what was struck.  _The
Crash_ ripped the net apart from the inside out and was the virtual
equivalent of turning the interstate highway system into a warzone and
leaving the cities flaming wreckage.  This wasn't a glitchy OS; it was
warfare and/or terrorism done to a techno beat.  May those responsible and
the decks they rode in on burn in Hell.

P.S.  Sorry if you non-deckheads find this technobabble noisome, but hey,
we keep the Shadowboards up an running and have as much right to talk
about our biz as you and your latest bang-bang do.  Although, in my line
of work, I also get to fix the broken toys.  So by all means, I say talk
your shop.]<<<<<
	-- Vernier  <23:20:46/08-01-57>

>>>>>[Well, I guess it's just a case of experiment to find out before someone
does find out for me.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <08:43:27/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: DV
>>>>>[Dave, this is a doozy for you. I need a allergy testing kit.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <08:44:13/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: Lynch
>>>>>[Hmmm. The name kinda rings bells, but nothing much beyond that.
As for the teaching  - well, I guess it's a maqrginally more civilised way to
earn my keep now that I'm getting old and decrepit <g>.  Sure, tell him to
contact me regarding times and places and fees.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <08:45:34/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: JayCee
>>>>>[ Huh ? Sure.  It isn't april 1st, y'know.]<<<<<
	-- DV <corrupt/corrupt>

*****PRIVATE: Ploughbreakers
>>>>>[Ow. Ow. Ow. My head hurts.

'Nuff of that.  We have a hefty amount of salvage - I suggest we start tagging
serial numbers back to trace where it came from. As sure as eggs is eggs, 
those weren't Aztech troopers - way way too obvious.

And we pick up the person who told us she'd be there as well.  Back trace
that route also.

And a final point, although I doubt it's be very fertile - trace the matrix
access records from her apartment. Though she's probably had time to cleanse
those, it might give a clue if there are fragments left.

Number 2's my strongest point - volunteers for the others ?]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <09:03:25/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[You were closest - what happened to me ? I *need* to know.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <09:05:34/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: Plough Breakers
>>>>>[Serial numbers on the weapons, all Aztechnology issue.

Helos genuinely Aztechnology registration. Reported stolen a few days
ago.

Prisoner died not long after we began questioning. Timed microcharges in
his (and the stiff's) jugular and carotid: whoever hired him wanted to
be sure that, two hours after the pickup, none of those men were around
to answer questions. He and the dead guy have Leopard Guard tattoos,
personal equipment, and IDs. 

Some of the cyber's already gone for analysis: but it's not particularly
good stuff, not up to Leopards standards, and these guys were nowhere
near as good as the real Leopard Guards. One clincher: the ID on one,
the stiff we brought in, is of a Guardsman who died a while ago, at the
Five Eyes Motel in Tacoma.

My guess, street muscle or mercs hired to pass off as Aztlani and press
a few of my and Lilith's buttons.

We need to find Dark Falcon, see who gave him the tipoff. Unfortunately,
Glaive's in such bad shape he's not going to do much talking soon, so
unless someone else knows where he is...]<<<<<
	-- Lynch <18:12:35/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: JayCee
>>>>>[What happened? I was hoping you'd tell me. You shouted a warning
and I dodged, and the bozo who'd been cowering in the car missed my
back. Then when I turned around to kill him, someone had already done
so, using either a flamethrower or some sort of magical attack: he was
bleeding from the nose and ears, badly burned and his clothes were on
fire.

You were standing in the door, pointing a hand at him: you weren't
aiming your weapon at him. It didn't seem to have been fired in the last
few seconds: those Beretta 70s might be quiet, but they do smoke some.
Lynch ran over after a few seconds, while I was checking the other
vehicles, and you collapsed on him saying your head hurt.

All I can say is, it looks like you knocked yourself out casting some
sort of spell. You apparently had internal injuries and suchlike that
are meant to be like what mages get when they overdo magic, cast spells
too big for themselves. I guess that's what you did, what with all that
cyber and all: I thought magic and cyber didn't mix, but I don't know
much about magic.

Best I can do. Sorry.]<<<<<
	-- Easy <18:05:42/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: Mr Blackthorne
>>>>>[Mr Blackthorne! I was worried by your absence, and glad to see you
back among us.

I'll see you at the bar, and we can catch up in person. You can meet my
fiance at last, for instance. 

She'll probably suggest we move on to the Tailhooker, in Everett. I hope
you're up to that...]<<<<<
	-- Lynch <22:26:53/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ploughbreakers
>>>>>[Looks like someone threw something through me. Either that, or I 
flipped a spell off the top of my own head, which I doubt.  So, was it any
of you bunch ?  If not, then we may have had someone else around watching us.
Which raises my hackles a tad.

On the flip side - time to start digging for people.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <08:57:33/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[Thanks for the background.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <08:58:57/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Lynch
>>>>>[You haven't seen Quinn around ? Best explanation I can figure for what
happened is that she decided to throw a spell through me and that's why I
got slightly toasted.  It might appeal to her sense of humor.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <08:59:27/09-03-57>

******PRIVATE: Memo-to-self
>>>>>[Two names I need a goto on: 'Glaive' and 'Dark Angel'. Normal tight 
precautions as for present. Ask Dave for this when I pick up the Allergy test
kit.]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <09:02:17/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Apollyon
>>>>>[+++++Engage Encryption 
About Rosha. I don't know how she found out about me--possibly my
digging in the matrix. She can turtle. I really haven't told my friend
anything, I don't see how she could have found out about it that way. In any
case, how would I go about "being her benefactor"? She is with Serenity for
a vast amount of time each day, and is, I'm sure, cautious the rest. Perhaps
it would be better to stick with going through Serenity.
+++++Disengage Encryption]<<<<<
	--  Cassandra  <12:12:57/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Lynch
>>>>>[ Ah, a familiar face after such a long ordeal, it would be a
pleasure to see you and your fiance.  I too, am recently engaged (to my
probation officer at that :).) and since I'm on probation she will be
accompianing me to the bar.  It would seem I have been out of circulation
longer than I thought, I see only a few of the runners I worked with and a 
lot of new blood.  I hope they have not died or worse RETIRED.  We need
all the old blood we can get, some of these new ones lack the style of us
old timers. When we blew up a building you could hear it for miles around,
I saw a runner TRY and destroy a building yesterday and it barely budged
an inch.  Oh well so much to do so little time to do it in, I'll be
waiting eagerly at the bar for your arrival my friend. ]<<<<<
	--Mr. Blackthorne <14:51:23/09-02-57>

*****PRIVATE: Cassandra
>>>>>[+++++engage encryption 
Your watching out for Hortensia through your association with 
Serenity is actually what I had in mind. Since she is in their custody 
much of the time, as you state, I figured that would be the easiest way to
keep tabs on her.  I would like to continue to be in contact with you, since
we have worked together for awhile now, but if you would rather I stay in
contact through Jason, I will abide by your wishes .... +++++credtranfer 
>>encrypted amount<< .... that should settle our accounts in either case.
Should this be the last I hear of you, it has been a pleasure working 
with you. Apologies again for any overzeal on the part of my operatives.
+++++end encryption]<<<<<
	--  Apollyon <15:19:00/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Practice tomorrow night.  At >>encrypted<<?  Have a pal who's 
interested in gettin h's butt kicked ... ever do REAL constructive 
male-bashing? Does wonders to work off calories! <grin> Lemme know.]<<<<<
	-- Professor Edward B. DuBois  <15:25:42/09-03-57>
	    Chair, Department of History
	    University of Washington

*****PRIVATE: Apollyon
>>>>>[+++++engage encryption 
I am willing to stay in contact. Apologies accepted. 
+++++end encryption]<<<<<
	--  Cassandra <15:19:00/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Rosha
>>>>>[I'll be there. I'm looking forward to it. Who will be there? Do I know
him? And I bet it does work off calories! <grin> ]<<<<<
	--  Evita <15:25:42/09-03-57>

*****INTERNAL: Farmer Archive
>>>>>[+++++begin transcript
E: "Emma"
F: Farmer

F: Emma. Glad you could meet me again.

E: Always a pleasure, General.

F: How did it go?

E: Better than we could have hoped. The helicopters were impressive,
ensured Ploughshare's demise, and were driven off with one destroyed.
The bodyguards, as far as can be told, died to a man, but if they or
their weapons - or even a prisoner - were taken, they point directly at
Aztlan. Several runners were reported probably killed also.

F: Aren't we being a little obvious?

E: Perhaps. But when you deal with Lynch, subtlety is wasted.

F: And your opinions on where we go next?

E: You're asking my opinions?

F: I like what you have to say better than Ploughshare's cries of doom.

E: We should pull back our operations a while. I have Ploughshare's
replacement already groomed, so we can restore our use of Shadowland and
other channels. She was too blatant in her manipulation of the NSA, and
careless to boot. Let us guide our new colleage... a name?

F: 'Combine'. I think, Combine.

E: Then Combine will be guided to our way of thinking. The Doctor is
already cementing his loyalty. We need a period of rest, of reapprasal.

F: Wild Rose?

E: Proceeding ahead of schedule. Old MacDonald has all the people he
needs, Jalopy will soon be roadworthy, and Homestead remains secure.  I
showed Old MacDonald the modified footage, and he went berserk.

F: Is that safe?

E: If channeled correctly, of course it is. We are damming his fury,
building it up into an unstoppable force. When we unleash it, SIGA will
be destroyed in the flood.

F: And the runners?

E: Ignore them. Oh, if Horsefly is still functional I'll continue to use
him, but otherwise they are no threat, merely a nuisance. With
Ploughshare dead, you fall into the category of "powerful, mysterious,
unreachable" and they will forget you among the scores of other such
they must contend with. If we present them with no danger they will
forget us in their more immediate concerns.

F: And you and Horsefly are...

E: Of course. He thinks with only his firearms or his genitals. Boringly
easy to manipulate.

F: Whereas Combine... just how _did_ you recruit him? Subvert him so
thoroughly?

E: A handsome young officer, a beautiful woman, the beginning was easy.
He was remorseful at betraying his girlfriend, he said, but that died
before he finished undressing me. 

Then we began to... explore. I tapped some of his darkest, most hidden
desires. I made him act them out. The Doctor and I worked together, and
I fulfilled the most forbidden fantasies of his mind. And, as we plumbed
the depths of turpitude together, I ensured his girlfriend caught us
_in_ _flagrante_. 

She attacked him, hysterically. He tried to reason with her, to restrain
her. It was so easy, to ensure she slipped and fell, that she was dead
when the paramedics arrived. _Our_ paramedics. Now he is bound by two
chains, one of lust and one of fear: fear that he will be charged with
her murder. By the time those holds weaken, the Doctor will have
finished his work, and Combine will be wholly ours. Watch. I hid a
camera in our room, the last time. I knew you would enjoy this.

<pause, 23 minutes>

F: <breathless> You're a remarkable woman, Emma. To feign enjoyment, to
appear to desire such things...

E: <huskier> Did I not show you, the last time and the time before? I
need feign nothing. If I did not enjoy what I do, it would be worse than
useless. 

And when I meet a man like you, I can forget business. And we can
concentrate on... pleasure. 
<Rustle of clothing>
Come to me, Mark. Come to me, now.
+++++end transcript]<<<<<
	-- Farmer <21:30:31/09-04-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Guy's name? Stormwind ... loves it when ya call him Stormy.  Full-type
sham/mage ... yeah, that spells wuss in my book, too, but he's kinda big, so
he'll make a cool crashing sound when he hits the deck.  See ya then.]<<<<<
	-- Nichelle Nichols <18:57:33/08-09-57>
	    Scheduling Secretary
	    Serenity Security

***** INTERNAL: Serenity Deckers
>>>>>[I caught that one!  By the time I got to the terminal that it 
was logged in from, there was no one there.

Someone is using our terminals to access Shadowland.]<<<<<
	-- Merrox <23:46:16 / 09-03-57> 
	   Matrix Security
	   Serenity Security

*****INTERNAL: Serenity Hosts
>>>>>[Relax, Mr. Merrox! F'it was such a pro'lem, I'dhve gone someplace else.
Girl's gotta stay in touch somehow, and f'yall wanna protect me, figure 
s'easier ta deck from inside than runnin around f'r privacy someplace in the
barrens, right? Jay, ya got somethin ta say on this matter. {r}]<<<<<
	--  Nichelle Nichols <20:05:01/08-03-57>
	    Scheduling Secretary
	    Serenity Security

***** INTERNAL: Serenity Matrix Security
>>>>>[Ok  --  Shunting off the admin building from the security servers.  
There will be no more of this.  Clean up you aliases, make sure
everything is routed properly.  Im changing all of the 
security codes for the nodes higher access.

Rosha shouldnt be able to get this message unless we have another 
leak somewhere.  If so, plug it!

That little minx is more of a problem in-house than she is out there.  When
can we get rid of her?]<<<<<
	-- Merrox <00:14:09 / 09-04-57> 

***** INTERNAL:  Serenity Matrix Security
>>>>>[Sometime in the near future, I would guess, things will blow over.
We can get her a public account or something.  That might pacify her
for a while.  Hold habits are hard to break and she needs to keep current
with the world of the shadows.]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <00:18:19 / 09-04-57>

*****PRIVATE :Evita
>>>>>[Didn't have enough memory with me today to just bring it home, so
you're getting it the roundabout way. You'll probably get this a few days
after I send it, sorry, can't be helped. I was digging though some footage
in the military computers today, and ran across this. Don't ask me why I was
in there, I won't tell you. And this film didn't belong where I found it
anyway. Probably why I watched it. I believe the highlighted figure is
Ronin, the guy you went with on that run to New York. Watch the film, it
poses some interesting questions.

+++++Begin footage

The scene is instantly recognisable to most who see it. The POV is from a
tower that is part of the Wall, Chicago. The sky is grey, as it has been
since the hive burst, and there is the distant sound of light autofire from
within the city. Someone behind the POV speaks.

"The locals are frisky today," says a voice made rough by either long and
loud use, alcohol, or both.

The POV jerks as whoever carries the camera snaps to attention.

"Sir, yes sir!" he shouts.

"At ease, soldier."

The camera-person relaxes somewhat.

"Who is it out there these days? Volk territory now, isn't it?" asks the
older voice.

"We think they're further north, sir," replies someone else, "The intel
people..."

At that point there is an explosion from the camera's right, and the POV
spins that way, taking in a second blast. Pieces of rubble fly in all
directions as a third burst goes off.

"What the frag?" yells someone, and the POV looks around for the source of
the explosions.

An astral mage makes himself visible to the soldiers, just in front and to
the left of the camera.

"Shaman out there, invisible," snaps out the astral form, "Elementals on
him. Watch for physical breakouts."

The mage fades away, and the POV soldier turns back to the ground on the
Zone side of the wall, bringing an H&K assault rifle into view and flicking
the selector switch to burst-fire. There is no movement visible, and the
spells that were hammering the Wall have stopped now. There are yells
coming from behind a building, but these stop quickly. For a moment, all is
quiet.

Then the astral mage appears once again.

"Get the hell down," he yells, "can't keep them back. Support coming,
ETA..." His face twists in agony for a brief instant, and he fades away
again.

Then a ball of fire bursts, not far behind the camera. The POV soldier is
thrown from the tower, landing hard, but he gets up anyway, staggering away
from the flaming wreck. A large water elemental manifests, dousing the
blaze, and putting out the burning, screaming soldiers that are still
inside it.

Then a yell is heard from beyond the wall, and a crowd of roughly dressed
humans and metas charges through the breach. One of them is outlined in a
flashing glow, presumably high-lighted after the footage was processed.
More troops are arriving, and they open fire with assault rifles, and most
of the civilians go down immediately. The POV soldier joins in, firing
short controlled bursts, and soon the breakout is crushed. A huge troll is
the last to fall, ripped apart by long bursts from three seperate troopers.

The POV soldier safes his weapon, changes clips, and then sits down for a
moment. He sighs, shifting uncomfortably and examining his burnt limbs,
then another astral mage becomes visible.

"You the camera guy?" he asks.

"Yes sir," says the soldier, getting up.

"Make a note that three shamans, probably insect, got away, and that we
took out around twenty bug spirits. We have two mages down, both should
live, I'll be making a full report later."

Without waiting for a reply, the mage winks out, and the soldier moves
towards the area where the escapers were cut down. He moves among the dead,
taking footage of each corpse, but although there are none with features
rendered unrecognisable by their deaths, the high-lighted man from earlier
is nowhere to be seen.

+++++End footage

Interesting, isn't it? And Ronin appears to have gotten away. I won't point
out the obvious, you're not slow. But it seems rather ominous to me.]>>>>>
        -- Cassandra <18:43:22/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[You up for a quick little run in ganger territory? I need one person for
magical support. The mission is this: we need to acquire a vase of ashes
from inside a ganger-punk's safehouse. Why, I'll be damned if I know, and
the johnson wouldn't say. I've looked the place over, I think that if you
could whip up a low force fire elemental to light up the building and
distract them all, I'll be able to sneak in, grab the ashes, and be out
before they know what's happened. So, how about it?]<<<<<
	-- Ronin  <22:08:40/09-03-57>

*****PRIVATE: Jason R Stormwind, Serenity Security
>>>>>[Jay, we still on for practice tomorrow night? Invited Evita, and 
said you're in. Hope I wasn't lying. Anyway, thought y'should know, y'r 
deckers are peeved at me for mailing from inside Serenity, but s'was just
easier, y'know ... Apologies if it was a big problem. Don't fire Miriam 
or Nichelle, they're just doing their jobs ... I just took advantage 
that's all.

Also, can we talk privately about ... well, .... let's just drop a hint ...
+++++loading RoResDK.txt ...  yeah, that's my resume.  More later ... 
{r}]<<<<<
	--  Leon Higginbotham <01:45:11/09-04-57>
	    Waste Supervisor
	    NukeTox Waste Disposal -- Redmond

***** INTERNAL: Serenity Matrix Security
>>>>>[ Why not shake her up a little bit.. Set a frame in the lower admin
node, and have it inform you when she tries to hit Sland, then pop in to 
say "hi" at the terminal she's using.  Could be kinda funny. <g>

As far as overall security is concerned, I'm not terribly worried about our
industrious little charge. Our security is pretty sound, and if she can break
into places where we don't want her to be, then she is the least of our
problems. ]<<<<<
	--Neuron Basher <10:36:38/09-04-57>

>>>>>[I'll have you know, Jason, that I've had to temporarily move the
football field from the north park to the new west park for you.
After all, we need the time to do the preparations.

The children complained a little, but not too much.  After playing on the
new grass yesterday, they asked if they could keep playing on it after the
wedding.  It really is better grass.  Probably because it hasn't been
trampled by hundreds of children's feet yet.

I have been helping Quinn out with her part.  As it's a handfasting, she's
really doing most of the work.  Sure, I wrote the ceremony, but the High
Priestess is the one who actually handfasts a couple, not the High Priest.
But I'm legal to marry, and she's not, so I still have to be there.  Not
that it would be appropriate to handfast a couple without the
representative of the God there too.

I'm very sorry, I'm rambling when I should be helping my students and
getting ready for another lunch of football with the children.  But
handfastings and marriages of all sorts are just such joyeous occasions for
me.  They remind me of my own, and of all the others I have attended.

I hope you both are ready.  Because I'm sure not.  Luckily, I'm not the one
getting handfasted this time around....]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <10:36:37/09-04-57>

>>>>>[We hope everyone is ready for a party, because when Pat hosts a
wedding of any kind, he parties.  Some of you, I'm sure, have been
here for some of his other parties, like Samhain, Beltaine, or even
Valentine's Day(even if it is a bit depressing for him).  The last
wedding Pat hosted, the reception and after reception party lasted 4
days.

Oh, and no crashers are allowed.  We've retained some help to make sure
that there are no crashers of any kind, for however long the celebrations
continue.  So if you're coming, bring the invitation or you don't get
in.]<<<<<
	-- Mozart <10:44:05/09-04-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ronin
>>>>>[Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem. When? And where? Are you in
Seattle? Could we meet to set this up?]<<<<<
	-- Evita  <10:57:40/09-04-57>

nscribe shadow-tk

>>>>>[I dunno. I've considered Leonization, but I've never really liked
the idea of it. I _LIKE_ wandering around like a walking corpse. I get a
lot more respect this way. Not to mention: as a teacher, students tend to
listen to old farts. (But yeah, I know it'd probably be easier to get it
up -- a risk I'll take)

Can anyone describe the process? I don't mean the sunshiney drek from the
brochures, but real first (or even second) hand experience. I'm still
looking into it, but I kind of like these wrinkles.]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <21:49:34/09-05-57>

>>>>>[Squatter: I lived THROUGH the Crash. Let me tell you: it sucked. It
really sucked. Win28 wasn't a direct cause, but I don't think it hurt...

(Gee, if I were a really malicious virus, I'd just hate to be installed as
part of an OS... I mean "oh no! Nothing to bypass!", really ruins your
hellbent day, dunnit?)]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <21:53:32/09-05-57>

>>>>>[Thanks for everything, Pat. Jason and Lilith got the invitations
around physically, rather than by Shadowland - a little more personal.
Thank you, perhaps more than you'll know, for letting me be there and
help them do this. 

For those who weren't invited or didn't make it, this is what you
missed.

+++++begin trideo
The wedding is being held outside, at Haven, on the playing field next
to the main building.  It is grassy, and there appears to be a wooden
dias roughly five meters in diameter set more or less in the middle.
Upon it lies a small marble altar, and upon the altar is all the
accoutrements of a slightly modified Wiccan handfasting:  sword,
chalice, silver pentacle, and oaken wand.  In addition, there are
several unlit candles, one white, one red, and the last black.  Facing
the dias from the SW and SE directions, there are numerous white wooden
folding chairs.  Slowly but surely, the chairs are filling with people.

After a while, a person you recognize as Patrick O'Kennedy(aka
Valentine) steps up in front of the dias and takes the microphone in his
hands.

Pat:  "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the handfasting, or, if you
prefer, the wedding of Ms. Lilith DiAnnio and Mr. Jason Running Wolf
Lynch.  They have decided to come today before the gods, with you all as
witnesses, to join themselves to each other.  You all have been invited
today to share in their joy and love because they honor and respect you
all.  However, I would ask that you also remember those who, through
some misfortune, were unable to join you and the soon to be happily
married couple in their time of glory and spiritual union.

But now, please, let us all be seated so that the handfasting ceremony
may begin.  As the high Priest for this ceremony, I ask that you remain
as quiet as possible during the calling of the quarters.  Thank you very
much for your consideration, and we'll be starting very shortly."

Pat then heads off to the west, where a small enclosed tent has been
placed.  Off to the east is another enclosed tent, and you suspect that
these are the areas where the principle individuals are changing and
getting ready for the ceremony.

Off to the east of the chairs is another small group of chairs.  These
three are set facing the dias and three musicians, playing harp, violin,
and pipe, are tuning up their instruments.  After a short period of
time, they begin to play a Celtic sounding piece, but nothing you
recognize immediately.

Simultaneously, you see Pat and Quinn exit from opposite tents.  Pat is
wearing what appears to be a very plain green robe, bound at the waist
with a woven cord, and is barefoot.  Quinn is dressed similarly, but is
instead wearing a robe of red, with a green belt and a black neckerchief
tied loosely around her neck.  Following Pat is Lynch, dressed in
traditional Sioux garb; deerskin leggings and a shirt of undyed cotton.
His long hair shows, for once, just how many honor feathers he is
entitled to wear. 

  And following Quinn by only a step is Lilith: dressed similarly, yet
with subtle differences that show she's Delaware to Lynch's Lakota
Sioux, and in place of the shirt, she wears a simple bone vest. The
effect is staggering, and you almost miss her own collection of honour
feathers tied into her flaming dark-red hair, and the scars of the Sun
Dance on her bare back.

Pat and Quinn reach the dias simultaneously and step upon it at exactly
the same time, followed closely by Jason and Lilith, who stop before
reaching each other or the slightly offset altar.  Pat and Quinn,
however, step up to the altar immediately.  Pat whispers something to
Quinn, who reaches down, picks up the longsword, and then walks over to
the eastern edge of the dias.

Quinn:  "Pillars of the East, guardians of knowledge and wisdom, Element
of Air, and source of the Four Divine Winds, I call to you and ask that
you embrace us here today, that you join the celebration of the bond
known as love, and that you witness the ceremony we are about to begin."

As she finishes, there is a shimmering around the area she is standing.
It gradually coalesces into a very large manifest Air elemental,
standing in roughly human form just off the dias. Quinn steps back a
pace, half-raising the sword with an almost comical look of surprise:
then she appears to concentrate, the elemental shows what might be
humour, and she shoots Pat a look of amused fury as she resumes the
ritual.

