***** PRIVATE: Silence
>>>>>[Since we might be working together on the run for rasputin, it might
be to our advantage to meet before the actual job. I will be in the area
of the "needle" around midnight tonite, if you are interested.]<<<<<
        -- Ice <15:53:47/08-31-55>

>>>>>[Valentine! Gods, I wish I knew. I just returned from Tara, and I
can't find Raven anywhere. When I left, she was still in Seattle. I am
really worried. Duster is looking in Denver, and the Jackal's in Quebec,
but they haven't found her yet. And the drek hit the fan yesterday. A
Mitsuhama black ops cell hit one of our boltholes in Redmond last night,
and then pulled a fade. Why aren't they still looking, unless she was
there? I'm nearly frantic.]<<<<<
        -- Cat Dancing <19:43:41/08-30-55>

***** PRIVATE: Rasputin
>>>>>[I have taken care of the mage problem rasputin. The mage Mr.Johnson hired
will be fine. If everything goes well with the meeting with "Silence", the run
will be over with by monday morning. take a break though, wait till the banks
open on tuesday morning to make payment *laugh*.]<<<<<
+++++  Buisness Card :(Deleted by popular request).
        -- Ice <17:08:47/08-31-55>

***** PRIVATE: Ice
>>>>>[ Fair enough. Be there. ]<<<<<
        -- Silence <18:43:56/31-08-55>

>>>>>[ Hi all, CRUSH, myself, Circuit Breaker, Claw and the twins are once more
on the rainy city of Seattle.  Most of this summer was spend visiting relatives
in Sioux, UCAS and CAS while showing off the twins.  CB and myself were able to
keep infrequent checks on the net, but there are probably things we missed.

One of various stops was Denver were the Haven deckers were upset about
something really strange.  I didn't stick around all that long since there's a
Haven Sysop with the same handle as me.  We have talked about the occurence, but
over all we figured it really didn't matter much.  If you want info on what I'm
talking about, check it out in the Shadowland menu, its the Denver file.

The twins are growing nicely and have started creeping.  The extended traveling
didn't hurt them at all since we brought along a shaman, and I think that not
having them in Seattle with the smog probably kept them from getting sick.  As
it is, Craig Jr and Shaphealla were present to Sioux elders and excepted into
the tribe, it was really just a formality and a chance for some elder distant
relatives of mine to play with the babies.

At the moment we are settling back in the house, so gives us a day or two before
you start dropping by for a chat.  Raven, CB and I think we needed to get the
girls together again for another fun evening of dancing and partying, Sheena has
been cloistered up in her studio most of the summer writing songs and really
needs a bit of night life, we'll have to make sure she isn't spotted though or
the media hounds will never let go.

Finally, but definately not least, has there been ANY more word about the good
Doctor Doom?   The last we knew he was still a coma and with no signs of
recovery.  If there is word, please tell us since we care a great deal about him
and his family.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

>>>>>[ Well since she hasna touched on it yet Ah guess its up ta me ta asks a
few questions and get a few answers.

Powerhouse - WHAT IS THIS ABOUT I.B.A. HAVING A KID!!!!!!!!

I.B.A. - Ah'm sorry that she didn't make it.  If ya want, Ah can help ya learn
about babies since Ah had a lot of experience at it this summer.

Dante - Die.

Solitare - Why haven't ya killed Dante yet???]<<<<<
        Circuit Breaker <08:54:06/08-31-55>

***** Private to: Punisher
>>>>>[ I read you, Punisher.  Meet me at >>Encrypted<< tomorrow and I'll take
a look at that deck.  While I'm doing that, you can tell me how you napped
it. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <23:25:32/08-31-55>

>>>>>[ Caught?  I don't think so Dante.  You only notice me when I wanted you
to.  Don't you know that the best way to find an arrogent fragger like yourself
is to let him know your looking? ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <23:27:11/08-31-55>

>>>>>[ Spirit, Circut Breaker, I would love to get the girls together for a
night out, but right now I'm busy hunting Dante and everybody elses seems to
have scattered to the four winds.  I haven't heard hide nor hair from Cerise
for weeks. ]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage <23:29:42/08-21-55>

>>>>>[Hoi WHAT ! I need much fragging better surveillance gear. You lot were
slotting shadows. here's what I got on film thought.

+++++ Video Download

A green-tinted image slowly expands to reveal a large, obviously dark
warehouse. Large crates, stacked in untidy heaps are scattered everwhere.
Into the camera's visions steps two figures. The first and taller of the
two, is an elf dressed in unexciting grey and green street wear. The
second is human with oddly haunting, blood red eyes. The two appear to be
chatting in a very relaxed manner. 