Returning to the altar, Quinn replaces the sword and picks up the oaken
wand.  She takes it and walks to the southern edge of the dias, facing
the empty spot between the two halves of the assembly, but not seeing
any of them.

Quinn:  "Pillars of the South, guardians of passion and energy, Element
of Fire, and source of the Life Energy, I call to you and ask that you
embrace us here today, that you join the celebration of the bond known
as love, and that you witness the ceremony we are about to begin."

As Quinn finishes, a gradual increase of heat and shimmering presages
the arrival of a very large manifest Fire elemental, also appearing in
more or less human form and standing, in charring grass, just off the
dias.  Again returning to the altar, Quinn replaces the wand and picks
up the crystal chalice.  She then takes it and walks to the western edge
of the dias.

Quinn:  "Pillars of the West, guardians of emotion and intuition,
Element of Water, and source of Magic and Change, I call to you and ask
that you embrace us here today, that you join the celebration of the
bond known as love, and that you witness the ceremony we are about to
begin."

As Quinn finishes, another shimmering in the air in front of her shows
the arrival and manifestation of yet another huge elemental.  This one
is Water, of course, and it is also in a vaguely human shape.  Quinn
returns to the altar, replaces the chalice, and picks up a 10 cm
diameter silver pentacle, then walks to the north edge of the dias.

Quinn:  "Pillars of the North, guardians of life and death, Element of
Earth, and source of all Life, I call to you and ask that you embrace us
here today, that you join the celebration of the bond known as love, and
that you witness the ceremony we are about to begin."

One last time, the air around Quinn shimmers and then stabilizes as a
large Earth elemental manifests before her.  Quinn returns to the
center, replacing the pentacle.  She appears about to speak when Pat
raises a finger and stop her.

Pat goes to the middle of the dias, just in front of the altar and
before Jason and Lilith.  He raises his hands, and turns a slow but
complete circle while saying:  "Great Spirits, I call upon you to join
us this beautiful day.  You are not of the elements, yet part of all.
Join us in our humble ceremony, and add your presence to the assembled
representatives of the directions.  Spirit of this place, I humbly ask
that you bless us with your presence as well, and add your blessing to
those of the Elements, the Spirits, and, I hope, the God and Goddess."

You aren't completely sure, but you think you see a shimmering form
around the dias, then spread out to encompass the entire wedding area,
almost as if a greater spirit just covered the entire area with some
effect.  

Pat stops, looks to Lynch and winks, and then glances to Quinn to make
sure she knows what he's doing.

Pat:  "Dagda, Jupiter, Odin, Zeus, all names of the God they are.  The
Horned One as well, God of fatherhood, fertility, passion, and sex.
Great Horned One, I call upon thee!  Come and aid in the handfasting
which you need witness!  Know, however, that your place is as assistant,
for handfastings are far more the domain of the Goddess, at least not
until the nights of passion begin."

Pat turns to Quinn and nods.

Quinn:  "Aphrodite, Brigit, Frejya, Venus, all names of the Goddess they
are.  The Triple Goddess as well, Maiden, Mother, and Crone, Goddess of
purity, motherhood, wisdom, and rebirth.  Great Goddess, I call upon
thee!  Come and aid the handfasting which you need witness!  Know that
your consort has already arrived to aid you, for handfastings are your
domain, at least until the night has fallen upon the happy couple."

Quinn takes a few deep breaths, and then turns to Pat, who steps up to
her and hands her a pure white strip of muslin, about 8cm across.

Quinn:  "Every year, the Goddess renews life with the seasons.  In
Winter, the land lies barren, with the God newly born the embodiment of
the returning of the light after the time of waning and the Crone
Goddess passing into rebirth.  In Spring, the land sprouts anew, with
the God growing, dancing, and marrying the Maiden Goddess.  In Summer,
the land lies fertile, with the God's death after planting his seed in
the Mother Goddess.  In Autumn, the land is harvested, with the God
awaiting rebirth and the Mother Goddess reaching for wisdom in
solitude."

Pat:  "In this season of loneliness for the Goddess and, well, death for
the God, it is indeed a fine joke to play upon them both to celebrate a
handfasting.  I'm sure it breaks the monotony of pregnancy and
impatience for rebirth."

Several short chuckles from the assembly are heard, but they are short
and strained, almost as if no-one is sure whether it's ok to laugh at
such a serious time.

Quinn:  "Throughout the year, the God and Goddess know of life.  They
live it, they create it, they _are_ it, existing through all that is
beautiful and ugly, great and meek, pain and pleasure.  Nothing out of
balance, nothing taken without giving in return."

Pat:  "All things cyclical, yet spiraling ever outward.  Life following
death following life, ad infinitum.  Yet through it all, the God and
Goddess grant each other the joys and pains of life which we ourselves
experience."

Quinn:  "Through their union, they make a gift of union to us all."

Jason Running Wolf Lynch, thou art the God, and thou dost love the
Goddess.  Lilith Grey Bear DiAnnio, thou art the Goddess, and thou dost
love the God.  Jason Running Wolf Lynch, give me your hand."

Jason raises his right hand, and Quinn places the cloth in his hand,
palm up, at about the middle.

Quinn:  "Lilith Grey Bear DiAnnio, place your hand atop his and atop the
cloth."

Lilith lifts her left hand and places it on top of Jason's, and they
clasp hands tightly.  Quinn takes the hanging lengths of cloth and wraps
them tightly around the two hands until the two ends are resting on the
top.  Each end has, with a fine golden thread, the full names of the
couple embroidered into the cloth.

Quinn:  "The Goddess and the God bind themselves to each other as you
are bound to each other now.  Through them your handfasting can never
grow weaker, but only stronger as your days together progress ever
forward."

Pat:  "Jason and Lilith, face the East and ask its approval."

Jason and Lilith, together:  "Pillars of the East, Element of Air, and
guardians of knowledge and wisdom, we stand here before you bound to
each other through the power of the Goddess and the God.  Do you know of
any objection to our union?"

Air elemental:  "What the Goddess and the God have bound together, no
wisdom or knowledge could ever destroy.  The guardian of the East has no
objections."

Pat:  "Jason and Lilith, face the South and ask its approval."

Jason and Lilith, together:  "Pillars of the South, Element of Fire, and
guardians of passion and energy, we stand here before you bound to each
other through the power of the Goddess and the God.  Do you know of any
objection to our union?"

Fire elemental:  "What the Goddess and the God have bound together, no
passion or energies could ever destroy.  The guardian of the South has
no objections."

Pat:  "Jason and Lilith, face the West and ask its approval."

Jason and Lilith, together:  "Pillars of the West, Element of Water, and
guardians of emotion and intuition, we stand here before you bound to
each other through the power of the Goddess and the God.  Do you know of
any objection to our union?"

Water elemental:  "What the Goddess and the God have bound together, no
emotion or intuitions could ever destroy.  The guardian of the West has
no objections."

Pat:  "Jason and Lilith, face the North and ask its approval."

Jason and Lilith, together:  "Pillars of the North, Element of Earth,
and guardians of life and death, we stand here before you bound to each
other through the power of the Goddess and the God.  Do you know of any
objection to our union?"

Earth Elemental:  "What the Goddess and the God have bound together, no
life or death could ever destroy.  The guardian of the North has no
objections."

Pat and Quinn, who had both stepped aside to allow the couple to speak
with the earth elemental at the north edge of the dias, step back
together again.

Pat:  "Jason and Lilith, the guardians have no objections.  And, as you
can feel, the Spirits have no objections either.  And if the Goddess and
the God had objections, you would never have been bound to start with.
Yet, there remains one thing to do."

Quinn:  "As the seasons cycle, as death turns to life, as night turns to
day, as youth turns to elder, so too does all things.  The inexorable
cycling of life in all its glory has ever been symbolized by the circle.
In ages past, when gold was seen as the metal of the Goddess, the golden
ring was used to symbolize the Goddess and the God, and to serve as a
reminder of the bonds forged between two people in their presence.
Today, golden rings are used in a similar manner, although much of the
original meaning has been lost."

Pat:  "Jason, take your ring and place it upon Lilith's right hand."

Jason reaches into his left pocket with his left hand and, a bit
awkwardly, puts the fine gold band on Lilith's right hand.

Jason to Lilith:  "Such is my gift to you."

Quinn:  "Lilith, take your ring and place it upon Jason's left hand."

Lilith reaches into her right pocket and, quite a bit less awkwardly,
places the gold band on Jason's left hand.

Lilith to Jason:  "Such is my gift to you."

Pat:  "What the God and Goddess have decreed for you both, only they can
rewrite.  What bond you have made before them, only they can break. 

Now, Turn to the assembly."

Jason and Lilith, still bound with the cloth, turn to face the assembly.

Quinn and Pat together:  "We, as representatives of the Goddess and the
God, present to you Jason and Lilith Running Wolf Lynch.

There is a ripple of applause, and several cheers, that grows into what
is almost an ovation.

Quinn:  "Goddess, thank you this beautiful day for your presence and
blessing at this handfasting.  Go in peace."

Pat:  "God, thank you this beautiful day for your presence and blessing
at this handfasting.  Go in peace."

Pat picks up the silver pentacle, walks around the altar to the north
just in front of the elemental

Pat:  Pillars of the North, guardians of life and death, Element of
Earth, and source of all Life, I thank you for joining the celebration
of this handfasting.  Go in peace.

The elemental does a close approximation of a smile, and fades slowly
into the ground.  When it finally disappears, Pat turns and replaces the
pentacle on the altar.  He then picks up the crystal chalice and carries
it to the western edge of the dias, just before the elemental.

Pat:  Pillars of the West, guardians of emotion and intuition, Element
of Water, and source of Magic and Change, I thank you for joining the
celebration of this handfasting.  Go in peace.

The elemental makes a gurgling noise that can only be interpreted as
joyful laughter, and then goes "Sploosh!", splashing water every way but
onto the dias and getting several people in the front row of seats wet.
Pat shakes his head, returns to the altar and replaces the chalice.  He
picks up the oaken wand and walks to the south edge of the dias, facing
the elemental.

Pat:  Pillars of the South, guardians of passion and energy, Element of
Fire, and source of the Life Energy, I thank you for joining the
celebration of this handfasting.  Go in peace.

The fire elemental, doing nothing quite as dramatic, just disappears.
Pat then turns, walks around Jason and Lilith who are still standing
there smiling out at the assembly, and replaces the wand on the altar.
He picks up the longsword and walks to the east, stopping at the edge
and facing the elemental.

Pat:  Pillars of the East, guardians of knowledge and wisdom, Element of
Air, and source of the Four Divine Winds, I thank you for joining the
celebration of this handfasting.  Go in peace.

The elemental disappears in a sudden gust of wind that circles everyone
for a moment, then vanishes.  Pat, smiling, returns to the altar and
places the sword back upon it.

Pat turns to face Quinn, winks, and then turns toward the crowd:
"Everyone, your attention please.  It is a tradition at the handfastings
that I have held or helped with that the bride and groom remain tied
together until their first drink or their first dance, or for however
long they so desire, whichever comes first.  I don't know how long these
two will try to do it for, but we shall see.  After all, the current
record is about 4 days, which was the entire party.  You are all welcome
to remain here and join the party and reception.  It will be held over
along the repaired north wall, at least to start.  After all, it
wouldn't be a handfasting if there wasn't a feast and party to follow,
now would it?  Eat, drink, and be merry, one and all!"
+++++end trideo

And we did. And we still are. But Mozart meant it about no gatecrashers:
you'd only hurt yourself, and you'd be surprised at the guest list.

Oh, yeah, it's been twelve hours, and Jason and Lilith haven't untied
themselves. But then they're a little kinky like that anyway... :) The
party is risking turning into an epic, even by my standards.]<<<<<
	-- The Mighty Quinn <00:30:32/09-05-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[>>time and place<<. I'll be in the back, ask for me at the bar.]<<<<<
	-- Ronin  <22:29:01/09-04-57>

>>>>>[Ah, congrats, Jason and Lilith!  I'm sorry I couldn't be there 
physically, but I just caught the trid clips.  Marvelous!  You two take 
care now and maybe I'll be in touch when I get back to Seattle.]<<<<<
	-- Ripley <21:58:45/09-04-57>

>>>>>[Indeed, as one of the few uninvited, I must say that your wedding 
was quite impressive.  Congratulations to the happy couple, may you enjoy 
life with each other for as long as you live.  Semper amamos.]<<<<<
	-- InfoScholar <07:34:11/09-05-57>

*****Private:  Lilith
>>>>>[Just a short message to congratulate you on finally getting Lynch to
"tie the knot" (literally!).  Hikaru wanted to say the same, but spare no
bandwidth, so:

+++++include:  omedetou.trid The trid seems to be from a high-quality,
home trid camera looking out into a modestly sized appartment living room. 
In view is a young Japanese woman in blue jeans and billowy shirt with the
sleeves rolled up.  She is sitting on a plush couch moderately lit by
overcast sunlight and what seems to be a miniscule fire place. 

"Okay...rolling!" comes a voice from behind the camera.  The person
quickly comes around from behind the camera.  She turns out to be another
young woman of European decent in a sun-dress, ash-blond hair loosely
braided over her shoulder.  As she takes a spot on the couch next to the
other woman, the other reaches down off-screen and produces a pair of
champagne glasses filled with a golden, bubbling liquid.  

The blond ribs the other with her elbow, "Neh, Hikaru...keep this short."

Hikaru looks back from her to the camera and says bowing, "Kekkon omedetou
gozaimasu!  Or, Congrats on your wedding--for the Nihongo-impaired."

They both raise their glasses and clink them to a rousing, "Kampai!"

After taking a sip, Hikaru continues with a wry grin, "Don't let that
mud-dog Marine of yours forget we Air Force girls are the best."  This
sends the other woman into a giggling fit.

"Hikari, you're terrible...." she says getting up from the couch and
coming toward the camera and is the last thing you see before the picture
winks out. 

+++++end include

Hope you liked it.  We weren't sure what you two would be wanting for
wedding gifts, so I will leave it up to you to hint at.  Don't suppose you
are registered anywhere?  Maybe the Ares gift catalog? ^_^ His and hers
matching balistic scarves, maybe?  I don't know.
 
By the by, we both thought your wedding dress was killer...though I don't
think I quite have the figure for it. ;)

Good luck, congratulations, and clear skys (the last one was from Hikaru).
]<<<<<
	--Vernier  <17:31:45/09-05-57>

*****PRIVATE: Shiftboy, Runs-over-pedestrians
>>>>>[Here it is then, the record of Evita's little expedition, courtesy of
your Cat-shaped correspondant. Still no idea what exactly she was up to...
I suppose we could ask...

Anyway, she met this street sammy type (who drives a WestWind, I might add)
at around 0300 this morning, and they went into the Redmond barrens. They
stopped near this ganger house at >>address<<. They paused in an alley for
a while, and Evita sent a spirit in to take a look at the place. Then they
settled down to wait for a while, until the noisiest of the festivities had
died down, then...

+++++Begin footage

The gang-house is low and squat, two stories of brown faux-brick facade and
slimy gutters. Most of the windows are intact, the odd broken one looking
like rotten teeth in a squatter's grimace.

The view is from an alley, and includes two silhouetted people, both of
whom seem to be human. One is male, one female, and both are dressed in
dark clothing. The male checks the action on a heavy pistol, then puts it
back in its holster.

"Okay," he says, "Let's roll."

The woman nods, then throws her head back in the traditional summoner's
pose. A smallish disturbance in the air becomes visible against the
brighter light of the street. The woman speaks quietly to the disturbance,
and it shoots off across the street, passing straight through a broken down
and burning car at the side of the road.

"It's starting," says the woman after a moment.

The male steps out of the alley and walks quickly across the road, pausing
outside the door to the gang-house. He puts a hand under his leather coat,
then enters, pulling his pistol as he does so. The female in the alley
waits.

+++++End footage

That's all from outside for a while. I got this next bit from the building
security system... the various components weren't very well integrated, but
the individual bits weren't bad for gangers, they must have had a decker or
two in the group at some time... shame (or good thing, depending on your
perspective) they weren't actually paying attention to their tech-toys...

+++++Begin footage

The view is of a hallway, dark and messy. There is no one present. In the
top left corner of the view a fire icon flashes on and off with a frequency
of about a second. The time stamp in the top right reads 04:35:37.

Below the camera, a door opens, and a dark-clothed man steps in. He is
wearing a long leather coat, and holds an Ares Viper heavy pistol. He
advances down the hallway, moving in a high crouch, and opens a door
through which a stairwell is visible. The door swings closed and for a
moment he is visible, taking cover under the stairs.

Then an alarm goes off, and yells are heard from above. After a moment
three gangers shove their way through the door to the stairs and start to
run out of the house. They are followed by another four, then more, all of
whom flow out through the door below the camera.

+++++Footage spliced... shift to upstairs camera

The view is similar, once again of a dark and messy hallway. Smoke fills
the top of the hall, and a flickering light is visible, presumably coming
from flames to the left of the camera's field of view.

The door at the far end from the camera opens, and the dark-clothed man
enters, at a run now. He cuts into a room to the right, about halfway down
the corridor. By the time he leaves the room, the flames have started to
move into the field of view, and the smoke is thicker. The intruder now
carries a small blue porcelain jar. He looks around, then sprints to the
far end of the corridor, breaking a window there with a powerful kick then
diving through it in a smooth continuous motion. He lands on the fire
escape outside, rolls to his feet, then moves quickly out of sight.

+++++End footage

Okay, back to cat-cam. I cut out the several minutes of waiting, BTW.

+++++Begin footage

The view is once again of the gang-house from the alley. The female shape
is waiting there, looking at the building, shifting worriedly. Smoke is
pouring out of a broken window, and flames are visible on the roof and at
the top left of the structure. There is a knot of gangers standing around
at the base of the house, looking up and swearing. There are remarkably few
other spectators.

Suddely the camera lurches, moving forwards, there is a sharp yowl, and a
dark figure steps over the fallen POV.

"Ronin?" asks the female figure.

"Yeah, I went out the back way," says the man who kicked the camera-cat, "I
got the ashes too."

"Yeah, I know, I had a spirit on your tail," says the woman, "And yeah,
let's go."

They leave the alley, passing the camera, which avoids them by hiding under
a dumpster. The woman watches the cat suspiciously, then winks at it, but
leaves without saying anything.

+++++End footage

As you will have seen, she seems to have spotted me at the end there... oh
well, I guess I can claim that it was friendly concern... and hope she
doesn't take me down to the dojo and kick my arse for me...

Anyway, see you at the next meeting... and, come to think of it... do we
want to advertise for some more members? It'd cut down on expenses...]<<<<<
	-- Ice  <21:14:15/09-05-57>

>>>>>[Congrats on th' weddin' Lynch and Lillith.  May yer l'ves t'get'er be
f'rev'r]<<<<<
	--  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)<23:15:25/09-05-57>

>>>>>[Yes congratulations on your recent wedding.  Hopfully your future will be
very bright.  The chance that we get to be wedded seems to be very slim these
days.  I pray that you are as happy as we are since we were married.]
        --  Colice Brightstar<23:18:22/09-05-57>

>>>>>[I need a competent team who are able to pass as corporate execs, and are
able to function effectively with only small, easily concealed equipment.
Not having worked together before is no obstacle, if anything it will add a
certain authenticity to your cover identities. If you fit the criteria send
your details to me at this message service. I have been authorised to offer
an advance of >>significant<< nY.]<<<<<
	-- L  <21:25:33/09-05-57>

***** PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[You available?

Im feeling a little antsy and could use a good adrenal fix.]<<<<<
	-- Kor <04:56:15 / 09-06-57> 

*****Private:Ice, Runs-Over-Pedestrians
>>>>>[Well, that was weird.

Say, does our group have a name yet? And I don't think advertising
would be such a bad idea.]<<<<<
	-- Shiftboy <9-6-57/07:09:34>

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[You got it. When, where?]<<<<<
	-- Easy <18:10:32/09-06-57>

***** PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[Why dont you contact L, and tell him you have yourself and a physical
adept ready to do his job.  Quick, quiet, and easy.  Or however he wants
it done.

I have had some corp training so I think I can pass that aspect of his 
runner-profile.]<<<<<
	-- Kor <18:35:01 / 09-06-57> 

>>>>>[Your info checks out Tommy, but I need to meet with you to besure. If you're the real thing, then I've got a proposition that may
just help solve our mutual problems... Meet me at >>encrypted<< ]<<<<<
	-- Dark Elf <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[If Harada's alive, I want a piece of him. I don't care if he claims he's no longer an assassin, he still has to pay for killing
my brother... ]<<<<<
	--Edward Rossini <15:46:11/09-06-57>
           Vice President, Rossini-Caputo Exports

>>>>>[Ed Rossini? Better known among the Italian Mafia asEddie the Fish? Damn, it was years ago that the Yakuza put the hit
on John "Lefty" Rossini... FYI: Lefty Rossini was one of the Mafia's
top players back in New York about five years ago. Then Lefty
arranged a meeting with the Yaks to negotiate an end to the bloody
turf war between the Yaks and the Mafioso that was little more than
an invitation to a killing ground for one of the Maf's best hitmages.

Makes sense that the Yaks called in Tommy to even up the score, he
was their best man back then, before he went renegade and got caught
up in the madness back in '54.

If you ask me, Lefty got what he deserved. He was worse than a killer,
he was a monster. Anyone who got involved with him usually ended up
butchered. Like I said, he got what he deserved.]<<<<<
	-- Dark Elf <**:**:**/**-**-**>

***** PRIVATE: Jason R Stormwind
>>>>>[I need to talk, can you meet me somewhere?]<<<<<
	-- Cassandra <17:15:15 / 09-06-57> 

>>>>>[Hey!  Anyone out there need any stealthy data-related jobs, or magical
coverage, for a job?  Need some quick cash ... don't have to be real long 
nY, but some ...  Quality masks, some matrix, a little o'evryting.  
Close to home preferred, work solo or team ... M'flexible.  Also, 
Shiftboy ... need another for y'r group?  {r}]<<<<<
	--  Chris Parker <22:15:57/09-06-57>
	    Photographer
	    Seattle Post-Intelligencer

*****PRIVATE: Stampede
>>>>>[Received notes from convo with the shaman.  Buy a backbone if you 
cannot find one.  Found a potential asset to replace your recent losses.
+++++display file_pic***.trd  Headcase, but useful nonetheless.  Suggest 
indirect test, before primary assignment.]<<<<<
	-- The Saracen <22:18:00/09-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: Jason R. Stormwind, Cassandra
>>>>>[How is Hortensia doing?  I am hoping that one of you might 
introduce me to her sometime within the next couple weeks.  Let me know 
what you think of her situation and my suggestion.  I will be in Poland 
for a few days, but I shall return by next Tuesday.]<<<<<
	-- Apollyon <22:21:00/09-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: Saracen
>>>>>[Talk to me about backbone when you learn to play Bacarat.  I'm 
still waiting for my new toy, bznitch.  Your suggestion make sense (for 
once). You handle the contact, play Mr. J, and select the decker. She 
should be taught a lesson, and should provide ample evaluation for the 
zombie. +++++credtransfer >>encrypted<<]<<<<<
	--  Stampede <22:25:32/09-06-57>

*****Private: L
>>>>>[Your fee is adequate to enlist my services, and I am trained to be
effective in many circumstances with only minimal equipment, or support. 
However, before our business is to continue further, I request additional
information as to what type of operation this is going to be and what
resources are available and needed, plus any additional information that
you would be willing to pass on to me.  My specialties include close
combat, intrusion, and the wielding of magicks.  I am relatively new to
the Seattle area and have not yet worked with any of the persons who
frequent this service, yet am willing to work in concert with others if
the need arises.  Thank you for your consideration.]<<<<<
	-- WhiteTyger  <20:45:23/09-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: Whitetyger
>>>>>[The job is to pass yourself off as the representative of a certain
corporation, the identity of which I will reveal to you at the appropriate
time. Preparation for the operation must be started immediately, as it may
take several weeks. Once you and your colleagues have assumed the false
identites which I will provide, you will fly to a certain location and
spend one week in a luxury hotel. This hotel is the host establishment for
a meeting between several corporations including my own, and you will have
several corporate espionage related tasks to complete. I cannot tell you
more until you have accepted the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <22:37:46/09-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: L
>>>>>[I'll be willing to at least listen to an offer like that, that's for
damn sure. Here's a reasonable approximation of a resume:

+++++Include cybrware.txt
+++++Include bthaum.txt
+++++Include joblist.txt

The joblist'll be most important to you, we press boys do a lot of
corporate party crashing.]<<<<<
	-- Ice  <22:46:57/09-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: L
>>>>>[I'm available, and a physical adept collleague is also around.
Both of us are easily able to operate with little or no equipment.]<<<<<
	-- Easy <22:43:32/09-06-57>

*****PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[The job is to pass yourself off as the representative of a certain
corporation, the identity of which I will reveal to you at the appropriate
time. Preparation for the operation must be started immediately, as it may
take several weeks. Once you and your colleagues have assumed the false
identites which I will provide, you will fly to a certain location and
spend one week in a luxury hotel. This hotel is the host establishment for
a meeting between several corporations including my own, and you will have
several corporate espionage related tasks to complete. I cannot tell you
more until you have accepted the job. I will need the name of this physical
adept colleague you mention.]<<<<<
	-- L  <20:39:10/09-07-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ice
>>>>>[The job is to pass yourself off as the representative of a certain
corporation, the identity of which I will reveal to you at the appropriate
time. Preparation for the operation must be started immediately, as it may
take several weeks. Once you and your colleagues have assumed the false
identites which I will provide, you will fly to a certain location and
spend one week in a luxury hotel. This hotel is the host establishment for
a meeting between several corporations including my own, and you will have
several corporate espionage related tasks to complete. I cannot tell you
more until you have accepted the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <22:39:10/09-07-57>

*****PRIVATE: L
>>>>>[That all sounds fine. Where and when do I pick up the cover ID, and how
many others have you signed up so far?]<<<<<
	-- Ice  <23:41:40/09-07-57>

*****PRIVATE:L
>>>>>[ Before I decide to accept your contract, I would be interested in
knowing the names of the other
corporations involved at the conference. ]<<<<<
	--(NA/UCAS-SEA) 66-1701 <23:18:50 / 09-07-57  

*****PRIVATE: (NA/UCAS-SEA) 66-1701
>>>>>[And before I even contemplate hiring you, I would be 
interested in knowing your identity, and exactly 
how you found out about the conference.]<<<<<
	-- L  <16:55:46/09-08-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ice
>>>>>[Details of the ID and the job follow:

+++++Include file id&job.txt

The following attachment is an executable file. Insert your credstick with
ID files into the dataport if whatever machine you are using, and activate
the file. It will adjust your ID files so that they hold the details of the
cover ID. Your fingerprints and other similar records will remain
unchanged, but copies of them will be sent to my corporation. Please do not
try to follow or block this exchange, it is necessary for the preparation
and maintenance of the cover.

+++++Include file sinner.exe

Once this is complete, you must assume the identity and begin to live it.
It is not inconceivable that operatives from other corps will be checking
on you, even at this early date.

Regarding your second question, I have made tentative arrangments with
three other than yourself, and am considering a fifth, though he or she
shows signs of knowing more then he or she should.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:56:59/09-08-57>

*****Private:Ice
>>>>>[I don't really give a damn who or what you are, if you want to form
a group, lets go for it. I never really wanted one before, but hey,
nothing ventured nothing gained.]<<<<<
	-- Wolfen  <10:45:43/9-8-57>

*****Private: Ice
>>>>>[ I can find one for you if you like. just send me the formulae for
those spells, and hell, I'll find people to form one with you. Sound
good?]<<<<<
	-- Blademaster  <10:50:43/9-8-57>

*****Private:L
>>>>>[Interested parties meet where?]<<<<<
	-- Blademaster  <10:53:43/9-9-57>

>>>>>[Nothing is ever as it seems.    Jasmine and I have been working
free lance for over a year now.  We've seen wome strange things. 
Her shamanic abilities have improved greatly.   However, we've ave
reached a point on  a current job where we are stumped.   We just
don't have enough eyes.  So, as much as I like the freelance
contracting, I find it necessary to solicit help from friends. 
Don't worry, the pay is good.  What does it entail?  First, I need
local people.  This is a Seattle job.  Second, I need someone who's
willing to live on the street for a week.  Third, I need muscle. 
Magic is taken care of, muscle is not.  Unfortunately, I don't fit
in the muscle category.   Fourth, I'm doing the matrix support,
which gets tricky....there isn't any.  This is part of why I'm
stumped.  I can't watch from the confines of the Matrix. Also,
anyone with a knowledge of bio-genetics, neural nets, possibly even
psychology would be appreciated.   Waiting......]<<<<<
	-- Shields < 08:30:31 / 09-09-57 >

*****PRIVATE TO: Shields
>>>>>[Heh. Neural nets huh? I've got a bit of expertise in those areas.
What kind of stuff do you want?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <10:46:43/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[We've got a group of kids that are completely fried on BTL.   Now,
here's the kicker, these kids are wired specifically for these
chips.  The chips are custom made for each kid.   Freaky, huh?   We
figured this out after finding one of the kids dead.   The autopsy
revealed most of this.]<<<<<
	-- Shields < 08:16:00 / 09-09-57 >

>>>>>[Hello out there? I need a little help... I was wondering if any of
you big bad Shadow-peoples could help me out. My Dad seems to have
disappeared, and these people are looking for him. I think he's in
trouble. My mom and I got kicked out and are looking for a place to stay.
I might just be fooling myself, but I have some money I saved up for a
car. It's not much, about 600nY, but maybe it'll get someone, anyone, to
help me find my Dad, and make sure he's all right. Anyone?]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <11:44:23/9-9-57>

>>>>>[How old are you, Sarah?]<<<<<
	-- Jasmine < 08:57:24 / 09-09-57 >

>>>>>[Sarah. What details do you have? Do you have any of your Dad's notes? I would be willing to help, and I don't need your nuyen. If you have a place we could meet, I'd be happy to meet with you.]<<<<<
	-- Cassandra < 10:05:24 / 09-09-57 >

***** INTERNAL: Neuron Basher, Akira
>>>>>[Im taking a little time off.  The deal with Rosha, Apollyn, Cassandra
and everyone else is starting to wear me a little thin.

Akira, I'd really appreicate if you would go on point for me, or appoint someone
else if you dont have the time, to keeping things stable with Rosha for
a couple of weeks while I am away.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <15:57:44 / 09-09-57> 

***** PRIVATE: Apollyn
>>>>>[We shall see where things go from here.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <15:59:24 / 09-09-57>

***** INTERNAL: Rosha, Work Study Staff
>>>>>[Thanks for the good workout.  Next time, you can tell Evita, was that
her name, that she could go a little easier on an old man like myself.

You and I need to talk.  Serious.  Ill pick you up this afternoon and take
you back to my place.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <16:02:18 / 09-09-57>

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[Have a job lined up with a Johnson going by the name of L.  The pay
is good, and it will give me the change to spend some time away for a while.
Ill keep you informed if I end up needing any support but this should
be free and easy.  A bit of play acting, 2 weeks set up, 1 week or so to 
execute, free and clear after that.

Will also give me some time to feel out Easy.

Can you swing me a new matrix persona-thingie?  I havent done the "physical
adept" thing in such a long time that I dont even remember any of my old
aliases.  Something appropriate  --  Got it.  T'shon.  Elven.  Specializes
in upclose and personal.  Wired.  Albino.  He's an old friend, or to speak,
of mine from...shall we say, the "fresh out of Aztech" days.  I doubt he would
mind too terribly if I snagged his name for a while.  Seeing as how he's
unlikely to return from the Tir anytime in the near future, I doubt he would
even notice.

Matrix checks on him will already produce, so you shouldnt have to come up
with a cover.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <16:04:29 / 09-09-57>

>>>>>[Haven?  If they arent still in the middle of their celebration, I
would suggest Sarah and her mother are sent there until they can get
some things settled out.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <16:12:47 / 09-09-57> 
	   Field Officer
	   Serenity Security

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[Im surprised you didnt offer to pay to relocate them to Europe until
everything blew over]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <16:12:47 / 09-09-57>

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine, Cassandra
>>>>>[If either of you need anything as it concerning Sarah, just let me
know.  I've sat aside a couple thousand just in case she needs it.]<<<<<
	-- Jason Stormwind <16:13:15 / 09-09-57>

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[I knew I should have waited a couple seconds...]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <16:13:15 / 09-09-57>

***** PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[T'Shon (sean) will be my running name for this job.  Albino, Elf, from
TT.  If anyone digs into that name, it will turn up as legit.]<<<<<
	-- Kor <16:21:11 / 09-09-57> 

>>>>>[I see that Jason beat me to the draw.  Sarah, you and your mother may
come and join us here at Haven for as long as you need a place to
stay.

Of course, your mother would have to help defray the costs of your staying
here by helping out around Haven in some way.  And you would need to attend
classes, for at least the duration of your stay.

And there are many people here who would gladly help you find your father.

If you would like assistance and a place to live for a while, please come
to Redmond and see me here at Haven.  Just ask for Pat.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <10:37:13/09-09-57>

*****INTERNAL: Stormy Jay ;-)
>>>>>[Hey, don't complain about _y'r_ bein sore! M'lucky t'be walkin 
after the two-one-tag-team job, y'all landed on me!!  Evita'll  'preciate
y'r comment, though.

Yeah, let's talk.  For real.  Thinkin you maybe got answers for me ... gots
enough questions for a couple days, I think.  Why the physcheck?  I feel 
fine and ready to fly ... no fish bitin though.  Maybe y'can tell me how 
t'dim the lights, if ya follow.

T'night then >>encrypted<<.{r}]<<<<<
	--  Kerry Kittles <13:46:16/09-09-57>
	    Marketing Associate
	    Seattle Supersonics

*****PRIVATE: Horde
>>>>>[Your presence is required in Seattle. Bring your guitars. GZ0 ...
>>encrypted<<.  All proceedings as previously agreed, payment as well.]<<<<<
	-- The Saracen <13:52:33/09-09-57>

*****Private: L
>>>>>[ Well if I'm not to late I'd love to help you in anyway I can, being
from a Corp. family helps a little in understanding Corp. ways, but then
so does having a warped mind and a sick sense of humor.  Just contact me
anytime, I'm not likely to be going anywhere for the next couple of days.
]<<<<<
	--Mr. Blackthorne <13:16:28/09-08-57>

*****Private: Sarah
>>>>>[ I never could turn down a damsel in distress, just let me know all
about your problem and I shall start.  Now as for a place to stay, I own a
vacant apartment at >>encrypt<<, you and your mother may use it for as
long as needed.  As for the offer of money, not needed or wanted, I could
never take money for helping a damsel. ]<<<<<
	--Mr. Blackthorne <13:22:19/09-08-57>

*****Private: Lynch
>>>>>[ Congrats on your wedding my friend, I just saw the clip from it and
I must say I'm impressed.  I hope you and your new wife have many happy
years together and are bless with children.  I give a salute to you and to
new beginings. ]<<<<<
	--Mr. Blackthorne <13:26:57/09-08-57>

>>>>>[I hate to sound like a wet blanket, but could someone explain to me why
everyone seems so eager to believe in a "little girl" who has gotten onto a
concealed, _secured_ BBS?  Has anyone bothered to try to do a transaction 
trace, or try to locate this "girl"'s real identity?  Treat it as an exercise
for the reader.  You may not entirely like what you find.

And here I thought paranoia was finally making a comeback...]<<<<<
	-- Azrael  <11:19:51 / 09-09-57>

++++PRIVATE:  L

>>>>>[I regret the delay in confirming my acceptance.  There were several
details that needed to be satisfied such that I would be free to assist
you.  The job seems to be well within my capability.  In order for you to
equip the false ID, I enclude the following:

+++++include:  WhiteTyger.3d

This is a relatively high resolution, three-dimensional picture of a young
man in a stylish business suit.  He appears of mostly Chinese descent with
some european featuring in the cheekbones and eyes.  His black hair is
worn long, but otherwise conservatively styled and pulled back into a
tail that drapes over his shoulder.  While appearing a bit young for a
"salary-man," his lean and hungry look is appropriate for one who finished
an M.B.A. a couple years ahead of his peers.  The suit, if one looks
closely, is vented appropriately that no movement would be restricted.

+++++end include

Use which ever view is most appropriate and doctor to your taste.  I await
further information and instructions.  Such information will, I presume,
include what resources I can expect from you or your employers in
addition to what I will be bringing with me in terms of skills and
equipment.  Also, I would request information on the operatives that will
be on this mission in addition to myself.

In return, I offer:
Current Personal Equipment Planned:
	body armor (form-fitting and Securetech or armored clothing)
	shock gloves
	collapsing Ceramic staves/Nunchaku 
		(concealable and difficult to detect)

Note: I did not include firearms, since I would assume the security at
this meeting would prevent their use.  Any additional items you feel
appropriate would be appreciated.

Capabilities include but are not limited to:
	Personal combat and magic
	Steath including Magical assistance (including versus technology)
	Low-light vision and Hearing Amplification
	Healing magic

In regards to my magical capabilities, I follow the path of the Tiger, as
you may have surmised, with all of the benefits and penalties of being
Tiger entails.  Having achieved sufficient enlightenment, members of my
order have confirmed initiation upon me, but as of yet, I have shown no
capabilities with entering or perceiving the astral plane or calling upon
the aid of the spirits. It would be beneficial to have these abilities
within at least one of the others on this mission.]<<<<<
	-- WhiteTyger  <11:40:35/09-09-57> 

>>>>>[Do YOU know what's stationed at Haven?  I do.  Little girl or not, it
wont matter, Pat can take care of it.

There seldom is a need to be outwardly paranoid.  Just manuever things in
such a way that the situation will fix itself without getting your own
hands dirty.

Hope you dont consider my move to be unkind, Pat.  I made the assumption that
you would have offered your assistance anyway.  That Haven would be the
best place if this was legit.  That YOU would be the best person to deal
with it / uncover it if it were not.  Simple logical progression.  If its
legit no one has been hurt and someone has been saved the heartache of 
having to live on the streets against their will (Hi, Squatter).  If not,
then the problem will find its way into a back alley and justice will be 
served.

As to the "little girl" finding her way to ShadowLand  --  I've seen far
worse.  The 6 year old (or was it 9?  the age kept fluctuating) who was
an active matrix runner and head of a larger shadowrunning team.  Hell, I've
hired some of my best deckers well before they were legal to drink BECAUSE
they had found their way here.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <18:55:50 / 09-09-57> 

>>>>>[ Hi Jasmine. Can you help me? I'm fourteen, why? Did you find him
already? Please someone help find my Daddy!]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <03:16:43/9-9-57>

>>>>>[Cassandra, what do you mean notes? My Dad kept them on his
computer, well, actually his cyberdeck, but, same difference. Would those
help? I know where he worked, and where we lived, until Mom said we were
leaving. Would that help? My Dad's name is Lester Manchester. Do you think
you can find him? Please?]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <03:16:53/9-9-57>

>>>>>[ Mr. Stormwind, sir, where's Haven? do you think anyone there could
help us? Mom doesn't like this idea, she says that the suits could find
us. She won't tell me who the suits are, but I think they're the people
from Mitsuhama. Thats where we used to live. Can you help find my dad? I
really miss him and things are just so wierd since he left. Please?]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <03:17:23/9-9-57>

>>>>>[Thank you Mr. valentine, sir. I'll bring mom and come there. Well,
at least to Redmond, could you meet us at the bus stop, or give us
directions for a cab? I'm not sure exactly where Haven is. I never left
the house much. And mom can't stop crying, she just keeps asking why? Can
you help her? I'll attend classes, if you like. I can do the work for my
mom too, so we can stay there. I have some money, but its Mitsuhama
credit, would that help pay? At least then we'll have a place to live.
Thank you for the help Mr. Valentine, when I finally get some more money
I'll repay you. I hope you can wait a while though. My future job at
Mitsuhama isn't looking like an opportunity anymore.]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <03:17:53/9-9-57>

*****Private:Mr. Blackthorne
>>>>>[Mr. Blackthorne, sir, I don't know anything. My Dad is Lester
Manchester, and he worked for Mitsuhama. I thought I was going to as well.
I was all set to help Dad out, doing well in classes, and then he
disappears. Some people come by the appartment looking for him. Mom takes
me and we move into a motel room for the night. Mom's credit line(whatever
that is) has been cancelled, so now we need a place to stay. I just want
to find Dad, because then Mom will calm down and we can go back to the
apartment, right? Mom says we can't go back, but I know we can. All we
have to do is find Dad and then all three of us can go back and everything
will be fine again. Please help find him! He used to be a scientist. He
was always tinkering with his cyberterminal. It was a Fuchi Cyber-6! Why
did Dad leave? Can you find him? I just know he's in trouble!]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <3:45:43/9-9-57>

>>>>>[ I'm not little Azreal! I'm fourteen! And I found this using my
Allegience Alpha thank you very much!]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <03:48:43/9-9-57>

>>>>>[Sarah, Dear, the "suits" could find you at Haven but all they
would be able to do is wind their watches, to coin a phrase.  You will
be well protected there.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <20:06:45 / 09-09-57> 

>>>>>[Ms. Manchester, come as soon as you possibly can.  I can, and as always,
will guarantee your personal safety.  I will personally come to meet you at
the station.  I am about 1.8m tall, with short red hair.  I'll be wearing
blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a red windbreaker.  I will be there immediately,
and will wait until you arrive.

Please tell your mother that no-one bothers Haven much, even if they know
that someone is here.  For starters, it is extra-territorial to Seattle or
any corporation.  Second, many VIPs have sent thier children here,
including, at last count, a son and two daughters of Tir Royals, the
daughter of a reasonably well known shadowrunner, a young man whom Renraku
was chasing for several months, and many others.  At this stage, Haven is a
home where, so long as someone remains on the grounds, they are safe, even
from corporations and national governments.  Very few people bother to try
and kidnap my wards.

Mitsuhama credit will more than cover your expenses, Ms. Manchester, I
assure you.  And I will do everything for your mother that I, or the rest
of my friends and associates here at Haven, can do.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <14:17;49/09-09-57>

>>>>>[I appreciate your offer, Jason.  You are absolutely correct that I would
have offered myself, had I seen it earlier.  But even I cannot monitor the
Matrix at all times, and I will not spend the nuyen required to have a
frame do the work for me.

I sincerely hope that things will go fine for Sarah and her mother.
Paranoia seems to be a way of life in these dark days.  Haven exists for
the express purpose of eliminating that particular reality, at least in
some small respect.  In addition, I refuse to live my life paranoid.  I
lived that way for far too long, and stopped years before I founded Haven.

But I must be off.  I have a Ms. Manchester to meet.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <14:25:30/09-09-57>

>>>>>[Help I have a crazy Shaman after me.  What should I do.  It wasn't my
fault his crazy Mantise wife raped me.  Now he wants to kill me.  What
should i do HELP!!!]<<<<<
	-- Codis <16:40:30/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Shields
>>>>>[Dead kids eh? Sounds kinda gross. What was the nature of their
wiring? And do you have a copy of a few of these chips? 

I think it's time we start discussing fees here. If you don't mind me
telecommuting, I'm free all the time. If you want realspace: I've got
*ahem* work to do until Saturday. If you want some time in the evenings,
I'm also free. I'm not much of a biologist and I don't really like hanging
out around dead things, so I'd appreciate it if I didn't have to see the
kid korpses. 

Any and all data will be helpful. I assume part of my contract is not to
ask any questions?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <17:13:43/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[My friend, it will be hard for me to explain the wiring without you
seeing it.   And there aren't that many dead kids.  Including the
one in the fridge at the mortuary (of sorts) there have been three
fatalities.  You make it sound like there's just piles of bodies. 
Not the case.   Anyway, the wiring goes straight into the grey
matter of the kids brains.  We're talking pure and unadulterated
brain stimulation by a programmable outside source.  The only chip
we have vaporized when we started testing it.  NO, WE DIDN'T
CONNECT IT DIRECT TO THE POWER SUPPLY!!!!   Part of this "job" is
to get another chip.   We were lucky to get the chip we had.   It
was sort of a fluke we found it.   As for fees, I'm not sure what
you charge.  I can offer 10K up front for looking.  If you choose
to continue, it could lead to as much as a half mil.  YEAH, THAT
MUCH.]<<<<<
	-- Shields < 14:31:27 / 09-09-57 >

*****PRIVATE:Sarah, Valentine, Haven
>>>>>[Greetings Mr. Valentine, I saw Sarah's post and offered to help. I have a
score to settle with Mitsuhama and would be more than glad to help find
Sarah's father
via the matrix. I believe Jason Stormwind will vouch for me. She says
her Dad had a
cyberdeck upon which he kept his notes. This may very well be a good
lead. If Sarah is
willing, I'd like to take a look at it. In the meantime, I'll try to run
a check using
his name. You never know what could turn up.]<<<<<
	-- Cassandra  <15:40:53/9-9-57>

>>>>>[Sarah, consider this lesson number one in applied paranoia.

+++++include footage.one
A clip of footage of the window of the side of a hotel building.  Voice can
be heard, only slightly garbled on the audio, one distraught, another
consoling.  Humanoid shapes can be seen through the partially-drawn blinds,
tenuously outlined in luminous green.
+++++include footage.two
Two female figures are seen walking out from under an awning in a driveway,
apparently part of a hotel or restaurant.  The figures each have a green
diamond around them, and the sound of their feet against the pavement and the
rustle of their clothes can be heard clearly against the background noise of
traffic.
+++++include medical.records.summary

Having hot hardware means very little if you aren't alive long enough to use
it.  You might want to consult the <<ENCRYPTED>> catalog to see what the
symbols on that footage mean.

In any event, it looks like you'll be spending some time at Haven, so the
odds of you and your mother living longer seem to be a bit higher...enjoy that.
And if you're in the mood for something to do, try checking out <<ENCRYPTED>>.
If you can get past the security, I'm sure you'll find it quite...edifying.

And Mr. Stormwind, you'll forgive me if I lack your optimistic outlook
on life.  What good is a "Haven" if you get killed en route? ]<<<<<
	--Azrael  <16:23:49 / 09-09-57>

>>>>>[Oh no, you were able to get a drone on a little girl and her mother.  I
dont think I would have been able to do that given the time and her access 
method to ShadowLand.  Give it a break.  She asked for help, she going to 
get it.  You can go off to your own little world and be paranoid, but dont
take anyone else on your head trip with you.  She's obviously NOT a shadow
runner.  In this case, that means she likely has the innocence of a small
child (forgive me Sarah, I know you are 14).  I would kill to be able to 
shut my eyes and see only through those of a child, but those times are gone.

Does it make you feel warm that you might have just done more harm than
good?]<<<<<
	-- Jason Stormwind <22:08:19 / 09-09-57> 

*****PRIVATE: L 
>>>>>[ Interesting news travel fast, omae .  And my aploogies,  my name is
Shockwave. }<<<<<
        --  Shockwave (NA/UCAS-SEA) 66-1701 <18:18:50/09-09-57>

>>>>[ Sounds interesting, Shields. At your leisure,  please inform me as to
specifics. Thank you. ]<<<<<
	--Shockwave <18:30:30/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE To: Sarah
>>>>>[ If you could give me more specifics of your problem,  I would probably
be willing to assist you. ]<<<<<
	--Shockwave <18:32:00/09/09/57

>>>>>[This is amusing.  "She asked for help, she going to get it".  If anyone
competent wanted her dead in a hurry, she would have "gotten" it, alright.
Or maybe there's a purpose for letting live...leverage on her father?  A
wetware backup for some important data, maybe?  Or, more esoterically, could it
be an assault on Haven or its esteemed operator?  Maybe you never heard about
the death of LiFaziolli...frigging pregnant stray _cat_ with a nice womb full
of C4.  Brought in right past all that flaunted security.  Blew him, his wife,
daughter of age three, and several domestic servants completely to hell and
gone.  Interesting how his import/export business rolled over to a certain
far-Asian conglomerate shortly thereafter, isn't it?  But maybe you caught
the "gas explosion" story that the media switched to when the forensics techs
"admitted a mistake" in their original analysis.  Last I heard, one of those
folks is even still alive, addicted to heroin that he gets by vising his wife
at this new job she was "given" shortly after the incident.  At a brothel.

Do you think people fuck around in this world?  The issue is not whether
you're paranoid, but whether you're paranoid _enough_.