+++++ Sound Download
+
+ ...Error 23D - Soundfile damaged - file may be corrupted

*Heavy foreground Hiss*

WHAT (with an English accent): They'll be *sound crackle* soon, I've got the
stun rounds, Slash *Hiss*

Slash(nods and grins): I did a bit more checking on, just in case.*hiss*
The team seems very compident, most of their reps check out.

WHAT: Hmm, did you dig up anymore on Sakamura, because *high pitch whine cuts
out the rest of the conversation*

+++++ Sound Off

The two talk for several minutes, WHAT still looks concerned and starts smoking
in a distracted fashion. Slash methodically checks out his variety of equipment.

The image fades out.

The image fades in again.

The warehouse floor now has seven figures check their gear and weapons.
WHAT, standing next Japanese male, Sakumura, who is calmly field stripping a
hand gun,is questioning a young man, who seems to have a disproportionate
number of smoke grenades. A slightly bemused expression is on WHAT's face as
Aardvark continues to chatter on reguardless.

Facesmasher, a big troll oiling a sword, is obviously talking shop with the
the attractive, short, blonde Shaman, Jasmine.

Slash moves from runner to runner with a map, pointing out some new
details. He also is handing out non-lethal rounds. Suprisingly, all of the
other runners have their own. 

In a corner, by herself, sits Silence, unmoving, watching. Her yellow eyes
eriely contrasts with her ebony skin and short dredlocked hair. Rags wrap
around her lean figure, kit arranged in front of her.

WHAT guestures and there is a flurry of activity from the assembled runners.
They climb into an old battered euro-van and it drives off into a damp, dark
Seattle night.

The image fades out.
+++++ VIDEO END

More a bit latter chummers have to clean up the drone's trid shots.]<<<<<
        - Spinner (19:23:02/9-1-55)

>>>>>[Well, actually, Dante seemed to have literally fallen off the face of
the earth for a while there.  He only just reappeared with his usual
vengeance.  Not that I've exactly had the time.  We were having some minor
difficulties that I could tell you about, but then I'd have to kill you.
And I wouldn't want to have to do that(grin).

And here's a little help for those folks still looking for him in Seattle:
He's left.  He wiped his traces so I don't know where the frag he went to,
just that he's gone for now.]<<<<<
        --  Solitaire(12:28:49/09-01-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Central
>>>>>[Central, New York here.  We have some mixed news to report that has some
bearing on overall operations.

One of our most highest placed Agents in Interpol has reported that there has
been contact between the BIS and Interpol about us and our Agents.  Immediately
following this conversation, a low-level purge of our Agents began.  We have
lost 4 Agents in the process.

The same Agent has also reported that Commander Drake's Special Branch has
undergone a total shift in operations from their normal policework on runners
to working on finding Solitaire, Moriarity, and our founder, Action Jackson.
Not only this, but they are searching for possible connections of these
individuals to a corporation called Maxim Arms.

That was the bad news.  The good news is that the only Agents being purged are
those we were unable to reach with the new magical upgrade of the terminal
mind-block.  This new form is totally indistinguisable in aural traces from
magical healing.  This means that all current Agents should be magically
safe from discovery, although they can still be discovered by psychological
and physical traces.  However, until now the magical was always the easiest
to discover, while now it is the physical.]<<<<<
        --  New York(12:39:56/09-01-55)

*****PRIVATE:  New York
>>>>>[Thank you for the information.  It could not be trusted to normal
channels.  They would have taken too long.  We'll inform the other outlets of
the possible dangers.

*****PRIVATE:  All Outlets
This communication is being forwarded from the New York outlet due to the
fact that Central's communication facilities and security could easily
become compromised over the next few weeks.  Should this happen, you are all
on your own.  There will be no centralized attempt to consolidate control as
there was after Military Technologies Inc blew itself up.  AJ will still be
around, but has had no direct control over the our operations since Mil Tech
died.

We will be around for a while yet, we hope.  In an attempt to ride out this
security assult, we are raising world Outlet security status to "Climb Mount
Fugi" in preparation for Crimson Sky.  If Crimson Sky is ordered...  you all
know what to do.

Let's hope we never have to do this, and can stand down shortly, but with the
chance of a physical penetration of Central's security(we caught a professional
merc run in Central in May, but suspect that both Denver outlets were
penetrated, although we doubt that the mercs knew what they were seeing), we
may have to relocate permanently, or shut down rather...spectacularly.]<<<<<
        --  Central(12:49:34/09-01-55)

*****PRIVATE: Nightstalker
>>>>>[ The deck, yes, not too difficult as you might have thought.  As you
probably know between myself and IBA we've contacts in most parts of the
shadows so it didn't take too long to find out where the Double-D's were hiding.
Especially when one of them had croaked earlier on the approximate location.
Sure there were guards but I hit them straight after they attacked Gods Raiders,
the mages were fragged, most of the guards were fragged.  In the end I could
have nearly walked in through the front door.  A top floor window proved to
be just as accomodating however.