You can bury your head in the sand all you want.  Consider it an indication of
my good will that I'm even bothering to extend advice that might extend her
life.
        --  Azrael  <22:18:28 / 09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: gangDODECA
>>>>>[Man, this tha fuckin' _nine_ _wun_ _wun_ shit, know'm'sayin?  Fuckin'
call up'n getcho ansaa's t'all life's li'l fuckin' problems'n'shit, raight?
Fuckin' little-ass girls an' haunted-ass Johns, man...iz tha Shad'land
sysops _tot'ly_ off they ass?  Nex' is tha ancient ol' fuckin' street-coonah
hookah callin' up wif th'Japaneez biz-man in bed....fuckin' "I've fallin',
an' I _cain't_ get up!" an shit iz what _I_ calls it.]<<<<<
	-- 
        --  Lopez  <22:39:49 / 09-09-57>

>>>>>[]<<<<<
	--  V-12  <15:20:34 / 09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Wolfen
>>>>>[Okay, meet me and the rest of the team at >>time and place<<.]<<<<<
	--  Ice  <16:08:26/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Blademaster
>>>>>[Thank you for your offer, but I have now found a number of people
interested in a group, and we have formed it. We are however looking for
new members, so if you know anyone who wants to join, feel free to give
them my pseudonym/s-land adress thing.]<<<<<
	-- Ice  <16:09:44/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Blademaster
>>>>>[There will not be a physical meet at any point.

The job is to pass yourself off as the representative of a certain
corporation, the identity of which I will reveal to you at the appropriate
time. Preparation for the operation must be started immediately, as it may
take several weeks. Once you and your colleagues have assumed the false
identites which I will provide, you will fly to a certain location and
spend one week in a luxury hotel. This hotel is the host establishment for
a meeting between several corporations including my own, and you will have
several corporate espionage related tasks to complete. I cannot tell you
more until you have accepted the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <16:14:28/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Mr Blackthorne
>>>>>[The job is to pass yourself off as the representative of a certain
corporation, the identity of which I will reveal to you at the appropriate
time. Preparation for the operation must be started immediately, as it may
take several weeks. Once you and your colleagues have assumed the false
identites which I will provide, you will fly to a certain location and
spend one week in a luxury hotel. This hotel is the host establishment for
a meeting between several corporations including my own, and you will have
several corporate espionage related tasks to complete. I cannot tell you
more until you have accepted the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <16:31:28/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Whitetyger
>>>>>[Details of the ID and the job follow:

+++++Include file id&job.txt

The following attachment is an executable file. Insert your credstick with
ID files into the dataport if whatever machine you are using, and activate
the file. It will adjust your ID files so that they hold the details of the
cover ID. Your fingerprints and other similar records will remain
unchanged, but copies of them will be sent to my corporation. Please do not
try to follow or block this exchange, it is necessary for the preparation
and maintenance of the cover.

+++++Attach file sinner.exe

Once this is complete, you must assume the identity and begin to live it.
It is not inconceivable that operatives from other corps will be checking
on you, even at this early date.

Regarding your question about equipment, I will provide an Ares
BattleTechnology stealth suit, tailored (by magic that will not alter the
prtective function) to the form of appropriate business wear. The fitting
will be done whenever is appropriate, we can discuss this later. Weapons,
even those that you would consider concealable, will not be a good idea...
this is a meeting of the big eight, not the local rotarians.]<<<<<
	-- L  <16:35:26/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Shockwave
>>>>>[What was the source of your "Interesting news"? I would be interested
in... as it were... plugging the leak.

In any case, you probably know some of this allready. The job is to pass
yourself off as the representative of a certain corporation, the identity
of which I will reveal to you at the appropriate time. Preparation for the
operation must be started immediately, as it may take several weeks. Once
you and your colleagues have assumed the false identites which I will
provide, you will fly to a certain location and spend one week in a luxury
hotel. This hotel is the host establishment for a meeting between several
corporations including my own, and you will have several corporate
espionage related tasks to complete. I cannot tell you more until you have
accepted the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <16:52:20/09-09-57>

>>>>>[I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the response to my earlier
message with this subject. I have found more than the five people I
require who seem willing to accept my offer. Thank you, but please do
not respond if you have not already done so.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:10:29/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Blademaster, Easy, Ice, Mr Blackthorne, Shockwave, Whitetyger
>>>>>[I believe that's all of you.

Ice, Whitetyger: You have definitely been accepted thanks to your prompt action.
Easy: You and your physad friend are temporarily ahead of the pack, but
your lead is slipping away.
Blademaster, Mr Blackthorne, Shockwave: As things stand, only one of you is
likely to be accepted for the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:10:56/09-09-57>

>>>>>[I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the response to my earlier message
with this subject. I have found more than the five people I require who
seem willing to accept my offer. Thank you, but please do not respond if
you have not already done so.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:10:29/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Blademaster, Easy, Ice, Mr Blackthorne, Shockwave, Whitetyger
>>>>>[I believe that's all of you.

Ice, Whitetyger: You have definitely been accepted thanks to your prompt action.
Easy: You and your physad friend are temporarily ahead of the pack, but
your lead is slipping away.
Blademaster, Mr Blackthorne, Shockwave: As things stand, only one of you is
likely to be accepted for the job.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:10:56/09-09-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Shields
>>>>>[Half a MIL? You're kidding right? It took me almost three years to
amass that as a consultant, and now you're telling me I can get that in
one run? Bulldrek.

I'm not fragging around with ANYTHING grossing that kind of cash. Just
because I'm old doesn't mean I don't have anything to live for.

Merci et bonne nuit.]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <22:44:43/09-09-57>

*****INTERNAL: NewType BBS FROM: Tobias Dark (SysOp) TO: Cynthia
>>>>>[Hey sexy, I don't know if you've been monitoring my mail, but I've
been getting a few messages from a spritely young lad going by the name
'Shields' (I'm assuming it has nothing to do with rubbers). He's got a few
corpses of kids addicted to a variant of BTL (seems to do a few invasive
changes to their puckered little brains -- grey matter specifically). He
wanted 'assistance' -- and offered roughly 500,000 =Y=.

 Needless to say: I didn't take it.

Get me some info on Shields and this BTL drek. I'm kind of concerned that
someone might be feeling the urge to zap my butt. I don't think I've
pissed anyone off, but judging by the amount of security around the
Campus it appears I may be causing trouble just by teaching here. 

No deadline on this one, but as always: the sooner the better]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <22:53:54/09-09-57>

*****INTERNAL: NewType BBS FROM: Cynthia (pid:0) TO: Tobias Dark (SysOp)
>>>>>[Nice of you to drop me a line. 

The search is underway.]<<<<<
	-- Cynthia <22:53:55/09-09-57>

***** PRIVATE: L
>>>>>[Greetings.  Forgive me for not having introduced myself to you before.
A friend, goes by the name of Easy, contacted me and said there was a a job
opening that might use my special talents.  She explained to me that you
were the person to talk to about it.  I had not the time before, but I do
now.

I've been brief'd, as much as Easy could, on the nature of the job.  Im 
certain I can fill your position.  I've a little practice in playing
the suit.

I didnt get a payment scale.  What does it look like, friend?]<<<<<
	-- T'Shon <05:28:08 / 09-10-57> 

>>>>>[Valentine, Colice an' I wou' like ta 'elp in this sit'ation.  In fact we
'ill be brin'in over a sum of <ENCRYPTED> ta pay fer Sarah an' 'er mothers
exp'nses.  We 'ere ev'n gonna of'er them  room at ou' place.]<<<<<
	-- STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)<03:51:55/09-10-57>
                                                                       

*****PRIVATE TO: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[I said UP TO a half mil.  Not a half mil flat rate.  I'm strictly
talking time and materials.  This isn't a fixed bid.]<<<<<
	-- Shields < 07:15:30 / 09-10-57 >

>>>>>[Thank you for the offer, STREETWOLF.  It will be, as always, most
appreciated.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <09:35:26/09-10-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Cassandra
>>>>>[Thank you very much for your help.  I'm sure tha Sarah will be more
than appreciative.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <09:37:03/09-10-57>

>>>>>[Shoot and run. Best defense when dealing with a magic user of
unknown power.]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run <12:00:02/9-10-57>

>>>>>[Hey, what are you doing spying on me! Who are you! Leave me
alone!]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <12:10:12/9-10-57>

*****Private:Cassandra
>>>>>[I don't have Dad's cyberdeck, I wish I did, I would have looked
through it already. All I have is my cyberdeck. Its an Allegience Alpha!
I got it for my birthday. Dad helped me upgrade it to many times it
original speed. Its neat! Anyway, do you have any idea why my dad ran away
like that. What did he do wrong?]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <12:05:12/9-10-57>

*****Private: Mr. Shockwave
>>>>>[My dad is missing, and my mom is going crazy. My dad used to work
for Mistuhama as a Matrix engineer, or something. Does that help?]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <12:14:13/9-10-57>

*****Private:Ice
>>>>>[Cool, I'll be there!]<<<<<
	-- Wolfen  <12:15:36/9-10-57>

*****Private:Sarah
>>>>>[Would you mind if I looked at your cyberdeck? It might help out.
There are a few reasons why your father might have left. We'll just have
to eliminate them one by one.  He probably didn't do anything wrong
except be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don't worry.]<<<<<
	-- Cassandra  <12:07:12/9-10-57>

*****PRIVATE:Valentine
>>>>>[Would it be alright if I were to visit Sarah? Her deck may have some sort of clue in it. Sarah said her father helped her update it. He may have placed something there assuming it'd be safe from corporate goons. I'll go along with any security measures you request.]>>>>>
        -- Cassandra <11:06:50/09-10-57>

>>>>>[Unless, of course, the magician has a high force anti-bullet spell, or any
of a variety of similar spells specifically designed to protect under those
circumstances.]<<<<<
	-- Foxey Roxey <12:19:14/09-10-57>

>>>>>[Thank you for the object lesson, Azreal.  The example you gave is why
Haven exists.  It exists to change a small part of the world to the point
where such attacks are no longer SOP and become rarer.  One person at a
time, one city at a time.

I probably won't be successful.  I suspect that, at some point, I will be
destroyed because I am a potential threat to the existing power structure.
So long as my future murderers wait several decades, it will no longer
matter.  Until such time, however, I have far too many things to do.

And I know far too well that people don't fuck around.  I just refuse to
live my life by the rules that other people set.  One of those rules
happens to be paranoia.  Is that, as you say, burying my head in the sand?
Perhaps.  I think of it more as idealism, in the best sense of the word.

Someday, if I and what I am trying to start here at Haven have any say on
the matter, you and all your kind will be nearly obsolete.  Having walked
your path for many years, I know it to be a dead end street and I for one
will not mourn your passing.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <09:55:13/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE:  Cassandra
>>>>>[I have no problems with you visiting Sarah to look at her deck.  Just so
long as you have no problems with one of my instructors being present at
the time.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <12:21:41/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE:  Valentine
>>>>>[I have no problems with an instructor being present. It kinda feels nice to be doing something just for the sake of being nice. I'll havta try it more often. Look for me later this afternoon. I'll be wearing grey, carrying my own deck. I will be carrying an Ares Squirt, but won't have any objection to checking it in with you. 
+++++Include pic.cassandra]<<<<<
	--  Cassandra <12:21:41/09-10-57>

*****PRIVATE: Valentine
>>>>>[Call it whatever makes you sleep more soundly at night.  Just don't
expect "us" to mourn your passing either, if it's due to "idealism" like
that.]<<<<<
	-- Azrael  <11:28:17 / 09-10-57>

>>>>>[I have found, however, even the most well thought out precautions
still is of little concern for a determined assassin.

+++++ Include: DeathOfRJS.helmetlog]<<<<<
	-- Jason Robert Stormwind <18:33:33 / 09-10-57> 
	   Field Officer
	   Serenity Security

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[ Okay, Jason, you talked me into it .. I accept your offer to return
to Serenity, but there is a catch.  From time to time, I will probably
accept outside jobs that are less than legal.  I will not, however allow
a trace back to Serenity from my actions.  Also, I'd like to assemble an
FRT type unit within Serenity.  A high-threat response unit for lack of 
a better description.  I've been working on a presentation about the funding
requirements and such for the startup, and they aren't as bad as we might 
think.  With Serenity's current customer base, I think we can easily 
justify the addition.  Here's my overview:

+++++include file: serenity_htr.ov

Let me know what you think. ]<<<<<
	--Imp <15:31:34/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Skuff
>>>>>[ Leave him alone, bonehead, or I shall have to thump thee in JudoTech at
the 'cade. <chuckle> ]<<<<<
	-- Neuron Basher <15:37:25/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[I trust you, and your abilities to make sure that this doesnt get 
too far out of hand.  I / We have been accused of building a private army
off and on now for quite some time.  Even Ares' Knight Errant has taken the
time to wine and dine me to see what our intentions were.  It seems they
didnt watch closely enough when we were purchasing equipment.  It didnt
help that we used shadow contacts to broker some of the lighter assualt 
vehicles.

Be forewarned.  I looked over the records recently and found that, our
growth rate for new officers has begun to slow down.  We have a new group
that recently graduated that are being put into rotation, and the older
more experienced officers are, for the most part, over worked.  We either
need to be less "hungry" in getting and pursuing contracts, or we need more
officers.  Im always for hiring more officers.

You have my backing to head up this FRT.  That would put you on par with 
Jim, who heads up the field officers, and Kev who heads up the matrix security
team.  As usual, I was unable to find any flaws with your over view.  Are you
able to run a proof of concept and submit that to the board?  Would you
be more comfortable in a PR prosition?  Your talents seem to be wasted
anywhere else.

Also, be aware, KE, LSS, and some of our clients in SF might have doubts as
to why we are going this route.  Feel free to use our recent problems with

You've known our policy for quite some time.  You work for Serenity, first
and foremost.  If you've got something on the side thats your own business,
just dont shit where you sleep.  Save, Akira, I believe we all still have
and accept side contracts of one form or another.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <19:46:42 / 09-10-57> 
	   Field Officer
	   Serenity Security

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[You wouldnt deny a man his only joy in life, would you? <smile>

Think about it.  Jas makes how much money per year from Serenity?  And
do you remember to add in his checks from IS&M?  And please do not forget
the payments made directly to him from his 2 franchise ReelLife sites.

The man has too much money, and far too much time on his hands.  He spends it
like water.  And most of the time he doesnt think about who he's giving
it to.  See this Rosha woman.  He's paying for a full 24/7/365 coverage
contract out of his pocket.  He brings her into the building and 
what does she do?  Goes rambling around our matrix connection from
the inside.  Never a thought to it at all from him.

But anyway  --  As I was saying, Im sure it went through his mind to 
send them off the Europe or something as strange.  He just thinks that way
most of the time.  And I've known him for a while.

As to the hoop kicking you were promising  --  care to put your money
where your mouth is, big man?]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <20:14:06 / 09-10-57> 

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[ I think I can come up with a PR package that will convince anyone who
worries about the private army angle that everything is on the up and up. God
help us if we ever have to call out a RETRIBUTION.  That could be a little
harder to explain..

Griff and I have contacts from back in our Merc days who would be well suited
for a FRT type role.  I'll send Kev a list of the people that I'm interested 
in to see if they are going to pass muster on the background checks that we
have to go through to get licensed.

I'm not real interested in a full PR role .. If I'm going to build the team,
I damned well want to lead it.  Sitting on the sidelines and talking to
reporters isn't what it's all about to me.  On the other hand, though, I'd 
be more than willing to handle any PR that results from a callout of our
FRT resources. (ie: The reporters who invariably show up at hostage situations
and such)

I already have a package ready to go that I can present to the board at your
convenience.  Just let me know when.. ]<<<<<
	--Imp <16:32:33/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Static
>>>>>[ You looking for work?  Thom mentioned that you were feeling kind of
burnt out after the whole tortureware incident from a while back and that
you left the team.  I have a team that I'm putting together that you would 
fit into nicely.  Have dinner with me so we can discuss it?  Say 7ish? ]<<<<<
	--Imp <16:34:12/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[ Okay, Zack, dinner sounds wonderful .. no promises about the team
though, other than the fact that I'll listen to what you have to say. ]<<<<<
	--Angela Morgan <16:45:20/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Angela Morgan
>>>>>[ Sounds great.  I'll pick you up at 7 .. watch for a black, '57 
Dynamit. ]<<<<<
	--Zachary Turner <16:50:32/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Skuff
>>>>>[  Yeah, yeah .. I know precisely what Jas is worth .. probably better
than he knows himself, for that matter.  You know how he is, and you know
you wouldn't change him if you could.  Neither would I .. in fact, I'd 
probably take great exception to anyone who did.

As for that butt stomping, you're on.

+++++ activate frame: betmaster 

+++++ BetMaster v0.32
+++++ System Ready.  Participants?  Skuff / Neuron Basher
+++++ Criteria?  JudoTech - Best of 7
+++++ Wager?  100 =Y=
+++++ Neuron Basher, agree? [Y/n] Y
+++++ Skuff, agree? [Y/n] ]<<<<<
	--Neuron Basher <16:45:02/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[
+++++ activate frame: betmaster 

+++++ BetMaster v0.32
+++++ System Ready.  Participants?  Skuff / Neuron Basher
+++++ Criteria?  JudoTech - Best of 7
+++++ Wager?  100 =Y=
+++++ Neuron Basher, agree? [Y/n] Y
+++++ Skuff, agree? [Y/n]  y

Bring it on.]<<<<<
	--Skuff <21:34:06 / 09-10-57> 

*****PRIVATE To: L
>>>>>[ My sources should remain anonymous. I'm sure you don't reveal your
private datagathering techniques and "watcher" indentiies to others not
needing to know.  And,  should I ever not return from a job,  at least
someone will know why.....  As to any concerns you may have to my loyalty,
 rest assured you will have it fully,  as long as you are fair and honest
with me.
             I am interested in the job.  Please transmit the necessary
background documentation,  along with a schedule of compensation and
necessary personal equipment you wish me to supply.  Unless I am informed to
the latter,  I will carry my usual complement of equipment.  Thank you.
        --  Shockwave <18:12:45/09/10/57>

*****PRIVATE: Ms. Sarah
>>>>>[ Yes Sarah, that does help.  Has anyone else come forward to help you?
If so, I could work with them.  Also,  if we know what your Dad was working
on last,  that could give us a clue as to why he left you and your Mom.
 Please stay in touch. ]<<<<<
	--Shockwave <(8:28:10/09/10/57>

*****PRIVATE: T'Shon
>>>>>[You would be the physical adept? Is Easy still interested? If so, please
provide her with a copy of this message.

Details of the ID and the job follow:

+++++Include file id&job.txt

The following attachment is an executable file. Insert your credstick with
ID files into the dataport of whatever machine you are using, and activate
the file. It will adjust your ID files so that they hold the details of the
cover ID. Your fingerprints and other similar records will remain
unchanged, but copies of them will be sent to my corporation. Please do not
try to follow or block this exchange, it is necessary for the preparation
and maintenance of the cover.

+++++Attach file sinner.exe

Once this is complete, you must assume the identity and begin to live it.
It is not inconceivable that operatives from other corps will be checking
on you, even at this early date.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:21:28/09-10-57>

*****PRIVATE: Blademaster
>>>>>[Details of the ID and the job follow:

+++++Include file id&job.txt

The following attachment is an executable file. Insert your credstick with
ID files into the dataport of whatever machine you are using, and activate
the file. It will adjust your ID files so that they hold the details of the
cover ID. Your fingerprints and other similar records will remain
unchanged, but copies of them will be sent to my corporation. Please do not
try to follow or block this exchange, it is necessary for the preparation
and maintenance of the cover.

+++++Attach file sinner.exe

Once this is complete, you must assume the identity and begin to live it.
It is not inconceivable that operatives from other corps will be checking
on you, even at this early date.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:21:28/09-10-57>

*****PRIVATE: Shockwave
>>>>>[It would be illogical and unreasonable to demand your loyalty and then
ask you to betray your other sources. It is you that is at risk in this
operation, so if you feel that those who know will remain discrete, that is
all that matters.

Details of the ID and the job follow:

+++++Include file id&job.txt

The following attachment is an executable file. Insert your credstick with
ID files into the dataport of whatever machine you are using, and activate
the file. It will adjust your ID files so that they hold the details of the
cover ID. Your fingerprints and other similar records will remain
unchanged, but copies of them will be sent to my corporation. Please do not
try to follow or block this exchange, it is necessary for the preparation
and maintenance of the cover.

+++++Attach file sinner.exe

Once this is complete, you must assume the identity and begin to live it.
It is not inconceivable that operatives from other corps will be checking
on you, even at this early date.]<<<<<
	-- L  <17:21:28/09-10-57>

***** PRIVATE: Easy
>>>>>[ I've had that checked and double checked.  Seems clean.

+++++ Include Previous Message

We are still on, hon.  Lets get this show on the road.]<<<<<
	-- T'Shon <03:32:54 / 09-11-57> 

*****INTERNAL: NewType BBS FROM: Cynthia TO: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[The search wasn't too fruitful:

  Shields has been involved in the local shadow community for roughly five
years, before that he was invovled in a few minor shadowt dealings, mostly
with Fuchi. Since then, he has managed to almost disappear from public
view -- no references were found to him on any public data or
newsnets.

  He does NOT appear to be a corporate whore.]<<<<<
	-- Cynthia <07:46:35/11-09-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Shields
>>>>>[Sorry for my outburst. You just can't be too careful, neh?

  Now gimme more info.]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <07:49:43/11-09-57>

>>>>>[But still, then you'd know for next time. Hire a Mage to do the deed
:) Or better yet, Drive a car into them. I haven't seen a barrier yet that
could stop a Mack Truck at High velocity :)]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run <09:12:43/9-11-57>

*****Private: Mr. Shockwave
>>>>>[My dad never told me what he was worling on. Ms. Cassandra and Mr.
Valentine have offered to help me. Everyone has been so nice so far! I
expected to have to rely on Lone Star or something. Thank you very much
Mr. Shockwave!]<<<<<
	-- Sarah  <12:43/9-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Serenity Deckers
>>>>>[ Has anyone checked out that executeable that just hit Jas's mailbox?
_DON'T_ let him run it until we have... Remeber what happened to Freddy Frypp
when he ran some unknown simsense? ]<<<<<
	--Neuron Basher <10:26:25/09-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[ Don't even think about running that program that L sent you until we've
checked it out.  I don't want to have to scoop up pieces of your brain with
a spoon. ]<<<<<
	--Neuron Basher <10:28:12/09-11-57>

>>>>>[ Codis I suggest you run REAL fast and don't stop till your either
dead or he is.  Or you can kill him, it's as simple as that. ]<<<<<
	--Mr. Blackthorne <14:02:23/09-11-57>

*****Private: L
>>>>>[ Oh, I accept.  It has a hint of danger, a hint of death, and a hint
of destruction.  Just what I like in a run, so tell me more about your
plan.  As the old saying goes " Use me and abuse me" :0. ]<<<<<
	--Mr. Blackthorne <14:10:23/09-11-57>

>>>>>[But the likelyhood that you're going to get a Mack truck close enough to a
VIP without his or her bodyguards noticing is really low, don't you think?
Especially since at least one of them should be magical and could tell even
if the Mack is invisible or Disregarded.

Having worked both sides of the street(more often on the protection than
the wetwork side), I also know that if someone wants your principle dead
badly enough, he or she will die.  Bodyguards are just a single part of
security, and security does not exist to make things impossible, just
difficult enough that it's not worth the effort]<<<<<
	--  Foxey Roxey <09:51:19/09-11-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[Not a problem.  I understand the concern.  It is alot of money. 
Anyway, here's the scoop.  Jasmine and I were on a run together and
our "client" had received some information from a street urchin
that seriously affected our run.  When I went to check up on it, I
discovered that the lead the kid had tossed our way was quite
correct.   Then, I discovered that our target had also been
informed....by a kid.   Hmmmm.  That seemed slightly odd to me.  
Recently, I discovered that I was being trailed....by a kid.   Are
you catching on yet?   There's at least one kid between the ages of
10 and 13 selling information in the Seattle underground.    Since
our last run was disrupted by the target finding out our plans, I
want to know whether these are just kids out for a thrill, or is it
something bigger.   Then, just as we were getting close to learning
something, one of these urchins showed up dead.]<<<<<
	-- Shields < 11:13:00/ 09-11-57 >

*****PRIVATE TO: Shields
>>>>>[How did you come upon the body? And what nailed the kid?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <14:43:54/11-09-57>

*****INTERNAL: NewType BBS FROM: Tobias Dark (SysOp) TO: Cynthia
>>>>>[Check this message out. 

+++++INCLUDE FILE: shields.message.11.05.57

Do a bit of background -- get some data on Jasmine, these kids, the
underground and all the other drek you can think of. Thankee]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <14:44:12/11-09-57>

>>>>>[But if your mack is armored enoght that they can't stop it and you
can hit a wall and just reverse out of it, where's the deal in the body
guards noticing. 

Bodyguard: Oh look, a Mack truck in the road, and its heading right for...