Once in was a simple case of move and wait from room to room, only having to
deal with one surpised ganger whose death will probably be recorded as BTL
overdose, yes I still keep a few killer BTL's for such occasions.  As I say
most of them were fragged and catching up on their chip addictions or getting
the latest sim in the main doss below.  Once I'd found the deck it took a few
minutes to leave.

Sorry it wasn't more entertaining but I didn't want to alert them that I'd been
and grabbed the deck, they'll notice soon enough that it's missing, with any
luck you'll have been able to trace Dante by that point. ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (17:56:28/9.1.55)

>>>>>[ Hi CB, good to have you back, same for the rest of you as well.  CRUSH
me old china, the next game of kid the Americar will have to be done with
Dante's body inside.

As to IBA's kid well I think I'd better let him tell you seeing as he just
came into this node and has started sharpening his scythe. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (17:24:59/1.9.55)

>>>>>[ Hmmphh !!  Yeah, just mah fraggin luck, gal don't know how to take
precautions, get's up the spout, say's ahm the father then gets her self killed
because of it.  Meanwhile ahm lumbered with the fraggin kid, well that's not
quite true, the kid is being looked after by one of Fenris' friends. ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ Dante, see yer still playing chicken ?  Yer've nah balls that's why,
prove yerself a man let's see if ya are really what yer crack yerself up to
be, or like I suspect yer a fraggin yellowed bellied chicken. ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

*****Private to: SpotOn
>>>>>[Hello good sir, I have yet to hear back from you on if you are going
to available for backup on the op we discussed. I would like to have your
services available. If you do find yourself free for this coming weekend,
please contact me at LTG: 1206 (89-4566) so I might discuss with you the
operation.  I look forward to hearing from you..]<<<<<
        --Rasputin <10:29:44/09-01-55>

*****Private to: Ice
>>>>>[ I do apologise for not getting back to you sooner, seems the
military took particular interest in my newest aquisition, and I had to
have a fire sale.  Anyways, thank you for looking into the Kile matter, I
feel assured that you will be able to deal with it, but there is one small
contigency.  It would be better all round for us, if the run succeeds, with
or without Mr. Kile making it thru.  There is after all the currency which
needs to be transferred from our employer.  I trust your judgement in this
operation, and feel confident that your leadership will handle it well.
Please call me if there is anything you need in the way of gear and account
numbers for the trasnfer if funds.  Oh and here is a bit of insurance for
you.

++++Download: Bill of Sale for residence of Jillean Kile
++++Download: Picture of the Kile family at residence.

Good day sir,]<<<<<
        --Rasputin <10:34:32/09-01-55>

>>>>>[I have certain...connections that no-one can duplicate around Seattle.
If she's still in Seattle, I can find her in about 4 hours, maximum.  But I'll
be totally out of touch for that time, and I mean totally.  And..., well,
it is safer if my methods and connections not be revealed at this time.  But,
assuming that she's in Seattle, those very same connections can keep her
totally hidden and nearly as safe as if she was with you in Tara.  Perhaps
safer, depending on who you know in Tara(smile).  But before I do this, I
need to know if it is worth it.  Please, if you say yes, I'll do so, but you
must protect Haven's children while I am out.]<<<<<
        --  Valentine(16:09:37/09-01-55)

>>>>>[Ooooooooooooo........... my head hurts.......... AAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
*****LINK TERMINATED*****

>>>>>[Sorry about that, but someone doped up Rox on a lovely Hyper cocktail
again...damn near killed her too.  And it was the lingering effects that just
overloaded her brain.  The sensory rig she uses instead of the standard data-
jack we normals would just fed WAY too much info for her to handle.  AJ's
with her now, still feeding her via IV drip and keeping the Hyper anti-toxin
in her system.  Diana's tried to detox her magically, but even that didn't
clean the whole dosage out it was so high.  Roxey'll be out of it for a while.

However, there is another reason that I'm talkin to ya all.  Roxey's daughter
was kidnapped at the same time Dante was hittin the Raiders.  It wasn't
really professional, but good enough to fill her apartment with Neuro-Stun,
keep MaxiMillion from gettin involved(we're still not sure how that happened),
and then grab the kid.  Adriene got taken by Dante, and now he's up and
disappeared too.  We want in, for free(personal vendetta, ya might say).
Max has already headed off in search of the kid, since he knows it's aura
VERY well.  Nightfox, you were around after she was born, so you could
probably help too.]<<<<<
        --  Slash(16:20:40/09-01-55)

>>>>>[AJ here.  Roxey is sedated now, too.  She should wake in about 18
hours, with the last traces of that Hyper coctail out of her system.  I have
to hang here to keep my patient safe, but keep me informed of EVERYTHING that
happens.  Solitaire, I know that Moriarity's jobs come first, but find that
fucker(oops, I'm dating myself...).  Moriarity, I'd take it as a personal
favor if you could look into this too.  I'll even pay you what I got if you
want it.  And could you send me the contents of the vault, please.  To my
shop here in Seattle.  And I mean everything.  I might as well have all my
stuff here where I can use it.  Besides, as much as I keep trying to get the
FRAG out of the shadows, something keeps dragging me back in!]<<<<<
        --  Action Jackson(16:25:38/09-01-55)

>>>>>["ey all Its me STREETWOLF and I am back with a new flame in my eye.  And
yes I am now a wedded man.  Wow life is different.]<<<<<
        --  STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)(16:45:00/09-01-55)

>>>>>[
*****Include News Release*****

This is Charlie Fingers, here in Denver at the Maxim Arms corporate head-
quarters in the Ute Sector city of Boulder, bringing you the news as honest
and undiluted as only Charlie Fingers can.

Earlier today, in a surprise announcement by the Corporate Court, Maxim Arms
and Aztechnology were ordered to recomponse each other for combat losses
in the recent Desert Wars campaign.  The order also included a statement
saying that the Desert Wars decision would stand as a victory for Maxim Arms,
and that Maxim and Aztechnology would have to pay the respective values of
lost material and corporate resources.

Apparently related to the recent Desert Wars win, Maxim Arms today reported
a 10.3% increase in private security contracts serviced by Maxim Armament
Systems.  This came as both Knight-Errant and Lone Star experienced a .6% and
.7% drop in contracts, respectively.  The drops in K-E and LS contracts,
however, cannot be assumed to have all gone to Maxim Armament Systems in a
total transfer of contracts.  Similarly, Maxim Armament Technologies, the
military goods subsidiary of Maxim Arms, also reported an increase in
government military orders worldwide.

Speaking through a translater, the President, CEO, and major stockholder in
Maxim Arms had this to say:

+++++Picture of a Anglo-Saxon looking dwarf, impeccibly dressed in a
conservative tailored charcoal suit with the Maxim Arms logo on one lapel+++++

"Today is a great day for Maxim Arms.  Not only have we seen a raise in all
our publically traded stock values, but we have finally received the
recognition of the Corporate Court as a legitimate First-Tier megacorporation,
with all the responsibilities such a position brings..."

+++++Picture fades out as you realize that the reason he needed an interpreter
is his use of sign-language+++++

As Dr. Martin Hartly mentioned, since the defeat of Aztechnology several days
ago, Maxim Arms' stock has risen some 35.44 points, to 136.7, a 35% increase.
On news of the new Maxim contracts, stocks rose just today some 14.9 points
for the largest single day percentage gain in Maxim's history, a one-day
gain of 12.23% in total value.

I'll be back with you tomorrow at the same time, broadcasting in its
entiriety a Maxim Arms news release.  Until next time, this is Charlie
Fingers, and you are watching.....

*****End of News*****

(static)]<<<<<<
        --  Trid Pirate(18:23:24/09-01-55)

>>>>>[ Raven, if you want some help with the Dante situation, just give the
current low down.  I'll see what CB and I can do.  After all, when we get rid of
Dante then we can have semi normal lives again.]<<<<<
        --Spirit <Of the Matrix>

**** Private To: Ice, WidowMaker, Silence, SpotOn.
>>>>>[Hello one and all, first off this letter is being sent via CC: to all
the parties involved.  After a bit of background checks I find myself in a
bit of an embaressment, and being a Dwarf myself, I am doubly ashamed for
stereotyping you all.  Well, let me apologise once more, and greet you all
correctly.  Good evening Ladies,

There that bit out of the way, let us get down to business.  To Ice, Widow
and Silence, I feel I should inform you that I have aquired shall we say a
backup element to cover my investment.  Please then anticipate such backup
and to not be suprised by her actions.  It is only for a percaution I asure
you.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or needs]<<<<<
     --Rasputin <15:00:41/09-01-55>

>>>>>[Is anyone  getting a run together and need an extra runner?
If so, I am avaliable.