Ooops, he just wasnt fast enough ;P Anyway, hope you all enjoyed the
commetnary from the one and only Hit and Run :)]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run <2:32:54/9-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Serenity Deckers
>>>>>[Thats why you guys are out there.  Thanks.  If you havent already,
put T'Shon on the list of names to check on.  Make sure that if T'Shon
ever shows up again that he doesnt go ape shit on me.  I dont think he
would mind, but he might.]<<<<<
	-- Kor <19:23:29 / 09-11-57> 

*****PRIVATE TO: Tobias Dark
>>>>>[Chased the kid who was tailing me into an alley.   Saw him drop to
his knees.  Then, he jumped, looked back, and ran again.  When I
got to where he was kneeling, there was the dead kid.  How did I
know they were associated?  Well, the dead kid was wearing
virtually the same clothes (scrappy and shaggy as they may have
been) as the kid I was chasin'.   Judging from the smoke coming
from the kids ears, I'd say one of two things fragged him.   One,
the other kid killed him.  Two, the wiring in his head short
circuited.  I don't know.]<<<<<
	-- Shields < 12:30:04 / 09-11-57 >

>>>>>[Hey, folks, I'm still looking for people to act a s watchers. 
Shoot, I just need people to keep their eyes open.  If you're
interested in more in depth investigation, I could use some of you
too.  Still need local people.]<<<<<
	-- Shields <12:31:17 / 09-11-57>

>>>>>[Hey, if anyone can get in touch with Tiny and Basilisk I could use
someone with their experience.  Plus, I've run with them before. 
Figure I might as well try the old crew.]<<<<<
	-- Shields <12:35:00 / 09-11-57>

>>>>>[Foxey, spoken like a professional.  Thats why we like working with you.

Foxey is right, we always work the angle of "Would it really be worth
having to use that type of personel just to obtain this goal?"  Most people
we work for have small things to be protected from small people.  Every now
and again, we get a big eight jr. exec that has made waves and is frantically
trying not to get wet.  So he requests outside consulting and security.  We
make it a point to say simply "Hey, while he's with us, we keep him safe.  When
his money runs out, you can have him.  It might take some time, but paying out
the insurance on the people we will have to kill to stop you isnt worth it, eh?
S'ka!"]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <19:40:36 / 09-11-57> 
	   Field Officer
	   Serenity Security

>>>>>[Hey Shields, 
   I'm on the road all the time, I'll kep a watch, what for?]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run  <3:50:32/9-11-57>

>>>>>[If they can't find you, they can't shoot you, whatever happened to
that good old saying?]<<<<<
	-- Old Timer  <3:30:43/9-11-57>

>>>>>[Hey, can you send me some of the drugs you are on, H&R?

You must have only had experience with Lone Star's "private stock" low level
grunts.

I've been on corp. grounds where the mages alone were jacked as high as wire
boys.  You know you are fast when you can dodge a fireball.  Think about it,
speed of thought vs. speed of thought + neural-interface + chemical reaction.
Anyone should be able to consistantly think actions faster than anyone can
move.  Its just not natural for people to be that fast.]<<<<<
	-- Kor <19:49:47 / 09-11-57> 

>>>>>[Hit and Run, thanks for the response.  What we are looking for is a
group of kids (never seen together) ages 10 to 13.  Boys only as
far as I know.  There is no reason that girls couldn't be involved.
  Anyway, these kids appear to just be observing.  They are dressed
in ripped and ragged clothing.   They also tend to disappear when
approached.  (i.e. they run away.)  You might keep your ears open
as well if anyone else you deal with has ever noticed any of these
kids.]<<<<<
	-- Shields <1:02:53 / 09-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Apollyn
>>>>>[Done.  The meeting will be on >>encrypted<< at >>encrypted<<

You are to come alone.  Because of the chosen location, I would 
strongly suggest you abide by this suggestion.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <20:27:31 / 09-11-57> 

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[ Here's a brief rundown on what my thoughts are so far on the 
manpower and equipment for my team:

+++++include file: serenity_htrst.spec
----------------------------------------------------
SERENITY SECURITY - HIGH-THREAT RESPONSE / SWAT TEAM
----------------------------------------------------

MEMBERS: 10

3 Fully capable magically active troopers
1 Combat Rigger
1 Combat Decker
6 Troopers (Cyber-Bio Enhanced or Physical Adepts)

ASSIGNMENTS:

The decker, rigger, and one of the magically capable troopers will remain
in the command vehicle at all times.  Magically capable trooper will provide
Astral Overwatch while the Rigger controls reconnaisance and combat drones
(as well as the command vehicle) and the Decker manages communications and
retrieves necessary data (floorplans, etc).  Of the remaining troopers, at
least one will act as a sniper, 2 will be armed with shotguns, and the 
remainder with submachineguns.  (In addition to the standard equipment 
load)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

	ALL TROOPERS:
	
	Heavy Security Armor  \  The armor/helmet will be equipped with
	Security Helmet	      /  all available options except chemical
                                 seal and smartlink.  Each helmet will
	                         be equipped with an audio/video rig that
	                         is relayed to the command vehicle.

	Shock-Gloves with cutout palm (for Smartgun linkage)
	1 Pair of containment manacles
	2 Flash Grenades
	1 Cougar Fineblade Knife (long)
	1 Ruger Thunderbolt Heavy Pistol (Smartgun II or Laser-Sight Equipped)
	2 Clips of APDS ammunition for sidearm

	SMG TROOPERS:  (in addition to normal load)
	
	Heckler & Koch MP5-TX SMG (Smartgun II or Laser-Sight Equipped)
	4 Clips of APDS ammunition for SMG.

	SNIPER: (in addition to normal load)

	Barret Model 121 .50cal Sniper Rifle
	2 Clips of custom APDS ammunition for rifle.

	
	SHOTGUN TROOPERS:  (in addition to normal load)

	Franchi SPAS-22 Combat Shotgun
	30 rounds of slug ammunition for shotgun
	10 rounds of shot ammunition for shotgun

	
OVERALL UNIT HARDWARE:  (incomplete)

8 Climbing Harnesses & Kits
8 x 100m rope
1 Hughes Stallion (see attached modifications)
1 Ares Roadmaster (see attached modifications)
1 Laser Microphone

REMOTE-CONTROLLED DRONES:

1 Steel Lynx combat drone (see attached specifications)
1 Condor drone (see attached specifications)

+++++attachment: hughes.mods
+++++attachment: roadmaster.mods
+++++attachment: slynx.spec
+++++attachment: condor.spec

----------------------------------------------------
+++++end included file

It's still a work in progress, but much of the remainder will be fleshed
out during the training period. ]<<<<<
	--Imp <16:36:27/09-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Shields
>>>>>[ Hey bro, whatcha need?  I don't lurk on SLand much anymore .. fraggin
decker chages me a fortune to get on here, but I do get messages that are
sent directly to me. ]<<<<<
	--Tiny <16:14:21/09-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Tiny
>>>>>[ Tiny, wow, long time no see.   Hey, Jasmine is getting ready to
put together an information reconnaisance plan.  It's nothing big,
but we need some different eyes.  You know, a fresh look.  Anyway,
It'd be great to work with you again.   Liek  I said, nothing big. 
It might smell kinda bad.  She said something about a short trek
into the Sewers, or the Pioneer Square underground, or something
like that.   She probably has more info on it than I do. ]<<<<<
	--Shields <13:51:00 / 09-11-57>

***** PRIVATE: Imp
>>>>>[Let me grind on that a little while and see what comes up.

Do you have any officer's already on staff in mind for your new team?  Where
we can, we should go with Ares equipment.  They are good about the discounts
that they give us.  It will also show them that we arent trying to do all
of this behind their backs.

I dont want to lose Akira to you.  Thats my only plea.  I need him where he
is and I know he would be better working in the FRT but I dont have anyone
to replace him.

Manager's note:  Dont buy anything yet.  Form up your team, go into 
training for a while, and let THEM figure out what they feel best with.  I
know that was all preliminary, but I'd had to let you work yourself into a 
corner accidentally.

Do you think you can put this together in 6 months with 2.5mnY?  This budget 
will have to include ALL of your equipment and training.  Salaries and increased
medical coverage can be paid out of normal funds.  We are still into a couple
of companies for a bit of change but I think I can point the accounts at
the right places to find at least loans for most of that.

Even if the board doesnt want this, I do.  You've got my vote, which should
mean that we have God, Basher, Trixie, Akira, Alpha and Omega that will
vote the same way.  That should get it through.

All of this "pretending" gets to be troublesome and bothersome really quickly
be we need to keep playing the right games with the right people.  It doesnt
wash well to have someone find out how the board of directors really works.

Be well, my friend.  Its good to have you back.

Ill be out of town fairly shortly...work related.]<<<<<
	-- Jason R. Stormwind <21:03:02 / 09-11-57> 

***** PRIVATE:  Easy
>>>>>[Damnit  --  If'n I'd known they were going to ship us out to Germany
I would have declined this job sooner.  I just got back from Germany and
my parting was not on good terms.  If I have time, I'd like to look up 
some friends.  You'd probably like them.]<<<<<
	-- T'Shon <22:19:04 / 09-11-57>

*****PRIVATE: Mr. Blackthorne
>>>>>[At the moment, it will not be possible to sign you on unless you can
find one other to join you. One of you will have to fill an executive
position, the other will have to pass for a corporate bodyguard. The
numbers at the moment are even, and two person teams are required. It's up
to you how you go about finding an extra, but don't be too open about it.
Also, if and when you locate someone, I will need full descriptions so I
can set up the cover ID.]<<<<<
	-- L  <15:25:57/09-11-57>

*****PRIVATE: L
>>>>>[ Message received.  Instructions to begin following identity complied
with.  Awaiting any other needed instructions. ]<<<<<
	--Shockwave <22:17:30/09/11/57>

*****PRIVATE: Jason R Stormwind, Serenity Security
>>>>>[Mr. Stormwind, I am in your debt.  I sincerely hope that you will 
accompany Hortensia to the location. As it was when we first met, I shall 
be alone. I would ask, though ... How did Hortensia decide to come to me?
Does she know who I am? Has she already recovered some of her true 
memories? ...  Ah, I cannot wait until the moment arrives, when our eyes 
meet.

Though you did not ask, I will tell you that my trip went well and was 
expectedly uneventful.  Poland is beautiful this time of year as the hint 
of color changes in the trees creates a canopy of rekindled hope in the air.

Please accept this as a small token of my appreciation, to offset any 
costs you might have incurred over the past few weeks ...  +++++credtransfer:
150 KnY   ....   

I will dress a little better than I did last time. After all, I meeting 
my little sister!]<<<<<
	-- Apollyon <22:22:00/09-11-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Shields
>>>>>[I can only do so much remotely. Can you either open your archives to
me, or set up a realspace meeting?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <23:13:00/09-11-57>

>>>>Actually we would be interested in stopping by and visiting with sarah and
her mother.  And if there is anything we can do for them while they are staying
with you, we will.  You know the way STREETWOLF is around kids and those that
are in trouble.  Just let us know if there is anything we can do]<<<<<
	--  Colice Brightstar<03:12:35/09-12-57>

>>>>>[I'm very sorry that I didn't respond earlier, but I didn't get the message
until this morning.  Please, feel free to stop by and bring your mage
associate along.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <09:58:48/09-13-57>

>>>>>[At this point, Colice, I think we have things well in hand.  But I thank
you for your concern and will contact you should things change.]<<<<<
	-- Valentine <11:20:51/09-13-57>

>>>>>[Sure, I've nothing better to do than too look for kids.  No, seriously.
It's been really slow around here.]<<<<<
	-- Slash <11:30:23/09-13-57>

*****PRIVATE:Mr. Johnson 
> >>>>>[Hello Mr. Johnson, Mr Wilkerson said you may have some work for me. If this is true please reply, I am prepared for anything you would require of me]<<<<<
	-- The Skull Bearer <15:46:23/09-13-57>

*****PRIVATE:Dr. Berry
>>>>>[ Greetings, Dr. Berry. You message finds me in transit from London, UK
to The Rock to greet you for partnership together.  I must apologize for the
delay,  but when one is forced to work with less-than-professional
personnel....we must adjust. I hope to be in your presense shortly.
+++++begin.attach.encryption-5.message
  Berry,
My accomplishments, ability-wise, are as follows...
 I am capable of challenging to difficult tasks in Armed/Unarmed Combat,
Firearms, Athletics, and Stealth. ( Skill Ratings 4-7 )
 I am capable of routine to challenging social etiquette in the corporate,
magic, media, and matrix environments, among others. ( Skill Rating 3-6 )
 I am capable routine to challenging events in corportate security
activieites ( S R 4-5 ), and am capable of routine to challenging activities
in biotech, computers / computer theory, electronics, magic/military theory,
and the Japanese language ( S R 3 - 5 ).
 Since I am a "bodyguard", any assistance you can provide for magical
defenses would be appreciated.
 All my cyberware is of either Alpha or Beta grade ( with a long list of
items, should you wish to know ). And my bioware is cultured ( again with a
long list,  composing mainly Level 4 Muscle Augmentation, Enhanced
Articulation, Level 2 Tailored Pheromones, Level 2 Cerebral Booster, and
various reflex recorders.)
 +++++end.attach.encryption-5
  I am looking forward to meeting you, Doctor. Please await my arrival
shortly.]<<<<<
	-- Captain William "Bill" Steiner  <19:05:00/09-13-57>
           Team II Leader,  5th Guardian Corps  
           Saeder-Krupp 

*****PRIVATE: Jared Chan, Saedder-Krupp, Sydney
>>>>>[I believe I'm flying out there tomorrow, arriving 13:35 local time
(09-14 local date). See you there. We can discuss the... co-ordination of
our efforts when I arrive.]<<<<<
	-- Murray Jerzyck  <19:18:28/09-13-57>
            Temporary Assistant VP
            Saeder-Krupp, Seattle

*****PRIVATE: Skull Bearer
>>>>>[It is Ms. Johnston, and I am pleased you finally made it here.
Please do not mention my employer again.  For all intents and purposes, 
you work for me alone.

That said, here is the file on your initial target and the accompanying 
assignment.

+++++attachment1:  TargetC.pic; TargetC.txt
+++++attachment2:  Instruct.txt

As you can hopefully read, intimidation preferably, elimination if necessary.
Documentation of all contact is required.  Preferably, audio/visual 
materials.

Should you need anything, you may contact me at this address.  Mailed to Ms.
Johnston.

Here is the first half of your compensation.  +++++credtransfer:>>encrypted<<

If you do this relatively easy job well, I will have another assignment 
for you.  Take note that the Target1 security affiliates are NOT to be 
trifled with ... move swiftly to avoid complicating this matter.

You have until 09-18-57.]<<<<<
	-- Ms. Johnston  <23:38:00/09-13-57>

*****PRIVATE: Plough-breakers
>>>>>[I've been hiding out for a while, as you may have concluded from my
lack of communications. Any repercussions on the ploughshare hit? Are we
expecting any? If not, then I can get back to the business of living in the
gutter. Oh joy...

Lilith and Lynch, the Rat says congrats. Personally, I think you're both
crazy for getting close to anyone, you know that Uranus has spies
everywhere.]<<<<<
	-- Squatter  <19:39:06/09-15-57>

*****Private:Captain William Steiner
>>>>>[Good, I'm looking foreward to meeting you. I have minimal 
self-defense training myself, and so your presence will greatly appease 
my sense of unease around trained profesionals in the field. I do so hate 
the looks some of these bodyguards give the other executives from rival 
companies. Actually, I think they'd find me a rather tough target indeed, 
what with you and all. Anyway, thank you for your prompt reply, I shall 
be seeing you soon. 
+++++Begin.passage.encrypt5
 Mr. Steiner, thank you for the status report. Your skills seem more than 
adequate. Actually, I have had extensive training in self-defense, but 
never really a chance to use it. I seem a bit rusty in most tests, with 
my magic being the thing that gets me through. Oh well, can't have 
everything ;). As for the magical defense, we shall discuss that when you 
arrive. Everything should be in place. A cyberware listing would be nice, 
but if you would rather not, it is acceptable. Again, thank you for your 
prompt reply. 
+++++End.passage.encrypt5  ]<<<<<
	--  Dr. Lees-Berry
            Executive, Magic Division
            Saedder-Krupp, London

*****PRIVATE:Dr. Eric Lees-Berry
>>>>>[ I am glad that my message finds you in good humor.  I have examined
our lodgings and found them to be adequate.  I am now spending time in the
London area,  preparing myself for the lack of professionalism you described
to me.  Much as yourself,  I find it to be unpleasant,  and assure you that
you will have no concerns for your safety as long as I am at your side.
+++++Begin.passage.encrypt5
I apologize for my haste in arriving on site,  but the idea of being confined
with so many choice candidates from the 8 has made be a trifle..anxious. I am
spending some time in intense meditation to prepare myself personally for the
type of attitude one needs to exude at the type of function we will be
attending.
A brief list of my personal cyberware enhancments includes: ( I am purposely
leaving out brand names and trademarks. I have no desire to get any of my
personal medical contacts into trouble,  and I don't work for the patent
office! )
     Custom dermal armor,  wired reflexes, and smartgun link ( which I trust
I will have NO use for!), as well as ear/eye replacements with enhanced
sensory systems.  I also sport an improved datajack, with head memory.
Additional supplements include chemical/gas analysis hardware/software,
position location sytems,  and skeletal sub-structure reinforcement.  I trust
that my physical abilities,  and your skills in your Art will complement each
other quite nicely.
+++++end.passage.encrypt5
     I am sure you are occupied with last minute conferences for our
meetings,  and I look forward to further contact with you at your lesiure.
Until we meet our the conference....And please,  call me Bill. ]<<<<<
	--Captain William "Bill" Steiner
             Team II Leader - 5th Guardian Corps 
             Saeder Krupp Industries,  London

>>>>>[ Awfully quiet out there... ]<<<<<
	--SysOpus <**:**:**/**-**-**>

>>>>>[Herr Shields, it is good to be hear of you again.  Of course i 
would like to help.  Since we last were seeing each other, i am now 
legal to practice in Seattle/UCAS, and i have a full equiped neuro 
clinic and lab.  I only didn't answer sooner because i was out of 
town until yesterday.  Let me know how i can be helping you.]<<<<<
	-- Basilisk <21:37:28 GMT/17.SEP.57>
    

>>>>>[Hey SysOpus!  Don'tcha know it....  All these secret wheels&deals
must be keeping everybody tight lipped on the open board.  That, or
everybody's bored.  Me, I'm the later.  I mean the _"PROJECT"_ is going
fine. ^_^ Hikari is clear skies.  Hell, even MAX is being a real peach.  I
might just do an engine overhaul before it is required, just to give
myself something to do....  Unless of course you want to link for a game
of "Bombshells 'n PowerArmor ]I[" that is if you don't get queasy with
high delta-v and a 3D interface.  Had a friend jack in and hurl after two
minutes.  Poor guy.  I'll be waiting over by Telcom Node 237.  Bring a
friend.

Everybody, this'll be an open match, so if we can get enough players,
maybe we can strain the node hard enough we can force Seattle Telcom to
reconsider not upgrading their hardware! :P ]<<<<<
	--  Vernier  <14:52:45/09-17-57>

*****INTERNAL Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237 Log
>>>>>[+++++NETLINK:  initiated by Vernier  <14:53:21/09-17-57> 
+++++NETLINK for BATTLESIM:  Bombshells 'n PowerArmor v3.4beta
+++++NETLINK:  awaiting players
+++++Joining:  Vernier
+++++Joining:  Arashi
+++++BATTLESIM begin
+++++NETLINK:  awaiting players]<<<<<
	--  Telcom Node 237  <14:53:56/09-17-57>

***** PRIVATE: Skuff
>>>>>[Shall we?]<<<<<
	-- Merrox <22:18:43 / 09-17-57> 

***** PRIVATE: Merrox
>>>>>[Lets]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <22:18:43 / 09-17-57>

***** INTERNAL Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237 Log
>>>>>[ +++++NETLINK for BATTLESIM:  Bombshells 'n PowerArmor v3.4beta
+++++NETLINK:  adding player Skate Punk
+++++NETLINK:  adding player TelCo Jock
+++++NETLINK:  adding player Priest
+++++Joining:  Vernier
+++++Joining:  Arashi
+++++Joining:  Skate Punk
+++++Joining:  Priest
+++++Joining:  TelCo Jock
+++++BATTLESIM begin
+++++NETLINK:  awaiting players]<<<<<
	--  Telcom Node 237  <22:19:56 / 09-17-57>

>>>>>[Some of us are still hungover from Lynch and Lilith's wedding, 
SysOpus]<<<<<
	-- JayCee <09:28:08/09-18-57>

>>>>>[Um, where is everybody? I don't think I ran over everyone yet, but 
maybe... Hmm, whats the body count at now? Oh well, lost count after 
twenty, that cop just pissed me off!]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run  <09:34:32/9-18-57>

>>>>>[**SNIFF**  **COUGH* **COUGH**  Sorry, I didn't get back to you
sooner.  I grabbed some sort of a flu.  I've been out for about
four days.   Let's plan on meeting, and I'll give you all I know
about what's going on.]<<<<<
	-- Shields <07:31:00 / 09-18-57>

***** INTERNAL Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237 Log
>>>>>[ +++++NETLINK for BATTLESIM:  Bombshells 'n PowerArmor v3.4beta
+++++NETLINK:  adding player Neuron Basher
+++++Joining:  Vernier
+++++Joining:  Arashi
+++++Joining:  Skate Punk
+++++Joining:  Priest
+++++Joining:  TelCo Jock
+++++Joining:  Neuron Basher
+++++BATTLESIM begin
+++++NETLINK:  awaiting players]<<<<<
	--  Telcom Node 237  <22:23:56/09-17-57>

***** INTERNAL: Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237 Log
+++++NETLINK:  adding player Neuron Basher
+++++Joining:  Vernier
+++++Joining:  Arashi
+++++Joining:  Skate Punk
+++++Joining:  Priest
+++++Joining:  TelCo Jock
+++++Joining:  Neuron Basher
+++++BATTLESIM begin
+++++NETLINK:  awaiting players

+++++ * P Merrox About time you showed up, Basher.
+++++ * P Merrox Im going to jack out soon, my jo-boy has been antsy, been away
+++++ * P Merrox for a while.]<<<<<
	-- Telcom Node 237  <22:23:56/09-17-57>

***** INTERNAL Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237 Log
>>>>>[ +++++NETLINK for BATTLESIM:  Bombshells 'n PowerArmor v3.4beta
+++++NETLINK:  adding player Squatter
+++++Joining:  Vernier
+++++Joining:  Arashi
+++++Joining:  Skate Punk
+++++Joining:  Priest
+++++Joining:  TelCo Jock
+++++Joining:  Neuron Basher
+++++Joining:  Squatter
+++++BATTLESIM begin
+++++NETLINK:  awaiting players]<<<<<
	--  Telcom Node 237  <22:23:56/09-17-57>

*****PRIVATE: The Saracen
>>>>>[We have arrived. I'm the primary contact.  Address GOLEM.  Payment
received.  Entire team in tow.  Interrogative: Initial assignment?]<<<<<
	-- Golem <14:01:23/09-18-57>

*****PRIVATE: Golem
>>>>>[Provide teamlisting with next message.  IA info forthcoming.]<<<<<
	-- The Saracen <14:07:00/09-18-57>

>>>>>[Voluminous silence echoes ominous portents.]<<<<<
	-- InfoScholar <14:10:17/09-18-57>

>>>>>[Everyone must be dead, or hiding, again.  So, what went down to cause
this?]<<<<<
	-- Moose <14:03:55/09-18-57>

>>>>>[Oh, sorry, forgot to introduce myself.  I'm Moose.  I'm a fixer most
of the time and Russian military expertise the rest of the time.]<<<<<
	-- Moose <14:05:31/09-18-57>

***** Private To:Blademaster, Forte
>>>>>[hey guys, back in business.  I had to take some serious time off; some
people were breathing down my neck.  So what's new?]<<<<<
	-- Phobos <07:11:32/09-19-57>

***** Private To: Phobos
>>>>>[ Hey man!  Nothing new here, same old same old.  I haven't done some work
in a while so if ya need a samurai you know who to ask.  So where did you go?
I looked fer you a little but couldn't find you.]<<<<<
	-- Forte <07:12:23/09-19-57>

>>>>>[Sounds good. I'll be there. Just look for my truck. heh heh...
+++++include pic.truck.mack.hitnrun
 CYA there.]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run  <11:15:43/9-18-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Shields
>>>>>[What if we meet us at >>location<< tomorrow (Friday), about 
13:00?  We could have lunch and talk about your case.]<<<<<
	-- Basilisk <21:31:18 GMT/19.SEP.57>

>>>>>[Thanks for the cerebral workout guys:  Squatter, Skate Punk,
Priest, TelCo Jock, NeuronBasher.  Was fun.  Hope you didn't get whiplash,
Basher, when Arashi and I tag-teamed you (we were the cute pair in red
and silver matching armors).  She knows the tactics, I have the speed.  We
make a good pair, no? *^_^*

I suppose you saw this too before you got dumped:
+++++insert Warning.window.log
Warning:  Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237  
Experiencing excessive traffic.
Cannot reroute, option blocked.
Shutdown in 10 seconds, Please reroute or cease transmission.
10
9
8
+++++END TRANSMISSION
	--  Sea-Tac Telcom Node 237  <01:23:45/09-18-57>

>From what I have gathered, it seems the poor little thing couldn't handle
7 people on a full-interactive virtual system along with all the other
normal bandwidth and slagged itself.  Especially when the little options
were employed to make sure it couldn't switch us out...but I wonder who
did that?