Also, does anyone have some info for me on Mjr. Hernadiz?]<<<<<
        -- Irish <05:22:02/01-09-55>

>>>>>[ Powerhouse and Punisher.  Since coming back to the streets of
Seattle, I have noticed a rather large number of Dante's gang the Double
D's.  Would you like to join me in culling the herd?]<<<<<
        -- Claw <18:20:23/09-01-55>

>>>>>[Yes, anything. Harlequin can't help me-someone blitzed him with
Email and he's having trouble cleaning up the mess. Raven's the one with
all the contacts....And I know I can't get in the Pagoda without help. If
Raven has been caught, by Interpol or MTC, can you put a shadowrun together?
I'll come to Haven tonight, if need be.]<<<<<
        -- Cat Dancing <22:07:14/09-01-55>

***** PRIVATE: Rasputin
>>>>>[Not a problem...Although i feel a bit short of people on this job, i am
sure we can make do with the 3 of us. I will transmit a copy of the data from
the run when it it complete, and you can send payment to LTG#<<Encrypted>> at
your convienence. Gear is not an problem, as both widow and i have mroe than
enough for a job of this caliber, but you might want to confer with the 3rd
member of the team. I am not sure about her needs, if you would like i will
handle that detail, but let me know, ok?]<<<<<
        -- Ice <19:48:41/09-01-55>

***** PRIVATE: Rasputin
>>>>>[Re: "CC: to all"... I really should read ALL my email before i reply
to one *laugh*. Thanks, and apology accepted. ]<<<<<
+++++  Buisness Card :(Deleted by popular request).
        -- Ice <19:55:41/09-01-55>

>>>>>[ OK   CRUSH love 'Kick Americar'.  CRUSH not play kick car in long time.
CRUSH last play at bach... at guy party before wedding.  CRUSH have lot fun
then.  CRUSH like idea Dante in car.  CRUSH want do soon.]<<<<<
        -- CRUSH <20:31:18/09-01-55>

*****Private: Rasputin, Ice, Silence, Widowmaker
>>>>>[ Very well after scanning the plans I've obtained, I have earmarked
three suitable vantage points, depending on which infiltration path the
team uses I should be able to provide cover for you 64%, 59%, 61% of the
infiltration time. These are the three 'best' infiltration paths, as
far as I can tell, although there will probably be minor differences in
your assessment (+/- 5%).

+++++ include options.map

I would like to urge you towards route A, although slightly more
difficult than the other options, for the simple fact I will be able to
cover you more effectively. I will require the following
information delivered (hard copy, do not send through the net) to a fixer
known as Champagne no later than 6 hours before the team moves, I will
be on effective 24 hour standby until I recieve this communication.

Exact planned infiltration path...
Timeline, with estimated stage times...
All emergency contingency plans... (I dont want to blow up your escape
route).
Composition and photo ID of each team member, abilities, etc. (Subtley
modified if they wish, and yes they will be destroyed)

During the run you will be able to send me emergency messages on the
following frequency.

*****Encrypted*****

Well, good luck, hopefully you wont need either it, or me.]<<<<<
        --  SpotOn <20:18:39/09-01-55>

>>>>>[ Powerhouse, Punisher, the, umm, precautions we discussed are in
place, as far as I can tell, our friend has not returned yet. I will
notify you the minute anything changes. Princess, I am glad you found the
weekend entertaining, and I apoligise again, both for absence one
evening, which as you know became quite eventful, and for my, uhh,
sidekick, as it were. (who me) Oh dear, it appears the Regent has taught
my little friend something, quite, well, distressing. ]<<<<<
        --  Fenris <21:06:27/09-01-55>

*****Private: I.B.A., Punisher
>>>>>[ I.B.A. the person who is directly looking after your child is both
responsible and reliable, however that is not who protects the child. It
is the protector that Fenris and I disagree on, the child is both safe
and well cared for, albeit temporarily. On the astral tracking, it is
unfortunate that of the two I earmarked, Punisher killed one in his
little jaunt through the gangs hideout. The other however, has been
located, and is being watched, he is not of sufficient power to detect
those who watch, and, hopefully he will eventually lead us to Dante. Of
more distress to me is the fact that the assassin Macros seems to be
insinuating himself with Dante, I attempted to persuade him otherwise,
however his private reply was both rude and rather confusing. He may have
to be watched... ]<<<<<
        --  Akaila <21:11:51/09-01-55>

>>>>>[Back again, well, cleaned up the drone's video pictures. Here goes
nothing, chummers.

+++++ Video Download

WHAT's face appears, staring into the camera.

WHAT(to the drone):Is this workin' Spinner ?

The drone unsteadly lurches into the air, forcing WHAT to leap back two steps
to avoid being decapidated by the rotors. The drone drifts skyward, leaving a
swearing WHAT below. The picture stabilises, and clears up somewhat. On the
ground is the team, next to the euro-van, only WHAT and the troll, Facesmasher
are easily identifible, the rest are part of the alley's shadows.

The screen splits as the pale, almost luminescent, yellow eyes, of Silence,
careful scan her handy work before her.

Silence: It is done.

The drone is carful placed on the ground and makes a couple of slow circuits of
the van, then stops next to WHAT. Everyone, but Facesmasher, is now wear the
odd harness.

WHAT(to the team): Ok Facesmasher, hop in the van, when you get to the site,
just hit the autopilot. It'll send it to a safe place. Remember Terms, we are
to meet back at the Warehouse. Should anything go wrong and the warehouse is
compromised, leave a message at Polish's. I'll get in contact through him. I..

Aardvark steps swiftly back into the shadows, and hisses :Company, chummers
far end of the alleyway !

The ground drone picks out eight figures at the alleyway entrance, jandering
towards the van. The airborne drone silently floats behind the approaching
group. The team meld into the surrounding darkness. You can clearly pick out
the gang insignia of the Blood Arrows, (three red arrows) an unpleasant thrill
gang, with limited humour or intelligence, but plenty of aggression.
Sakamura literally materialises in a pool of yellow street light. The gangers,
shocked, fumble frantically for weapons. Sakamura remains calm and unmoving
as the gangers produce an assortment of pistols and blades.

Ganger: Give us yer fraggin' 'Yen, and van keys or we'll ..

Sakamura (cutting him short): I advise you to leave now. I am busy. Go.

The gangers are thrown by the lack of any form of fear from the lone man ahead.
Normally, the victim would be begging for their worthless lives now. However,
thinking isn't one of their strong points and they start forward in their best
menacing manner. To Sakamura's left a pair of soft yellow eyes blink in to
existance, followed by a quick, feral snarl. To his right, the massive shape of
Facesmasher, deceptively steathly, steps up, casually testing his katana's
blade with his thumb.

Facesmasher(nonchalantly):Bad night to be out, chummers. Dangerous places,
alleyways. I'd stick to the well lit streets, don't you think ?

The gangers have only time enought for a "oh Drek" expression, when Aardvark
taps on of the gangers on the shoulder.

Aardvark(grinning): I think this belongs to you ? (handing her an empty
pistol clip and several rounds) Do you work here ? Where's the fruit section ?

The ganger stares first at Aardvark, who's manicially grinning at her, then at
the clip, which was seconds ago,was in her pistol. Sakamura takes one meassured
pace forward, face still impassive and uncaring.

Sakamura : Leave now. I shall not ask again.

Some rare self-preservation instinct, surfaces in the gangers. They slowly back
out of the alleyway and run. Jasmine retrieves Aardvark, who started following
the gangers, she carefully removes the smoke bomb from his hands. Slash
nods his approvement of the team's action to WHAT, who is again smoking.
The team moves out. Facesmasher clambers into the van and it rolls off.

The airborne drone's vision covers a good eight blocks, more if the Seattle
weather wasn't as poor. The Euro-van heads north while the first truck of the
six truck convey, being escourted by Lone Star, enters the picture at the
bottem of a long, winding hill. The heavy Ares Roadmasters, crawl uphill. Must
be a heck of a weight to slow these road monsters down. Back to the ground
drone and the six team members. Slash is in conversation with WHAT, Jasmine and
Sakamura have a firm grip on Aardvark, while Silence stands alone, draped
shadows.

WHAT(with a slightly chargrinned look on his face): ..I know it's a bit, er,
trideo, but the amount of Devil rats in that area are dead unpredictable and
I get a bit nervous about sewers after the Denver affair, at AJ place....

Slash: Nevermind chummer, don't worry if anything thing goes wrong, well, I've
got my bag of tricks.

Silence: The trucks approach.

The runner pair off, Slash and Jasmine, WHAT and Silence, Aardvark and Sakamura.
The Lone Star cruiser rolls past followed by the labouring trucks. Sakamura
makes it look easy as he slips under the second truck, followed by a slightly
hesitant Aardvark. Slash and Jasmine board truck three, WHAT and Silence
on truck four. WHAT is carrying the small drone.

WHAT(grinning at Silence):fancy meeting a nice girl like you, in a place like
this.

Silence meets WHAT eyes with an unblinking stare. The expression on WHAT's
face leads you to believe he wants to be somewhere else quickly.
The harnesses do they jobs well, a bumpy and smelly ride, but a safe one.
The airborne drone now has the convey at the gate. Security makes a brief
check on the trucks, checking the cabs and cargos. They roll on through and
drive into the main factory. The trucks park up and the drivers disembark.
Several minutes later the runners gather around WHAT's truck.

WHAT(chewing something): Ready ? Good luck Terms and see you back at base. Oh,
(grinning) don't get shot.