Lets try this again sometime....  Too bad about the node, though.
Tee-hee.  Maybe next time they will have learned or I wont be so POed
about my phone bill.  Catch you later.]<<<<<
	-- Vernier  <13:39:12/09-19-57> 

*****PRIVATE: Basilisk
>>>>>[The meeting at >>location<< sounds great.  I'll bring what
information I have that I think you could use.]<<<<<
	-- Shields <14:11:11 / 09-19-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[I could use a hand. Can you meet me? >>place and time (very soon after
you receive the message)<<. Thanks.]<<<<<
	-- Ronin  <17:07:38/09-19-57>

*****Private:Phobos
>>>>>[Hello there Phobos, Blademaster's out on a job right now, and I'm 
checking his mail, so I figured I'd let you know why he's not 
responding. How's Ronin and Forte and the rest? Hopefully fine. Have fun!
]<<<<<
	--Matrix Jockey  <09:45:19/9-20-57>

*****PRIVATE: Edgewood
>>>>>[Cassandra told me you might be able to help. A friend of mine might be
in trouble. Could you meet me at Cass' place tomorrow? I'd really appreciate
it. Thanks!]<<<<<
	-- Evita  <08:23:32/9-18-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ronin
>>>>>[Yes, I'll be there.]<<<<<
	-- Evita  <21:27:26/9-19-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[What now, cant a guy make one batch of orichalcum without 
having to calm down a hyterical decker. But Ill be there.
Curiosity killed the cat.]<<<<<
	-- Edgewood Dirk <22:00:00/9-19-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ms Johnston
>>>>>[Here is an example of what you can expect for your moneys worth, 
followed your instructions to the letter.

+++++video:[<<DATA DAMAGED>>picture fades in--lighting is poor, it is
apparently dusk.  The edges of what could be a cloak or hood frame the
picture.
 
The view focuses across the street where a young woman is leaving an
apartment complex.
 
The picture experiences some static and changes to thermographic.  There
is
another figure inside the place, appearing to be feminine.  She moves
across
the room and sits down.  She evidently is jacking in, as her body slumps
back.
 
Still in thermo the camera crosses the street without looking away from
the
house.  The sound of squealing tires is heard.  The camera slowly pans
right
to see a car stopped inches away.  A very upset then suddenly panicked
human
runs away from car. <<DATA DAMAGED 1.00 MP CORRUPTED>>.
 
The view continues to the door where a larger than normal hand is
knocking.
The hand doesn't seem to have a heat signature.  There is no response to
the
knocking.
 
The door is hit once and crashes in.  Image changes back to normal.
 
A large metallic hand turns the lights off inside.  The camera scans a
comfortable looking workroom, computer equipment everywhere.  The female
is
jacked in to a deck, reclining on an armchair.  There is a Street line
Special
next to the deck.  The picture scans her, showing that the female is a
strikingly pretty elf.  Brunette hair is just slightly longer than her
shoulders
and long lashes show against her cheek.  She is wearing a gray dressing
gown and a data jack is visible at her temple.  The picture focuses on
her wrist.  The cyber hand reaches out and unclips the Docwagon bracelet
and cuts the cable to the data jack with what looks like a spur.  After
a
few minutes the woman regains consciousness and starts screaming.  She
grabs the gun and empties the clip towards the camera.  An expression of
absolute shock crosses her face, to be replaced by terror.
 
The hand stretches out, crushing gun and hand.  Although struggling, she
is
forcibly tied to a chair using cords from around the house.  A ghostly
evil
voice
orders her to stay out of Federal business.  She shakily says she
doesn't
know what he's talking about.
 
Camera shifts to cyberdeck.  The deck is picked up and is tossed up and
down several times.
The view returns to the female, who is crying and pleading with the
figure
to put the deck down.  The voice says "Stay away from Ms. Rosha, Mr.
Wilkerson, and the UCAS
mil-data-net, or else I may have to visit again and then ill guarantee
you wont ever deck again.  Also you wont tell anyone about me."  She is
more
cooperative this time, nodding her head yes several times quickly.
 
 "Is that clear?" the voice questions, while the camera seems to get
closer
and the hood is removed.  The female seems petrified with fear when she
sees
the face.  She gasps out a strangled "Yes."
 
 As the cloaked figure leaves the apartment, the camera catches a
reflection
in a mirror of a very large body in a cloak.  Under the hood is a brief
glimpse of a skull.  The mirror is then shattered. End video]+++++
 
 hopefully this will be satisfactory.]>>>>>
           --The Skull Bearer  <00:16:22/09-21-57

>>>>>[Hello again, folks. Desolation Angel here. I've figured out how they
killed Dunkelzahn. Hit him with a physical spell or bullet while he's in
human form.]<<<<<
	-- Desolation Angel <05:01:01/09-21-57>

*****PRIVATE: Vernier
>>>>>[I may have missed the group match, but then furballs test SA, not
skill. 

Up for a one-on-one? <evil smirk>]<<<<<
	-- Lilith <15:15:31/09-23-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Lilith
>>>>>[Finally coming up for air after the nuptuals, eh?  Has Jason's BP
finally dropped below 200/80 or is he still in ICU?  ^_^  Anyway, yeah,
you missed some fun Arashi and I had beating up on some of the deck heads
that live around here.  And they thought the bombshells in _Bombshells 'n
Powerarmor_ was referring to a weapon.  Boys....  Well a few of them
weren't too shabby in a sim, but we decided to cheat and tag team towards 
the end.  So, you want to try and run it?  Its your basic deathmatch in a
quasi-pocalyptic backdrop.  You get to chose the gear with basic
weight/energy considerations for fairness.  No, I didn't hack that to
cheat, I don't need to, but I did hack the icons...far to boring for my
tastes.  Was that what you had in mind or would you want something a
little more festive?  

If you ask real nice and we can "secure" a high-bandwidth connection to
you, I might just be able to let you get a taste of a simulation of one of
Ares' new birds, but then Arashi would have to be on this end, I just
can't keep up with her in a cockpit.  Course this could get me in some hot
water with the boys up stairs, but hey, we trust you and maybe could help
get a sale later, neh?  Hmmmm....now there's an idea....  If you wanted to
bring in Jason, and I had MAX for backup....  But if the big boys found
out they'd have my head....  

Just a very dangerous thought, never mind.  Unless of course you really
really wanted to...heehee.  Back to work like a good little girl not
giving superiors any reason to take away her precious little toys.
*tinker**tinker**tzat-yipe*]<<<<<
	-- Vernier  <12:32:24/09-22-57>

*****PRIVATE: Vernier
>>>>>[It's been a lively honeymoon, let's leave it at that <smirk>
Jason's as fit as ever, and his stamina is as impressive as his ability.
(You understand I refer only to his hunting skills, shooting, &c...)

Secure connection? This _is_ the Pentagon. Or at least, my office is in
Fort Fumble, I shudder to think what routes the connections take. I can
guarantee that no unauthorised eavesdroppers will be listening, and get
us <encrypted> of bandwidth. Good enough? 

As for security... we'll call it an "evaluation" if anyone finds out. 

Of course, if you're worried that your prototype might, ah, "not fly
well enough" and let a poor little Air Force reservist beat it, I quite
understand <evil smirk> 

If you want MAX, you can have him... Jason and I make a good team. If
security forbids, I can get us some stick time in the Federated-Boeing
simulators in Seattle, at <encrypted>. Looking forward to it,
whatever...]<<<<<
	-- Lilith <21:15:43/09-22-57>

*****PRIVATE: Edgewood
>>>>>[Dirk, sorry I couldn't make it yesterday, things came up. I was
meeting with Ronin. I'm going to give you the jist of what happened, can you
help? Oh, and Cass and I are moving, I guess she'll tell you about it.

I met Ronin in a run down blue-collar type cafe in the dock area of
downtown. I didn't see him at first, just a couple of trolls. I kinda acted
nonchalant, you know, trying not to look scared when he stepped out from
behind them, handed a credstick to one of them and they left. What a relief!

We walked around, and this is the story he told me. I checked astrally and
I'm sure he was telling the truth. What do you think?

He was in Chicago, because he got forced into a run on the city to find an
individual believed to have taken refuge there. He was supposed to kill said
individual. I don't really blame him though, 'cause he said the guy was a
Vampire. Most of his companions were slain, and he was injured, but they
eventually took the vamp down. He staggered away to hide and recover. His
friends left him there, can you believe?  He wandered a little, and was
found by some sort of free spirit. It proceeded to kick him out of his body
and possess him. He was left in the astral inside the wall. He has been
trying to catch his body for several weeks now; he only recently got out of
the zone.

When he did catch up, the spirit told him to grow up, that he can't come
back in just
yet because the spirit has work to do, and needs the body to do it in. It
turns out that I was actually talking to the spirit! The spirit says he is a
free ally who is currently
involved in messing up the plans of some Roach shamans who managed to escape
the zone.
I went on a run with the guy I thought was Ronin to retrieve some ashes. I
guess the Roach shaman was after the ashes too, but we got them first. When
I looked astrally, I saw Ronin's form hovering nearby, and he said the
spirit was telling the truth.

He hasn't said what he wants yet, or how exactly the spirit plans to stop
the Roach shamans, or even who the free spirit ally guy is. But I know that
I want to help Ronin get his body back, and if it means helping the spirit,
I will. But I wanted your advice on this, you are a lot more experienced
than I am. Thanks.]<<<<<
	-- Evita  <17:09:44/09-22-57>

>>>>>[What follows is, if my sources are legitimate(and I am 99 & 44/100
sure they are), a transcript of the disciplinary hearing of Commander Drake,
everyone's favorite InterPol cop.  Anyone else besides me hope he gets
thrown in jail?

Well, here goes.

+++++ begin Trideo record, International Police Hearing S57-01 +++++

The room before you is not a standard courtroom.  Instead, it appears a
slightly more comfortable version of the room that the wartime courtmartial
trids portray.  Instead of bare and whitewashed cinderblock walls and a
simple tile floor, the Hearing Room of InterPol HQ is carpeted, with well
built oaken tables and comfortable armchairs.

The head of the room is a long oak table, behind which are set four high
backed chairs of what appears to be green velour, which are likely antiques.
Before them on the table are four name plates.  From left to right, the
names are Rep. Lang, UCAS, Chief Skinwalker, Ute, Sir Harold Burns, Great
Britain, and M. Okyoshu, Imp. Japan.  Before each seat is also a full pitcher
of ice water.

To the left of the head table is a small table and chair with a computer
terminal built into the table, likely the clerk's table.  Behind the clerk is
a single, normally sized door.  To the right is another small table, without
a computer terminal.  On it sits a James Bible and what appears to be a bound
copy of the InterPol Charter.

Facing the head table, and on the other side of the International Police
seal, are two tables.  The one on the left side has only a single armchair,
and the nameplate is labled "Prosecution:  Lieutenant Gerry Barr."  The other
table, across a small aisle, has a single armchair and a strangly shaped and
hard wood chair.  The nameplates on this table say "Defense:  Lieutenant
Rachel Mizikar" and "Defendant:  Commander Paul Drake."

There are no seats for witnesses other than at the witness table, and there
are no seats for the press.  It appears as if this disciplinary hearing will
be closed.  As is normal with InterPol.

The date on the film says September 18, 2057, and the time is currently 0856.

At precisely 0900, the camera, which must be mounted in the ceiling, turns to
face the rear of the room as the single door opens.  In strides Lieutenant
Gerry Barr, a tall elven man with long, bright red hair and cat modified
cybereyes.  Dressed in InterPol's black dress uniform, you notice that he has
been decorated by several member nations, including UCAS, CAS, Britain, and
Germany for being wholely responsible for the arrests of various criminals.
His uniform also displays the Legal division insignia.

Following Lieutenant Barr is Lieutenant Rachel Mizikar.  About 1.7m tall,
caucasion with long blond hair sticking out from under her hat, and wearing
actual glasses, she has no obvious cyberware at all and appears every bit the
nerdy schoolmarm.  On her black dress uniform, you also notice decorations:
valor and wounded in the line of duty, plus several that are likely nation
specific.  As she moves, you see a single line of blond hair braided tightly,
with an eagle feather attached to the very end.  While her insignias identify
her as a member of InterPol's Legal division based out of Seattle, she
couldn't have earned that feather by being a mere lawyer or a total bookworm.

And lastly, before the three InterPol Enforcement guards, comes Commander
Paul Drake himself.  His dress uniform, however, is strangely lacking of any
decorations or even a rank and location insignia.  It retains only the
InterPol seal and the Special Branch division patch.  Standing slightly
taller than Lt. Mizikar, his draconic form moves quickly and far too smoothly
to be unaugmented.  Not that's not obvious by the scales, muzzle, rebuilt
legs, or the spiked tail.  Somehow, though, he looks comfortable in his
uniform, as if he was meant to wear it.

All three individuals reach their respective seats, but remain standing.  As
soon as the rear door closes, the side door behind the clerk's table opens,
and the clerk enters, alone.  One by one, over the next 2 minutes, three of
the panelists arrive, mutually surprised by each other's presence.  Then Sir
Harold Burns arrives, apologizing.  Upon his arrival, both counsuls and Drake
sit.

Thomas Lang, Technocratic Representative to the UCAS House of
Representatives, from the state of Connecticut and UCAS representative to the
International Police Governing Council, is about 55, 2.0m tall, human, and
has grey hair and a bald spot on the crown of his head.  He appears to be
slightly overweight, and is wearing a conservative double-breasted charcoal
suit with a red, white, and blue tie.

Chief Eric Skinwalker, Commanche Tribal Elder and Ute Nation representative
to the Governing Council, is about 1.6m tall, human, and probably about 60
years old.  He is wearing a modern angular suit with a paisly tie and striped
shirt.  His long black hair is well streaked with grey and white, and it is
braided.  He is also wearing several peices of turquoise jewlrey and appears
to have the look of a shaman.

Miyamoto Okyoshu, Imperial Japanese representative to the Governing Council,
is also human, about 1.8m tall, and completely bald even though he appears to
be in his mid forty's.  He is wearing an old single breasted pinstripe suit
with a yellow bow tie.  He is extremely thin and wears several small peices
of jewlrey, including a jade earring in his left ear.

Sir Harold Burns, senior representative and British representative to the
Governing Council, appears to be about 65, and an ork.  You recall hearing
about some of the old families murdering thier goblinizing children in
Britain, as well as around the world.  Apparently Sir Burns either avoided
this fate or was Knighted without being a member of an old-line family.  He
is about 2.1m tall, with greying auburn hair, and rather thin.  He is also
wearing an InterPol dress uniform, but it identifies him as coming from the
old guard, when InterPol was mostly European, rather than truly global in
scope and operations.

The four panel members continue to chat quietly until Sir Burns coughs a
couple of times and begins to speak.

Burns:  Before we begin this unfortunate buisness, I would like to explain
both my personal presence here on the panel and the rest of the composition
of it.  I am here because of the magnitude of the charges leveled against
Commander Drake, and because the Special Branch charter, Section 96b,
requires it.  However, I would like to say that, even if I were not needed
here, I would be a member of this panel regardless.  I feel that Special
Branch is as much in question as Commander Drake's conduct in his most recent
investigation, and I suspect that this hearing will set the tone for further
relations between the normal InterPol structure and the semi-autonomous
Special Branch.

That said, I feel it is important to explain why Rep. Lang and M. Okyoshu are
present.  Quite simply, I felt that justice would be more likely done if the
individuals who pressed the hardest for this hearing were here to see and
participate in its proceedings.  While I recognize that this biases the
proceedings inherently against Commander Drake, I feel that both these men
will be willing to let the facts speak for themselves, rather than thier
personal feelings regarding the Commander.

Finally, Chief Skinwalker is present at my request also.  He is well known
for his bravery and honor, both working with InterPol and prior to his
arrival at our front door.  He is also known for his impartiality and honesty
regarding other people. I felt that such an intuitively important hearing as
this could only benefit from his presence and input.

That said, and on the record, let us begin this unfortunate buisness.
Opening remarks, either of you?

Prosecution:  None, Sir.
Defense:  None, Sir.

Burns:  Clerk, read off the list of charges for which we are holding this
disciplinary hearing.

Clerk:  Of course, Sir.  The following charges are to be answered and the
circumstances to be explained in the following hearing.
      1:  That Commander Drake did knowingly aid and abet a known criminal,
and upon arrest, released him in corporate territory with which InterPol does
not currently maintain a Jurisdictional Agreement.
      2:  That Commander Drake is directly responsible for the death of an
agent under his personal command.
      3:  That Commander Drake was derelict in his duty as an International
Police officer by allowing Jason Running Wolf Lynch to remain at large when
he could have been arrested, leading immediately to the circumstances of no.
2 above.
      4:  That Commander Drake disobeyed direct orders of a superior officer
to eliminate Jason Running Wolf Lynch, thus causing no. 2 above and allowing
significant loss of life and collateral damage to occur as a result of Mr.
Lynch's continued survival.

Burns:  Should the Disciplinary Panel find that Commander Drake should face
criminal charges and a court of law following this hearing, the facts and
testimony presented here shall be admissible in a criminal trial.

For the record, this hearing is a secure one.  What this means is that,
while the testimony and facts presented here will be recorded for future use
and records, no testimony here will be presented to a court trial without
first gaining both a written authorization from the individual and
orginizations, if any, they represent, as well as a subpeona.  This is also
required by InterPol charter, since the multinational aspects of our
operations are such that the testimony here could be damaging to the national
security of affected nations.

Now that that's been said, have counsuls decided the order of questions,
presentation of evidence, and questioning which we will be following?

Defense:  We have, Sir.

Burns:  Lt. Barr?

Prosecution:  Yes, Sir.

Burns:  Very well, then.  Let us begin.  Call the first witness....

+++++ End Trideo record, International Police Hearing S57-01+++++

What follows is the start of the various testimony.  I've clipped most of it
out, except for the most interesting stuff.  I'll upload it as I get
it.]<<<<<
	-- Trideo Pirate <14:39:43/09-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Squatter
>>>>>[I just had a run-in with the most fraggin' scary thing I ever ran into
meatside. It kinda looked like a troll, but seemed to be all cyberware. More
cyber than I've ever seen on any livin' thing. Stronger than any troll, too.
Get this...I fired a gun at it, it took the entire round without blinking,
then CRUSHED the gun AND my hand. Had a face like a skull, for chrissakes.

Have you ever run into anything like this? I've heard rumors that the corps
have been messing around with something called cybermancy. Ever heard of it?
Any way to find out? I'm kinda gun shy at the moment, but if you're up to a
run in the 'trix, I'd like the company.]<<<<<
	-- Cassandra <14:55:04/09-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Rosha
>>>>>[Practice tonight? I got LOTS to talk about. You wouldn't BELIEVE what
happened to Cass last night. And I saw Ronin again.]<<<<<
	-- Evita <14:58:34/09-23-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Sure, kid. Practice t'night. Que barb! M'so tired. A job this past 
weekend. Nice pay, but a buttkicker. S'up w/ Ronin? Is Cass ok? Haven't 
seen her n'awhile.  See ya at >>encrypted<<.]<<<<<
	--  Jacqueline Morrell <18:58:17/09-23-57>
	    Task Mistress
	    Sheila's Sexual Stripping and SadoMasochism Salon

*****PRIVATE: Cassandra
>>>>>[I don't believe you. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ahaa ha ha aha haah ah.

Sorry, high phase of the cycle. Ummm... cool, let's go. I'll meet you in
s-land, >>time and virtual place<<. Where are we going?]<<<<<
	-- Squatter  <16:17:07/09-23-57>

***** PRIVATE: Trax, Karma, Kor, Gemini, Skuff, Khan
>>>>>[I've just recieved a rather unpleasant visit from a small number
of elves wearing long armored over coats and carrying interesting katana's 
with emblems resembling some you tried to get me to fence for your team
once.  They were seeking information about a former member of your group
who goes by the name of T'shon.

It seems that someone who knows enough about him has been impersonating him
and his handlers are less than amused.  They are convinced that I know
whats going on and are watching me like hawks.  You know I cant conduct 
business with Tir operatives looming around the bar.  They've come and 
set up shop here, 24/7 and being very fraggin' obvious about watching everyone
and everything that comes into and out of the bar.

Final line is, If you dont know who's doing this, I'm willing to pay you
to find out.  You all worked with him, so you might know others who worked
with him while he was in Seattle.]<<<<<
	-- Naavah <20:17:11 / 09-24-57> 

***** PRIVATE: Kor, Karma, Gemini, Trax, Khan
>>>>>[Oh, shit.]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <22:15:51 / 09-24-57>

***** PRIVATE: Skuff, Kor, Gemini, Khan, Trax
>>>>>[Don't "Oh, Shit" me.  I know that the Jo'boy closes at 6:30 for 
cleaning.  Set up for the shots would be trivial.  Who wants to clean 
for me?]<<<<<
	-- Karma <22:17:11 / 09-24-57>

***** PRIVATE: Karma, Kor, Gemini, Khan, Trax
>>>>>[Stop thinking with your gun, Karma.  We can't just click off 
6 or more ghost operatives in front of Naavah's bar.  Think about this
for a minute.  They already think she's into barting Tir information back
and forth.  She would be shut down, and likely just killed, if any of their
operatives came up missing.  Jesus, use your brain for once!]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <23:14:35 / 09-24-57>

***** PRIVATE: Karma
>>>>>[I've got my own team now -- we can run clean up for you if you want
to take them down.  No problems.  Will be a pleasure to work with
you again.]<<<<<
	-- Gemini <22:19:51 / 09-24-57>

*****PRIVATE: The Skull Bearer
>>>>>[Your work was welldone. Be certain she has spoken of this to no one.
Here is the balance of your payment: +++++credtransfer >>encrypted<<.
I shall be retaining a dossier on your for potential future employment. 
Is this agreeable to you?]<<<<<
	-- Ms. Johnston <22:29:00/09-24-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ms. Johnston
 >>>>>[Thank you i would be most anxious to work for you again.and feel
free to keep a record of my work, I'm sure your not the only one.
i only have one question who do you want me to ensure she hasn't spoken
of me?]<<<<<
	-- The Skull Bearer <21:19:20/09-24-57>

*****PRIVATE: The Skull Bearer
>>>>>[Keep an eye on the subject.  Don't be seen by her. Just see if she's
talking with or going places with people you haven't seen her with 
before.  Here are photos of the people I have tracked her with previously.

+++++imagefile: evita.pic
+++++imagefile: rosha.pic
+++++imagefile: jrs.pic
+++++imagefile: dirk.pic
+++++imagefile: hector.pic

If you see her spending significant time talking with anyone else, assume she
has spoken about your previous conversation.  Then, later, move in on her ...
don't say anything, PUT HER IN THE HOSPITAL.  For a month.  

You could also follow any other the pictured individuals, particularly Evita,
and see if she mentions anything about the attack.  We told the target 
not to tell ANYONE. 

For further action, you will receive compensation of >>encrypted<<.
However, if she hasn't mentioned anything, take no action.  Await further 
instructions ... in the meantime, you may take other employment.]<<<<<
	-- Ms. Johnston <09:38:00/09-25-57>

*****PRIVATE: The Saracen
>>>>>[Team profile enclosed.  As requested.  IO information requested.

+++++tridfile: Ogun.trd

An image of an African ork fills the screen, rotating slowly 
counterclockwise.  He's heavily cybered, and wearing military night 
camouflage.

A monotone voice intones, "Ogun. Demolitions, heavy firearms, artillery,
panzer, copter.  Leader.  Code (RA)"

+++++end Ogun.trd

+++++tridfile: Apollo.trd

The ork's image fades and is replaced by a smaller image of an African human.
His hair braided and tied back.  As his image rotates, a cocky smile appears
on his face.

The voice returns. "Apollo. Matrix operations, specialty (cybercombat, 
automated defense corruption).  Also useful in physical intrusions.  
Code (Horus)"

+++++end Apollo.trd

+++++tridfile: Mordred.trd

Another human image fades in, but this one is European.  His face is 
horribly scarred, in stark contrast to his perfectly shaved head.  As his
image rotates, his head drops lower and his eyes seem to glow 
incandescent black.

"Mordred. Full Hermetic, initiate.  Specializes in psionics, illusions,
augmentation/diminution, and summoning.  Code (Osiris)"

+++++end Mordred.trd

+++++ALERT!  ALERT!  ALERT!  TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED!!!!
+++++signal acquistion and trace initiated
+++++DO YOU WISH TO RE-ESTABLISH TRANSMISSION?Y/N   n
+++++TRANSMISSION LINK TERMINATED
+++++signal acquisition lost
+++++signal trace lost]<<<<<
	--  Golem <10:35:23/09-25-57>

*****PRIVATE: Golem

>>>>>[+++++loading 999LowBall.enc ....
What the hell was that?  No one knows you're here!  This may complicate
matters ... move immediately ...  

+++++dossier: mainop.txt

Quick and clean as possible.  We will not have a second chance.  Do NOT 
fail me.  +++++ending 999LowBall.enc]<<<<<
	--  The Saracen <10:42:00/09-25-57>

*****INTERNAL: Cpt. Nelson Wilkerson, UCAS SFRT
>>>>>[Commander, we managed to catch an unencrypted, unauthorized message to
your freelance operative in Seattle.  We couldn't secure the message, but
he is doing other things with our time and finances.  We've forwarded reports
to Gen. Bennett communicating this.]<<<<<
	-- Lt. Mitchell Smith <10:43:19/09-25-57>
	    Matrix Operative, Central
	    UCAS SFRT

*****INTERNAL: General Angel Bennett, UCAS Army
>>>>>[General, it has been brought to my attention that you have received 
a recent report regarding a leak in the Seattle operations of the Special 
Forces Reconnaissance Team. This individual has been the cause of the delays
in reacquiring our rogue operative.  Subsequently, he has been ... 
removed ... as an impediment.  However, the rogue has vanished once again,
and it will require some time to locate her.  I recommend that we cut our 
losses, let the rogue go, and move forward with more productive 
efforts.]<<<<<
	-- Cpt. Nelson Wilkerson <10:48:22/09-25-57>
	    Commander
	    UCAS SFRT

*****INTERNAL: Cpt. Nelson Wilkerson, UCAS SFRT
>>>>>[I'm glad to see you're finally making some common sense decisions in
this matter.  However, it may be too little too late.  As I understand it,
your transfer papers are in the mail. Military advisor to the Azanian 
government.  Sorry.]<<<<<
	-- General Angel Bennett <10:54:43/09-25-57>
	    Special Forces Overseer
	    UCAS Army

*****INTERNAL: Lt. Mitchell Smith, UCAS SFRT
>>>>>[Thanks for the great work, Mitch.]<<<<<
	-- Cpt. Nelson Wilkerson <10:55:49/09-25-57>
	    Commander
	    UCAS SFRT

*****PRIVATE: The Saracen
>>>>>[I don't know what you've been up to, but you're cut off.  Your fundings
frozen and I'm requesting an inquiry into your Seattle activities.  I can't
believe you convinced me to let you handle this matter!  Well, I guess, 
we ALL pay for our mistakes eventually ...]<<<<<
	-- Stampede <10:59:17/09-25-57>

*****INTERNAL: The Saracen
>>>>>[It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that your operation has been
cut.  Due to budgetary problems resultant from the 56-57 fiscal year, many
of UCAS higherpriority programs are faced reduced budgets in the 57-58 FY.
Yours is one of these programs.  Requests for reassignment for all UCAS 
personnel will be considered.]<<<<<
	-- CentSys <11:03:34/09-25-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Hey!  Next time you go to see Ronin, let me go with you.  Let him know
m'coming of course!  Haven't seen'm for awhile.  Oughta be fun.  :) {r}]<<<<<
	--  Colin Powell <11:07:59/09-25-57>
	    Associate Manager
	    Mick's NickNacks, A Talismongery

>>>>>[What follows is the testimony of Sergeant Brian Tagit, the commander of
one of Drake's special units.  Enjoy.

+++++ Begin Trideo record, International Police Hearing S57-01 +++++

All the chairs in the room are again full, with most of the players wearing
their dress uniforms if they are InterPol, or suits if they are Council and
panel members.  The clerk rises.

Clerk:  The panel calls Sergeant Brian Tagit, commander of the newly renamed
Poe Special Branch acquisition and reconnaissance unit.

The camera turns, and the rear door opens to admit Sergeant Tagit, for once
not wearing camouflage or InterPol hardened combat armor.  He is relatively
short and wearing his standard uniform, apparently in a show of support for
his commander, or perhaps in a show of disdain for the panel.  He strides in,
crosses in front of the defense table, and stands behind the witness table.
The clerk picks up a Bible and approaches Sergeant Tagit.

Tagit:  I'm sorry, sir, but I am an achiest, and swearing upon the Bible will
have little to no meaning for me.

Lt. Gerry Burr, Prosecution:  Members of the panel, the defense consul and I
have reached an agreement with Sergeant Tagit, if you agree, to allow him to
be sworn in using a copy of the complete International Police Charter.

Sir Harold Burns, Panel Head:  If none of my esteemed colleagues objects?

Burns turns to his fellow panel members, Rep. Thomas Lang, Miyamoto Okyoshu,
and Chief Skinwalker, none of which appear to object.

Burns:  Very well, then.  The Charter, clerk.

Clerk:  For the record, state your name and rank.

Tagit:  Brian Robert Tagit, Sergeant, International Police, Special Branch.

Clerk:  Repeat after me:  I, Sergeant Brian Tagit, do solemnly swear....

Tagit:  I, Sergeant Brian Tagit, do solemnly swear.

Clerk:  To speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth....

Tagit:  To speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Clerk:  And to uphold myself to the highest standards....

Tagit:  And to uphold myself to the highest standards.

Clerk:  As required and epitomized by the International Police Charter.

Tagit:  As required and epitomized by the International Police Charter.

Burns:  Thank you, Sergeant.  You are now under oath until released by the
entire panel.  Please sit down.  Lt. Mizikar, the witness is yours.

Lt. Rachel Mizikar, Defense:  Thank you, sir.  Sergeant Tagit, how long have
you been with Special Branch?

Tagit:  12 years now.

Defense:  And for how long have you worked under Commander Drake?

Tagit:  If you mean directly, about 4 years now.

Defense:  And could you explain exactly what you do, working directly for
Commander Drake?

Tagit:  I command one of  4 specialist units which Commander Drake commands
personally.

Defense:  And the specialist units?  Please, include more specifics.

Lt. Gerry Burr, Prosecution:  Sir, I would like to know where this line of
questioning is heading.

Defense:  My direction will become clear shortly, sir.

Burns:  I'll grant you some latitude for now, Lt. Mizikar.  Come to the
point quickly, though.

Defense:  Of course.  The specialist units, Sergeant?

Tagit:  One is penetration and infiltration, another is pure reconnaissance,
a third is sniper, and the last is ground support and extraction.

Defense:  Your unit's composition and purpose is?

Tagit:  Myself in command and four other agents.  We are the ground support
and extraction unit.

Defense:  How long have these agents been in existence, Sergeant Tagit?

Tagit:  Approximately 4 years.

Defense:  Do you know for what purpose they were created?

Tagit:  Yes, I do.  Commander Drake wanted to test a couple of ideas about
the ideal small unit force organization, and we are the test bed, so to
speak.  He was, and still is, I believe, considering totally reorganizing
Special Branch to a similar model.

Defense:  And that is?

Prosecution:  Objection, sir.  Relevance?

Defense:  I am attempting to ascertain, through Sergeant Tagit, Commander
Drake's intentions regarding his use of what amounts to Special Forces to
apprehend Mr. Lynch.

Burns:  Overruled for the time being.  But do get to the point, Lieutenant.

Defense:  Immediately, sir.  What precisely was the model you were referring
to, Sergeant Tagit?

Tagit:  Small units of exactly 5, specialized into a single area of expertise
and extremely tightly knit, almost like a small platonic family.  Further,
the specialized units were to be combined into larger, totally integrated
units of 21, with four of the specialized units.  The specialized units would
train individually until their area was perfected, at which point they would
begin training with three other units to become as well integrated with 16
other agents as they were among themselves.

Defense:  Very much like a Special Forces platoon, wouldn't you say,
Sergeant?

Prosecution:  Objection.  The witness cannot possibly have the background to
comment on such a observation.

Burns:  Lt. Burr, Sergeant Tagit is very well qualified to comment, I assure
you.  Overruled.

Defense:  I repeat the question:  Very much like a Special Force unit, yes?

Tagit:  In many respects, yes.  But most modern special forces are smaller
units, no more than a squad, in many cases no more than 5 or 6 soldiers.  I
personally compare the small unit composition more to the standard
composition of most shadowrunner teams, but with more specialization on one
level and significantly more depth and breadth on the other than any
shadowrunning team short of a mercenary unit.

Defense:  One last question before I get directly to my point:  Where was
your team, and the others, when you were summoned to Seattle by Commander
Drake?

Tagit:  My unit was in Calcutta, about to arrest and extract a toxic shaman
and terrorist from his home and deliver him to InterPol-India for
incarceration and processing.  Jane's penetration and infiltration unit was
under cover and reporting on the whereabouts of a known Mafia assassin when
they had to pull out.  Montoya's unit was in training at the Highland range
and training grounds, and I don't know where the last unit was.

Defense:  Why did Commander Drake pull you all out of your areas and to
Seattle to work with him directly?

Tagit:  He wasn't given a choice.  The invocation of Section 96a and the
precise wording of his orders were such that he was required to devote all
Special Branch resources to the arrest of Mr. Lynch.  By the time he had
convinced his superiors to allow him to only use the Seattle Special Branch
resources to the task of arresting Mr. Lynch, all four teams were already in
Seattle.

Defense:  What effects did the pull-out have on the units?

Tagit:  My unit was forced to scrub a mission less than 2 hours before we
were to apprehend our target.  In so doing, we alerted the target to our
presence and she has undoubtedly changed local.  It will likely take Special
Branch in general several months to reacquire her.  Jane's unit was in deep
cover, and were unable to just disappear.  One of her agents was severely
wounded by Mafiosos, and it will take her unit at least a year to get back to
the point where she left the case, if the case can truly be recovered.  And
recon was in someplace so deep that I don't know just what problems they had,
or how much they lost.

Defense:  I take it from your comments that Commander Drake did talk to you
about your unit's mission and why you were called upon?

Tagit:  That is correct.

Defense:  And why, precisely, besides being ordered to do so, did Commander
Drake recall you to assist in the arrest of Mr. Lynch?

Tagit:  Because he felt that this would be the final, most important test of
the unit's abilities, and his ideas.  And he felt that the normal Special
Branch agents would not be able to arrest and hold Mr. Lynch.  Finally, he
knew that some of his agents were corrupt.  He also knew that none of us
were.

Defense:  Corrupted how?

Tagit:  Bought off by various national and corporate interests.  Paid to look
the other way, or to be blind when necessary.

Defense:  And in your experience, this is a common problem?

Tagit:  Not nearly so common in Special Branch as in the rest of InterPol.

Prosecution:  Objection.

Burns:  Sergeant Tagit, please restrain your accusations unless you can
provide documented proof.  And Lt. Mizikar, please change your line of
questioning.

Defense:  Very well, sir.  Sergeant Tagit, you were with many of the various
assaults and arrest attempts on Mr. Lynch.  Would you please tell us why you
believe they failed?

Tagit:  I believe that they failed because we were not prepared for some of
the tricks Lynch had up his sleeve.  Thermal smoke is planned for regularly,
but ultrasonic sights take quite some effort to confuse, yet Mr. Lynch was
able to do so.  Apparently Mr. Lynch had access to gear which was enough on
the edge that it was able to confound ours, and Commander Drake makes it a
point of order to always equip his agents with the best equipment
available.  At ne point, Lynch even used chaff to confuse the vehicular
sensors.

Defense:  Was that the death of Jose Zicahuata?

Tagit:  It was.

Defense:  Are there any other reasons you failed?

Tagit:  Yes.  Our training had holes, to put it simply.  Acting Special
Branch Commander Montoya has begun a regimen of intense training to plug
those holes, but it will still be some time before that is complete.  And
finally, we did not apprehend Mr. Lynch because we were ordered to take him
alive.  Commander Drake, even when he was ordered to kill Mr. Lynch, refused
to issue that order to us.  And while there were occasions where many of us
could probably have killed Mr. Lynch, we did not.  Special Branch, and
InterPol in general, cannot exist as an agency of law if it goes around
killing all the criminals it pursues.

Defense:  Thank you, Sergeant.  One more question, if you don' t mind.  Has
Commander Drake ever given you any reason to question his integrity?

Tagit:  No, Lieutenant, he has not.

Defense:  No more questions, sir.

Burns:  Lt. Burr, your witness.

Prosecution:  Sergeant Tagit, what did you do prior to becoming an InterPol
officer?

Defense:  Objection!  Sergeant Tagit's background is considered a matter of
InterPol secrecy.

Burns:  Overruled.

Tagit:  How far before working for InterPol, sir?

Prosecution:  As far back as you feel is appropriate, Sergeant.

Tagit:  I was a street kid, growing up in Chicago.  I moved to control a
gang, and then was recruited at the age of 16 into an Ares Macrotech combat
team.  They educated me and many others.  We were a generation of child
soldiers.  The idea was that we'd be more naturally reliant on each other,
and easier to mould into the Ares mold.  By the time I was 23, my team was
performing black extractions and doing wetwork.  I was arrested out of Ares
jurisdiction by InterPol, charged and tried for a variety of crimes, all of
which I had actually committed, and then imprisoned.  That was 18 years ago.
In prison, I was rehabilitated and when I was released, I was given a new
name, face, everything, and a job with Special Branch.  That was 12 years
ago now.  Is that sufficiently detailed?

Prosecution:  Yes.  You were a criminal, then?

Tagit:  Depending on where I was at the time, yes and no.

Prosecution:  How were you caught, Sergeant?

Tagit:  My unit had become so close knit and well trained that we had decided
to go freelance, sell our abilities to anyone who could afford us.  Ares took
exception to this, released, through various anonymous tips and contacts,
plus individuals who had been bought and paid for years prior, all the
information which was later used to convict me.

Prosecution:  So you had become a shadowrunner just prior to your arrest, and
were turned in, effectively, by your prior employers?

Tagit:  That is correct, sir.

Prosecution: And what happened to your associates?

Tagit:  Two were killed in a shootout with InterPol, and the rest of us were
wounded and arrested.  After our arrest, we were kept separate and I do not
know what happened to them.  Since joining InterPol, I have not bothered to
search.

Prosecution:  And why is that, Sergeant?

Defense:  Objection, your honor.  All of this is a matter of prior record.

Prosecution:  Only if you know Sergeant Tagit's prior name, sir.  As I do
not, I am getting my questions answered.

Burns:  Overruled, but come to the point soon, Lt. Burr.

Prosecution:  Yes sir.  Sergeant Tagit?

Tagit:  If they were killed, then I would grieve for them and be forced to
remember my vows which I shared with my friends:  to hunt down and kill
anyone who was responsible for the death of a team member.  If they were
still in prison, I would be honor bound to attempt a rescue.  And if there
were free, I would feel a desire to find them again.  All of these things
would distract me from working for InterPol, and likely get me arrested or
killed again.  Thus I do not search for their identities or whereabouts.  I
am not the person now I was then, and I have no desire to become that way
again.  And if I would search for my old friends, I would, and that would be
the end.

Prosecution:  I see....  Did I hear you correctly say earlier that you had
worked directly for Commander Drake for 4 years?

Tagit:  You did, sir.

Prosecution:  Were you working with your current unit for that entire time?

Tagit:  Yes.

Prosecution:  Why do you think that Commander Drake picked you to head the
extraction and support unit?

Tagit:  Because he knew that my prior experience was in exactly that arena.

Prosecution:  Really?  Had you told him that?

Tagit:  No, sir, I hadn't.

Prosecution:  Then how did Commander Drake get ahold of such information?

Tagit:  I'm sorry, sir, I don't know.  You'll have to ask him.

Prosecution:  Rest assured, I will do so.  But how do you think he knew such
information?

Tagit:  I suspect that he has access to the files of all his agents,
including full backgrounds.  How, I do not know.

Prosecution:  Is it possible that Commander Drake has access to secure
storage through means which circumvent the standard InterPol procedures?

Tagit:  I suppose it is, but I am not an expert in such things.

Prosecution:  Are you aware that such access or storage devices are against
InterPol regulations, Sergeant?

Tagit:  I am, sir.  But I am also....

Prosecution:  Thank you, Sergeant Tagit.  Only a few more questions.  In your
time with Commander Drake, has he ever broken regulations before?

Tagit:  Yes, but....

Prosecution:  Please, just answer the question without any additional
comments, Sergeant.  Excluding the release of Mr. Lynch, what would you view
as the worst breach of regulations in Commander Drake's past?

Tagit:  Probably the killing of the decker known as Raven, just prior to
Chicago becoming Bug City.

Prosecution:  And, to the best of your knowledge, what happened as a result
of his breach of regulations?

Tagit:  He was able to acquire a large number of documents from Dante's
hideout....

Prosecution:  I'm sorry, whose hideout?

Tagit:  Dante, a decker of no small skill, a specialist in viral programming.
Raven and many others were in the Shattergraves for the purpose of killing
him.

Prosecution:  Ahh, thank you.  Please continue.

Tagit:  As I was saying, Commander Drake acquired a large number of documents
from the hideout involving a rather large conspiracy headed by Dr. Alexander
Jackson.  Dr. Jackson's daughter, a shadowrunner known as Diana, later led
several dozen well armed individuals into what was at the time Special Branch
North American headquarters, kicked everyone out except the Commander, and
then blew up the building on top of him.

Prosecution:  Was Commander Drake reprimanded for his breach of InterPol
regulations?

Tagit:  I do not know, but I heard rumors to that effect, yes.

Prosecution:  No more questions, Sir.

Burns:  Any last comments, Sergeant Tagit?

Tagit:  Only that Commander Drake continues to point to the episode which Lt.
Burr was recently inquiring about as an example of why we must always try to
arrest our targets using non-lethal methods.  He says that that was his first
and last live bullet arrest.

Rep. Lang:  Live bullet arrest?  What's the difference between that and his
arrest of Mr. Lynch recently?

Tagit:  As we use the terms in Special Branch, Councilman, it is only a live
bullet arrest when you go for lethal ammunition before exhausting all other
avenues of arrest.  The arrest of Mr. Lynch, even though we used potentially
lethal ammunition such as APDS, is known as a weapons-free arrest.  It's
similar to the difference between a Mafia hit and a Mafia cowboying.

Okyoshu:  Cowboying?  Please explain.

Tagit:  A hit kills only the target.  When someone is cowboyed, you run in,
kill everything that moves by turning it into a lead sponge, and then run out
again.

Burns:  Thank you, Sergeant Tagit.  You are excused.  The hearing will
reconvene tomorrow at 0900.

+++++ End Trideo record +++++

So nice to see when a prosecutor can't do a proper character
assassination.]<<<<<
	-- Trideo Pirate <09:38:30/09-25-57>

>>>>>[Muscle needed: snipers, sams, mages, etc.

Rate: <passable amount>]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <18:23:34/25-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Wanna go for it?  Better than life has been, right? Mebbe try out y'r
new skills, eh? {r}]<<<<<
	--  Roy Wilkins <19:12:21/09-25-57>
	    Accounts and Processing Division
	    Marshall, Lieberman, and Sloane, Legal Counsel

***** PRIVATE:Nameless
>>>>>[I'm a physical Mage, I know an illusionist who can fight really well.
If you want us, let me know, ok?]<<<<<
	-- Evita <22:33:34/09-25-57>

***** PRIVATE: Rosha
>>>>>[Yup, I let him know we're interested, that way he can mail me and not
you. Also, I'll be meeting Ronin for a' 'venture. Wanna come?]<<<<<
	-- Evita <22:35:22/09-25-57>

***** PRIVATE: Trax, Skuff, Kor, Gemini, Khan
>>>>>[It seems to me that you people have become a bit too soft for your
own good.  Whatever happened to helping out your friends when they need
it, and being there for one another?  Maybe you've just forgotten your
vows.

Its just a punch of pansy elves anyway.  On my best day I could not take 
more than 3, maybe 4 before they could get to cover or get a call out
for reinforcements.

Kor, you and Khan will cover magically.  Stun or just take out the remaining
marks from the ground.  Ill keep you covered from just across the street.

Gemini, you are up close and personal.  I know thats the way you like it
anyway.  No survivors.

Skuff, you have matrix cover.  Keep LSS off of me until I get get myself
out of my stand.

Trax, you've got high over and drone overwatch.

+++++ Include:  map

I trust you can set up to give us maximum coverage.  We've got about 2 days of
prep time, tops.  I've already scouted the area and selected 3 stands that
will give me maximum cover.

We're doing this for Naavah.  Remember all she's done for us.]<<<<<
	-- Karma <18:11:39 / 09-26-57> 

***** PRIVATE: Trax, Kor
>>>>>[Fraggit all!  Im getting too old for this, people!

Can either of you get ahold of Karma and dope him up or something, the
boy's gone off the deep end again.  And he wants to do this at 5:30 in
the morning IN FRONT OF THE JO-BOY!  Am I the only one that sees a problem
with this?  Even on my best day I would not be able to tie up
the cops for longer than 2 minutes, 3 max.  That puts all of you either
on foot walked out of the target area, or in your own vehicles, driving
out at moderate speeds.  There is still going to be very little traffic in
the area.

And lets not forget the amount of heat that a "gang land killing outside the
Night Club and resturant owned and operated by Julia Maxwell, aka Naavah, 
alleged arranger and traffiker of illegal goods".  And what will T'shon
think when 6 of his best (and don't even think he would send less than the
cream of the crop) men come up dead.  He's going to know it was Karma from
the entry wounds.  Elven, through the eyes...always his trade mark.

You will note:  I didnt send this to either Khan, Gemini, or Karma.  Gemini
has been active again.  He and his brother have been having problems with 
their Dojo and have started running again to bring the money up.  Rumor
in the street is that they are using some of their better and more gifted
Physical Adept students and training them for running.  Khan, well, you
all know he's as likely to agree and disagree.  It would only depend on
who got to him first.  He's more likely to agree to bring down the 
Jo-Boy on top of them instead.  Karma:  Yeah, like I could talk any sense
into him.  I've tried.  You know I have.

When the hell is Jason due back?]<<<<<
	-- Skuff <18:19:15 / 09-26-57>

***** PRIVATE: Kor, Skuff
>>>>>[Karma does have a point.  We could clean this mess up with very
little problem.  I can assist with scrambling LSS long enough to extend our
retreat to 5 or 6 minutes.  Ill have drones placed at various spots
within the area to give us a little more of an edge for knowing who is 
coming where.  Merrox could flood LSS with random phone calls and get
everyone WELL out of the area (several areas, actually).  That should give
us a little more room to operate.

Just kidding.

The plan was sound, and that in and of itself tells me that Karma has not
lost his mind.  Maybe not telling us everything, but he isnt off
the deep end just yet.  I picked him up yesterday when he scouted out
Naavah's place and have managed to keep either a drone on him or
a tracker on him for long enough that I've got 3 or 4 different places where
he might actually be staying.  He's still as coy as a fox, but I stayed with
him through several shake off attempts.  As paranoid as ever, but he's still
our Karma.  You know as well as I do his hatred for Elves.  Ghost even more than
normal.  He would never pass up the oportunity to add more confirmed Ghost
kills to his list of hits.  You know this, and Naavah knows this.  She knew
what she was doing when she included him in the mailing...he hasnt associated
with any of us in well over a year.  Well before we stopped acting as a team.

My guess, if I were to venture one, would be that Naavah either wants the
Tir Team liquidated, and wants to make sure it doesnt come directly back to
her, or she wants us all together again because she has something else 
in mind, or she wants to see if Karma still has the eye.  Either way, we need
more time.

I checked into Naavah's operation and she is not want for new runners, or
even any of her old stable members.  She's still steadily growing and
picking up new people here and there.  Icepick is still working with her
as are all the rest of her information crew.  I couldnt find anything
on the types of jobs being sent her way at all.  She keeps that information
very hidden.  Nor could I get ANYTHING on who is actually in her stable other
than a few hushed street names known to have associated with her.  Naavah's 
hot.  Period.  No one would run against her, and no one would think twice
before laying down their life to protect her or her place.