+++++ End VIdeo Download

Well last bit once I've sort to chip from what's left of the drone.]<<<<<
        - Spinner (17:09:55/09-02-5)

>>>>>[No.  While I am perfectly able to arrange a run on MCT, it goes against
my personal ethics, as well you know.  However, I can get AJ to find the
necessary runners.  He's still in town, but I can't say for how long once
Roxey's daughter is found.  I'll make sure I contact him.

And come by Haven at 20:00 tonight.  I'll tell you what I'm going to do, and
what to do with the kids if something goes wrong, but I must go alone.  The
forces I plan on dealing with don't like others around...]<<<<<
        --  Valentine(13:42:59/09-02-55)

>>>>>[ Sigh.  What did Regent do this time? ]<<<<<
        -- Princess <08:21:09/09-03-55>

>>>>>[Akaila -- butt out, and quit being so short-sighted.  Would you
rather have Dante about, or those other horrors?

And are you working with my real aura?  It doesn't matter; I've lived
with the Shadow Lover for so long, I see Her over my shoulder every
time I look in the mirror.  But I rest easy that I know I'll be
avenged when I do die. ]<<<<<
        --  Macros the Black (3:43:02/9-1-55)

>>>>>[Caine?  Hey Caine! You out there chummer?  If your still kicking
drop me a line, will ya?  We seem to be the only members of ENIGMA still
in Seattle.  Seeing hows Aristo went back to England, and Ming is god
knows where.  While I'm at it, I don't suppose you know of any work
that's available?]<<<<<
        -- Irish <13:20:20/09-03-55>

>>>>>[ Sigh.  We lost another poor bloody fragger to the golden manacle. 
I guess I'm somewhat happy for you Streetwolf, though way you would want
to get tied down is beyond me.  First CRUSH, now you.  Whats the world
coming to when repectable Shadowruns decide to settle down and tie the
knot.]<<<<<
        -- Lister <14:07:47/09-03-55>

>>>>>[ Lister, you have absolutely no romance in your soul.  sigh]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

>>>>>[ Sure I do, Its right next to the place in may soul were I keep may love
for cars, Beer and curry.  What could be more Romantic then and andrenalin
pumping screem though deserted city streets on your way to a friends place to
have beer and something with curry sauce.

In fact, HEY I.B.A.!!!  You feel up to drinking some lagger with you good friend
Lister.  Its been a long summer doing merc work in Africa for me and I have
lots of stories to tell.]<<<<<
        --Lister <14:27:10/09-03-55>

>>>>>[ And its been a long summer for me of fixing his chopper in the hot
african sun.  I.B.A., if you have me along, I'll make sure you bloody well hear
the really sides of Lister's fragged up stories.]<<<<<
        -- Kichanski <14:35:03/09-03-55>

>>>>>[ Now why in the frag would he want to hear the what really happened.
Drek, what really happened was smegging boring and fraggin embarrasing.]<<<<<
        -- Lister <14:50:43/09-03-55>

>>>>>[IBA, I happily accept your challenge.  Shall we set a time?]<<<<<
        --  Dante(Abandon:All:Hope/Ye-Who-Enter-Here)

*****PRIVATE:  D-Cubed
>>>>>[I'm back in town.  You've been in a single place too long, and besides,
we've had our status upgraded from a gang to a "Terrorist" orginization.
Give me a few days, and I'll personally reverse the process.]<<<<<
        --  Double-D(23:40:43/09-04-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Foxey Roxey
>>>>>[I hear you enjoyed the smog last weekend.  Knocked you out, from what
I heard.  Your daughter is in excellent hands, and I recommend that you
follow my instructions implicitly.  First, call off your ally.  Second, stay
exactly where you live.  Don't leave lest you miss one of your instructions.
If you do not follow your instructions, your lovely daughter dies.  I'll be
in touch.  Oh, one more thing...don't tell your lovely friends about this
communication, or....]<<<<<
        --  Dante(Abandon:All:Hope/Ye-Who-Enter-Here)

*****PRIVATE:  Dante
>>>>>[Frag you, you son-of-hoop-fragged-slitch.]<<<<<
        --  Foxey Roxey(23:46:14/09-04-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Foxey Roxey
>>>>>[You really should take more of a respectful tone, my dear.  After all,
a life depends on it.]<<<<<
        --  Dante(Abandon:All:Hope/Ye-Who-Enter-Here)

*****PRIVATE:  Dante
>>>>>[Oh, don't you worry.  I'll be respectful, right up to the point that I
get my daughter back, and then you die a long, slow, painful death.  The six-
hour Deathtouch that I killed that Ancient with will be quick and merciful
compared to what I kill you with....]<<<<<
        --  Foxey Roxey(23:49:23/09-04-55)