Where does this leave us?  High and dry for now.  We dont need Jason to
deal with this, but it would be nice if we could get ahold of him to let
him know that the proverbial "jig" is up.

Question  --  Why would T'shon admit to being in Tir Intel to Naavah?  He
wouldn't.  There is no way in hell he would.  Simple.  Those cant be from
T'shon.  They have to be from someone else.  Who?  If they aren`t T'shon then
they arent the best, and if they arent the best then they are fodder, and if
they are fodder they are ours.

Suggestion  --  Nab them, drug them up, and see which one of them
breaks first.  Khan is the best at extracting information from live 
targets.]<<<<<
	-- Trax <18:52:59 / 09-26-57>

*****PRIVATE: Nameless
>>>>>[Hey. M'name's Rosha. Can fulfill your shadow needs. Contact me through
Evita ... physmage who's a friend o'mine. Y'r cash looks good, so talk at 
me.{r}]<<<<<
	--  Roy Wilkins <15:37:11/09-26-57>
	    Accounts and Processing Division
	    Marshall, Lieberman, and Sloane, Legal Counsel

*****PRIVATE: Evita
>>>>>[Yup. M'down t'see Ronin again. "Lez do it."{r}]<<<<<
	--  Roy Wilkins <15:39:44/09-26-57>
	    Accounts and Processing Division
	    Marshall, Lieberman, and Sloane, Legal Counsel

*****PRIVATE TO: Evita
>>>>>[Tell me your group's talents.]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <16:51:43/09-26-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ms. Johnston
 >>>>>[The subject has moved out of previous address, I will assume that 
she has at least told her roommate. Also I have spotted Dirk and have
found his home, request permission to "question" perhaps learn new
address of subject.]<<<<<
	-- The Skull Bearer <15:01:23/09-26-57>

*****PRIVATE: Skull Bearer
>>>>>[Actually, a more pressing urgency has arisen.  I need you to get to 
the airport.  There will be a private chartered flight waiting for you.
Bring all of the essential tools you would need for a VERY ...  complex ...
job.  

+++++loadfile: dossSKB.txt

This file includes all the information you will need.  Maps of the location,
deployment and strength of fortifications, objective.  Simply stated ... 
enter, kill as many as possible within a 10 minute timespan, escape.

Return to the location where the helicopter will drop you off on time and you
will collect a tidy-fee of >>encrypted<<.  Be late, and well, I wish you luck
in piecing your body back together, if you manage to collect the fee.]<<<<<
	-- Ms. Johnston <10:55:00/09-27-57>

*****PRIVATE: Golem
>>>>>[Your distraction has been arranged.  All moves forward.]<<<<<
	-- The Saracen <10:57:00/09-27-57>

*****PRIVATE: Nameless
>>>>>[An ex-cop turned PI any use to you?]<<<<<
	-- Marlowe <17:10:32/09-26-57>

*****PRIVATE: Nameless
>>>>>[See enclosed dossier.
+++++evita.resume
+++++rosha.resume
If you need anything else, let me know, please.]<<<<<
	-- Evita <19:51:43/09-27-57>

>>>>>[( need some cutting edge biotech type info. Contact me here if you
can help. I will of course be happy to remunerate you for your knowledge.]<<<<<
	-- Squatter  <18:57:49/09-28-57>

*****PRIVATE: Ms. Johnston
>>>>>[mission successful. I have sustained moderate damage and require
cybernetic-medical attention upon landing if you can arrange it.
i was only able to confirm 12 meta-human kills, 1 fire elemental, and 2
jeeps. unconfirmed possibly 19 more.... they started using smoke
grenades and there was a lot of action so didn't get a chance to follow
up every shot the inclosed video file should be able to give better
numbers upon examination. also i am prepared to resume my prior
assignment as soon as possible.
+++++videofile: .002
this is unedited. enjoy.]<<<<<
	-- The Skull Bearer <01:31:56/09-27-57>

>>>>>[How are you wanting me to help you, Herr Squatter?  I have many 
knowledge about Biotech and Cyber, and can install or modify them if 
this is wanted.]<<<<<
	-- Basilisk <03:46:12 GMT/28.SEP.57>

*****PRIVATE: Basilisk
>>>>>[I need some info on this thing called Cybermancy. Heard lots of rumours,
but I need something more. Can you help?

And, no I don't need any installed, or anything lke that, I just want to
hear about it.]<<<<<
	-- Squatter  <21:13:05/09-27-57>

*****PRIVATE:  Squatter
>>>>>[Nasty stuff.  Very difficult do make work.  I know only a very 
little about it, but i know someone working on it, at least the 
theory.  Give me a couple days and i will send some basic 
informations.]<<<<<
	-- Basilisk <05:52:25 GMT/28.SEP.57>

*****INTERNAL: SIGANet Archive
>>>>>[+++++Begin Video Recording

The view is the inside of Lynch and Lilith's office, and seems to come
from a small camera high in a corner of the room.

A lone woman sits at a desk typing at a terminal.  Her long auburn hair
falls forward, hiding her face.  All you can see of her is her slim back
leaning towards the screen, and from your view, it appears she is
wearing some kind of flight suit.  The only sound is the occasional
rattle of the keys on the keyboard.

After only a moment, the woman is interrupted by a knock on the door.
She looks up from her work and you can see the face of Lilith, as well
as her rank insignia

"Enter."  Her cool voice is neutral, but commanding.

The door opens and two figures walk in.  One is a young man who could
barely be 18, wearing a plain khaki uniform.  There are no insignia on
his uniform except for a single bar with his name in white print above
his left breast pocket.  The other is a slightly taller man, perhaps a
little over 6 foot, wearing a well cut suit.

The young man salutes and speaks "Midshipman Shea reporting with Mr.
Hunter as ordered, sir!"

The man at the midshipman's side winces slightly as his name is spoken,
but Lilith takes a completely different attitude.  She stalks over to
the Middie, still holding his hand to his head in salute, like a cat
about to kill a mouse.

"Am I covered, Midshipman?"

"Um, no sir."

"Then why are you saluting?!"

"Urh, sorry, sir."

"Now, what do you have to report."

"Midshipman Shea reporting, as ordered, with Mr. Hunter, sir."

"Midshipman, were you not informed of the guests rank as an agent of a
friendly foreign power when you were assigned as his guide?"

The Midshipman makes a swallow that causes his adam's apple to bob up
and down.  "Yes, sir."

"Then address him as such."

"Yes sir."

"And apologize."

"Yes sir." the Middie turns to the man and snaps to attention.  "Sir, I
humbly apologize for not addressing you using your proper rank..."

"Which is?" Lilith hisses into the boys ear.

"ughhhhhh...."

The man whispers.

"Major, sir.  Sir, it will not happen again, sir." And the Middie pops a
perfect salute.

Lilith's bellows at the boy "Don't salute!"

The Middie drops his arm "Yes, ma'am!"

"Ma'am?"  Lilith's voice is incredulous

"SIR!"

"Dismissed!"

The middie fairly flies to get out of what must be his own personal
hell. Lilith just chuckles as he runs down the corridors.

The man, who you recognize as Blade, chuckles as well "You're mean
Lilith. The kid was just trying to do his job as good as he could."

"There is no 'as good as you can'.  He has to learn discipline now, and
that builds character.  He coped pretty well, actually.  And besides, he
was Navy."

"Oh, you wouldn't have done it to an Air Cadet?"

"Well... there are those here who'd use a mistake like that to Article
Fifteen him. If he learns from this, we've helped him. Why don't you
take a seat while we wait for Lynch.  Coffee?"

Lilith moves behind the desk and fills mugs, while Blade relaxes in one
of the other chairs.

"So, Lilith, what's all this with 'agent of a friendly foreign power'
and with Lynch asking me to wear a uniform, which, by the way, I don't
have. I'm not military anything.  Both of you know that."

"True, but if we didn't give you some sort of status then security
wouldn't have let you in here at all.  Quinn told us about your time
with Ares, and so we used that as your cover.  Don't worry, they won't
hear anything.  Even if Damien Knight has the Presidents ear.  So, we
used that ID, and security whisked you through and to us."

Blade interrupts "That reminds me," he snaps his arms out, the cuffs of
his suit falling back, revealing a band around each wrist that blinks
with rows of little lights. "when do I get my gun back, and when can you
take these off?  I was surprised your detectors found them, but I
would've told you had I been asked.  This is a new suit, and I'd hate to
get blood all over it."

"Shit.  We told them not to fit you with those.  They shouldn't have
searched you at all.  I'll get your gun back, and someone down here to
take those off."

"Where is Lynch anyway?"

"Probably got lost again."

"I did _not_ get lost," Lynch, dressed in fatigue pants and crimson and
gold "USMC" t-shirt walks through the doorway "I was taking care of some
things." He sets a shoulder holster with pistol and clips on the desk,
and pulls out a mag key.  "If I may see your wrists, I'll show you my
newest magic trick." 

Blade puts his wrists out, and Lynch connects the key to a spot on each,
releasing them.  "I figured you'd have trouble at security, but you got
there early.  When I found out that they messed up, I reamed them out
for awhile and them got your stuff back, and the key.  Guess that's what
we get for letting the Army protect this place."

Blade chuckles.  "Don't even start that.  Last time you two started
arguing about which arm of the military forces was the best, it went on
for an hour. Hopefully, you didn't invite me here to listen to some
drivel I could've heard in Seattle.  And hey, how come you tell me
to come in a uniform, and you walk in here barely reg. in BDUs?"

"Well _Major Hunter_ you were invited to this wonderful wing of the
Pentagon to meet with the man with the plan."

Blade looks slightly shocked.  "Coppinger?  Why?"

Lilith smiles.  "Yes, and he'll tell you.  For now, however, Jason and I
have a few questions for you."

Blade sits back, looking slightly wary.  "Multiple choice or essay?"

Lynch's expression, which had become stoney with Lilith's mention of
questions, softens slightly with a smile.  "Just some basic background
info. Parents, birthday, birth place, siblings, etc.  You know, the
usual stuff."

"Go ahead then."

Lilith looks towards the computer screen and begins speaking.  "If any
of this info is incorrect, just tell me as I read it off.  Birthday,
January 1, 2030.  Place of birth, Denver, UCAS sector.  Mother, Angela
Robin Hunter. Maiden name of Laws.  Listed as deceased.  Father, Richard
Peter Hunter, also deceased.  No siblings.  Is all this correct?"

"Yep."

"Good.  Let's see, not much to note until you were fifteen when your
parents were killed in street violence.  No records after that until
three years later when you enlisted in Ares Security Division.  Almost
immediately moved to their Desert Wars forces as a 'Combat Courier'.
Did two tours of duty in Desert Wars where you were commended for
'Bravery above and beyond the call of duty'.  This is listed as where
you originally lost your eyes in a grenade explosion.  Shrapnel hit you
in one eye, destroying it, but you managed to walk away, correct?"

"Yes."

"After that incident you disappeared for two years, during which time it
is presumed you worked in the shadows, and our sources confirmed that.
You then were _rehired_ by Ares in a security position, and were almost
immediately granted the rank of Major.  You remained for a year and a
half before leaving, and again, returning to the shadows."

"Still correct."

"Do you confirm that, to the best of your knowledge, all this
information is correct and true?"

"Yes I do."

"In that case, Mr. Coppinger has informed me to ask you about a project
known only as AMI:HCP001 and AMI:HCP002.  Do these terms mean anything
to you?"  Blade looks about ready to kill.  "And also, should the
parents be changed to _your mother was a test tube_?"

The anger in Blades face and stance, even sitting, is evident.  Lynch
looks about ready to draw on Blade, and Lilith just looks at him.  Blade
interrupts  "And my father was a knife.  Do you want me to work for you
or do you just want to ask questions that are none of your goddamn
business?"

"We're just trying to ascertain the validity of your identity.  We'll
take you to see the Director now."]<<<<<
	-- SIGANet DC <15:11:00/09-27-57>

*****INTERNAL: SIGANet Archive
>>>>>[+++++Begin Video Recording

The office is spare and spartan, but at least has a window: it looks across
to more of the Pentagon, a sad bar of gray sky barely visible above the
building opposite. The man behind the desk is unexceptional in
almost every way: you feel that, five minutes after leaving his office,
you'd be pressed to recall a single distinguishing feature. A middle-aged
woman opens the door.

"Mr. Coppinger?  A Major Hunter is here to see you, sir."

"Show him in."

The secretary walks out, and moments later, Blade enters.

"Please Major, take a seat."

Blade sits down before speaking.  "Respectfully, sir.  I no longer hold that
rank in any way.  I'm just 'Mr.' Hunter.  Though even that is not something
I acknowledge often."

"But you did, at one time, hold that rank?"

"That is correct, sir."

"Then I will address you as such.

I didn't ask you here, and have you go through that whole rigmarole with
Lt.'s DiAnno and Lynch, to argue about what title you should use.  You are
here for a purpose.  And it's a rather imperative one."

Coppinger pushes a button on his desk.

"Miss Winter, could you please show the Sergeant in with the item, please."

A voice buzzes back before the secretary enters with an armed guard carrying
a metal box hand cuffed to his wrist.  The sergeant sets the box down on the
desk, and looks at Coppinger.  Coppinger places his thumb against part of
the front of the box while the Sgt. places his against a part near the back.
A slight hiss of air being sucked into the box can be heard.

"Sgt., if you could remove the item?"

The guard reaches his hands into the box and pulls out a glass case.  He
gingerly set it down on to the desk top, picks up the metal carrying case,
and steps near a wall.  Focusing on the glass case, you can barely make out
what it contains.  It seems to hold a lone leather glove.

"Thank you, Sgt.

Major Hunter, inside this case is one of the deadliest biological agents
known to mankind.  It is nearly untraceable, and only barely curable.  The
only reason we haven't been wiped out by it is due to the fact that it is
only contractible through contact with it and it's expense to create it.  Do
you know what this agent is, Major?"

Blade's face looks unusually somber as he speaks.  "Doom."

"That is correct.  Careful testing has led us to find that this particular
sample came from a batch stored three miles under ground in a holding
facility in, well, it's not important where.  Needless to say, it was in the
UCAS.

The contaminated item was found by another agencies field researcher by
freak accident after a rumor spread among the shadow community that someone
had tried an assassination attempt with the Doom agent.  We were skeptical
at first, of course.  But once we obtained the sample, we were positive of
what we found.  And upon further research of our own security, what we found
was shocking indeed.

Major, it is very simple.  One of the  UCAS government's ex-employees was
secretly selling this to the highest bidder.  How she was able to obtain the
substance in the first place, much less sneak it out without our notice, is
still under scrutiny.  The fact, however, is that she did.

Since the discovery of the sale, the employee has managed to elude any
search for her.  She left shortly after the Seattle incident."

"And you want me to find her."

"That's correct, Major.  You come highly recommended."

"Why don't you just sic Lynch or Lilith on her?"

"As much as we would like to, this falls into a space that even Lynch's
standing won't allow him to enter.  Alone at least.  Technically speaking,
this is not our job.  However, we feel it is our duty.  And while often
times, that is enough, in this instance, it is not.  You see, Major, one
must say what one is doing, and why they are sending an agent to God knows
where, for a purpose that no one is sure of.  Especially now when every
agency is being gone over with a fine tooth comb and magnifying glass.

However, we do have a certain amount of, shall we say, leeway, to allow for
people such as your self to work for us. And we're also better off involving
an outsider at the beginning. You see, I find our continuing production of
the Doom agent... hypocritical. It's a weapon of no military utility,
violates international agreements we signed in good faith, and is only
useful as a tool for unsanctioned murder. Most of my agents share that view.
So, for us to be involved at the outset would be difficult, embarrassing,
even dangerous. If, though, we were to discover through shadow contacts that
a black-market source of Doom existed, it would be difficult in the extreme
for anyone to refuse us involvement.

Do you now understand the game of shadows and bluff we're playing here,
Major?"

Blade grins. "I guess I do."]<<<<<
	-- SIGANet DC <15:11:01/09-27-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Marlowe
>>>>>[That depends. How much damage can you inflict?]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <18:34:38/09-28-57>

*****PRIVATE: Skull Bearer
>>>>>[The quality of your work was impeccable. More professional than 
even my sources would have stated.  I hope that you found the repair 
facilities allocated you sufficient.  For your trouble, I have included
a bonus for work welldone.

+++++credtransfer:  >>good nuyen<<

Yes, by all means, resume your previous assignment.  An eager employee
is a joy.]<<<<<
	-- Ms. Johnston <23:25:00/09-28-57>

*****PRIVATE: Nameless
>>>>>[Depends on who and with what. I know how to mess people up and
break things in more than a few ways - bare hands, nightstick, firearms,
hell, sledgehammers.

If you want area-effect carnage, then (a) I don't do that, (b) I don't
know how to do that even if I wanted to.]<<<<<
	-- Marlowe <12:24:43/09-29-57>

>>>>>[ Hello, it's time for a report from the SIN and SINless.  Who's 
doing who - who doing what - and a general all around applying of dirt 
about people around the small globe.  We're hoping to expand in the 
future to cover the juicy gossip that goes on at the orbitals, but for 
right now, we'll just stick to ol' Earth.

The week's been anything if not eventful.  I'll only cover news that I 
know pertains to here so as to not fill your time with useless drivel.

++++++ Launch Trace and Destroy - Target: Ratspeak

Looks like one of my fans is trying to find me.

Yet another scandal has rocked the Rome Government as one of its 
leading Councilwoman was discovered (in a vid) having an extra-marital 
S&M affair with a man who had a thick, black, grid scars covering his 
whole body.  The Councilwoman while offended at the vicious attack on 
her and claiming that it is lies propagated by her enemies.  However, 
she was quoted in private saying, "If the pictures of me were that 
accurate, I wonder how accurate the pictures were of that man I was 
supposedly with."  I don't think she expected to be quoted.

++++++ Launch Multiple Trace - Target: Ratspeak

Hmm.  Seems like I finally woke up Black Knight.

Moving along:  Seems like people in New England should avoid walking 
anywhere near the street and be real careful when vans are roaming the 
street.  Within the past month there have been a series of incidents 
where a van (always a used model) seems to be creating quite a few 
traffic incidents.  Mostly hit and runs, the only suspect is a Troll 
driver who is very adept at getting away from the police.  The police 
have yet to successfully identify the driver more than knowing his race 
and sex.

The latest string of hit and runs was a anti-TNO radical in Boston.  
While police claimed it was an accident, they had a bit of trouble 
explaining the mass of drones in the area that caused the radical's 
guards to be scattered.  They also failed to explain that someone was 
shooting a gun at him.  Police have issued yet another warrant for this 
mysterious troll driver, citing the cause of death was a vehicular 
manslaughter.  Unfortunately, this doesn't explain the fact of why the 
radical was already in state incapable with life due to three gunshot 
wounds and that he just happened to in the act of falling from the 
wounds get clipped by the van.  Metahuman rights are up in arms about 
the police blaming the incident on trolls in general and tensions are 
running just a little bit high in Boston.

In international news:

+++++ Initiate SM v.2.3.1 Trace
+++++ Launch Trace

Hey!  I've never seen that one before.  Oh well, looks like it didn't 
succeed in following me anyway.

In international news, rumors are flying that there were two recent 
failed raids upon Interpol headquarters to release a certain officer 
who is in trouble for his actions.  While there are no known survivors 
of this brave and foolish actions, rumors have it that the first raid 
was hired by Doomsday and the second one by Nightmare.  Any comments 
guys?

That's all the fun dirt for now.  Catch ya later. ]<<<<<
	--Ratspeak <13:00:00/9-29-57>

>>>>>[ I don't know how you do it, but you managed to avoid my latest 
trace program again!  Don't know who the other traces were though.

May I talk to your source about the last tidbit? ]<<<<<
	--Black Knight <13:00:34/9-27-57>

>>>>>[ No you cannot talk to my sources.  Likely, you'll try and kill 
the person to cover the news leak. 

And oh, btw, I hear Dark Elf is around these parts again.  All I have 
to say is:  COOL!  Another cool decker to hang with in my off 
times. ]<<<<<
	--Ratspeak <13:01:21/9-27-57>

>>>>>[ You have "on" times?  As far as I can tell, you are always off 
-- off the mark that is. ]<<<<<
	--Sprinkler <13:02:29/9-27-56>

***** Private: Ratspeak
>>>>>[ Unless you are really good at hiding there, I suggest you get 
out of >>encrypted<<.  The last trace was mine.  Its a new algorithm I 
cooked up last month.  Bruce is going to be furious if he hears about 
that vid of him having sex with a Councilwoman.  You're lucky he was 
never that good at finding you. ]<<<<
         -- Scourge <13:03:32/9-27-57>

***** Private: Gunner
>>>>>[ I'm looking into what is going on with some of those rumors 
that Ratspeak found.  Meanwhile, Doomsday could be in grave danger.  
If Doomsday is still in your neck of the woods, put him into a 
safehouse and then get him in touch with either Shadowfox or Harker as 
time permits.  Either I or Black Knight will be in touch.

Btw, I thought it was supposed to be a clean hit.]<<<<<
	-- Nightmare <13:06:08/9-27-57>

***** Private: Nightmare
>>>>>[ The sniper, a lousy one at that, fragged up.  The three shots 
that did hit would have merely crippled the guy.  Thus, Doomsday 
"accidentally" hit him.  Unlike the accidents that happened while he 
was learning to drive, he didn't feel to much remorse about this 
"accident."

Meanwhile, the rigger I hired, Wrecker, is furious at the number of 
vans we had to dispose of -- still Wrecker shows some promise.  I'll 
probably send more work his way.  Puppet, the drone master, did pretty 
good job covering up the inept Sniper's misses.  All in all, I say it 
went rather well considering.

I'll get right on getting Doomsday to a safe spot.]<<<<<
	-- Gunner <13:11:40/9-27-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Marlowe
>>>>>[You don't have the skills. I'll keep an eye out for something
that you might fit though.]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <17:00:21/29-09-57>

>>>>>[Who the hell is Dante?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <17:02:34/29-09-57>

*****PRIVATE: Nameless
>>>>>[Whatever. You obviously never annoyed Cinncinnati PD enough.]<<<<<
	-- Marlowe <01:50:48/09-30-57>

>>>>>[As far as we here can make out, Dante was a very nasty guy who
wrote some vicious viral routines that crashed several _cities_ and
released some late-model anthrax strains into Seattle. He was killed by
a group of runners, though his Matrix constructs outlived him.

Basically, not a nice guy, now dead. If you have anything to suggest he
_isn't_ dead, let Jason or I know and we'll correct that
oversight.]<<<<<
	-- Lilith <01:32:21:09-30-57>

***** INTERNAL: Deckers, Serenity Security
>>>>>[+++++ Include Access Logs
+++++ Include Phone Logs
+++++ Include Automated Feeder Logs

This system has not been accessed in 10 days.]<<<<<
	-- JRS-1 <16:51:06 / 09-30-57> 
	   AUTOMATED
	   Serenity Security

*****Private: Nameless
>>>>>[Still looking for a sniper?
+++++ INCLUDE:FIle:Resume.Death Jestor.]<<<<<
	-- Death Jestor (14:17:35/9-30-57)

*****Private:Nameless
>>>>>[Need more runners? I'll apply, whats the job?]<<<<<
	-- Wolfen  <15:32:12/9-30-57>

*****Private:Nameless
>>>>>[Need a rigger? I got a combat Mack Truck if yer interested.]<<<<<
	-- Hit and Run  <15:45:39/9-30-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Death Jester, Hit and Run, Wolfen
>>>>>[You all have the necessary credentials to participate in this run.
Meet me at <<encrytped>> on wednesday at <<encrypted>>.]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <16:18:32/30-09-57>

*****PRIVATE TO: Evita
>>>>>[You're hired. A number of other runners will also be hired on
wednesday. You will lead the team. 

You will receive the complete description of the run next saturday.]<<<<<
	-- Nameless <16:20:10/30-09-57>

>>>>>[Thanks Lillith. I've just heard his name come up in conversation a
few times. I was wondering who he was. 

Does anyone have any of his stuff floating about?]<<<<<
	-- Tobias Dark <16:22:35/30-09-57>

>>>>>[Dante is probably a subject best left alone.]<<<<<
	-- Priest <20:31:53 / 09-30-57> 

>>>>>[Don't know how long I can stay on.... Lynch, Desolation, some one...... Trace this!]<<<<<
	--Dextsfdsdsfd(CORRUPTED)

>>>>>[Dexter? DEXTER!]<<<<<
	-- Desolation Angel <18:55:54/ 09-30-57>