>>>>>[I will shortly have need of several individuals, or perhaps a complete
team, for a job in Seattle.  I have need of 2-3 magicians, 3-4 street samurai
or mercenaries, and 2 riggers.  I have my own matrix support, and much of the
system is inaccessable from the Matrix anyway.]<<<<<
        --  Ms. V(23:52:00/09-04-55)

*****Private:  Foxey Roxey
>>>>>[These are your first instructions, but you will get more.  An associate
of mine just offered up a job.  You will accept her offer and become one of
the magical runners on her team.  And it would be unwise to mention this, of
course.]<<<<<
        --  Dante(Abandon:All:Hope/Ye-Who-Enter-Here)

*****PRIVATE:  Moriarity/Nightstalker
>>>>>[I got a minor fix on Dante.  His persona, at least, is back in
Seattle, although I can't be sure where he is physically yet.  My traces
keep getting chomped by some virus he's cooked up, and it'll take me some
time to counter it.]<<<<<
        --  Solitaire(00:18:06/09-05-55)

>>>>>[Frag.  Whoever it was that ran off with my Double-D's deck will catch
drek when I find his deck or meat.  Have you ever seen what a Black Datajack
looper will do to a man?]<<<<<
        --  Dante(Abandon:All:Hope/Ye-Who-Enter-Here)

>>>>>[Did i hear employment?   Well.   If you need someone that is quite,
good with a gun, and excellent with a rice-rocket...I can get you
references...   Dont particularly mind doing a bit a monkeybiz if ya need
a distraction, either...]<<<<<
        -- Kineida <09-04-55/21:25:02>

>>>>>[I'm on a job at da moment, but Ill stick with my little buddy
here...and Im even better wit a gun.   <toothy trolloc grin> ]<<<<<
        -- Facesmasher <09-04-55/21:56:54>

>>>>>[ Powerhouse, our friend has apparently returned, my little friend,
who I had asked to keep an eye on his secretary, has reported that she made
dinner appointments for him for Tuesday night. I have done likewise for
us, booking for four, I presume that I.B.A. and Punisher will also wish
to be present. I believe it is time to break out the formal attire again,
after all, I have booked it as celebration of I.B.A.'s fatherhood. Oh,
it's Abagail's, 7.30 Tuesday night, I have arranged for suitable
transport, and will be by to pick you up at 6.30. (ohhh, can I come)

As for Regent well it appears that he has taught Othello one of his
favourite tricks. (yeah!!! thanks Reggy) DONT DO THAT!!! ]<<<<<
        --  Fenris <22:17:48/09-04-55>

>>>>>[ He thaught Othello that. (Yep!  Didn't I do a great job?)  I'm not
sure, if Fenris approves. (But Othello really liked the idea.)  That's not
the point. (What is?)  Forget it!  I'm really sorry, Fenris.  I'll make this
up to you somehow. ]{<<<<
        -- Princess (and Regent) <00:38:09/09-05-55>

***** Private to: Solitaire
>>>>>[ I can confirm that Dante is in Seattle, or at least was until he
discovered that D-Cubed's deck had been snatched.  I really wish that I could
have returned it before they knew it was gone, but their security level is
just too high. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <00:49:32/09-05-55>

***** Private to: Solitaire, Circuit Breaker, Spirit
>>>>>[ Ladies, I have been able to deduce many things about Dante's deck from
D-Cubed's deck.  How about we get together and make a plan to get Dante a
small plot of land.  In a cemetery of course. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <00{51:42/09-05-55>

*****PRIVATE : Fenris
>>>>>[ Ok we'll be there good work, I've got some more info on the subject as
well, seems a person of his description was seen by the docks last night.  We're
still working to try and get more information, should have some more later
tonight. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (16:33:26/5.9.55)

>>>>>[ Dante you fragger, tonight then !  You know where. ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ Lister, Kichkanski, got some drekking meal to go too tonight and then
I have to kill Dante.  But if you fancy a booze up after that ahmm on !  I'll
tell ya the truth about tha gal and some of what happened to us over the
summer. ]<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ Claw, I'd love to help but we're in the middle of something at the moment
and as much as we'd like to help you I'm afraid we can't, same goes for
Punisher as well I'm afraid. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (16:36:43/5.9.55)

*****PRIVATE: Claw
>>>>>[ Frag that, I'll meet you later tonight, I have a meal to attend,
unfortunately I can't get out of that one.  But after that I'd be happy to help
clean the streets up a little.  Kind of ironic that I get to wipe out Dante's
gang again. ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (16:38:21/5.9.55)

*****PRIVATE:  Nightstalker
>>>>>[Of course.  Unfortunately, I will have to attend virtually.  My boss
doesn't want me out of town physically while the drek is hitting the fan
here at Central.  Hope that's not a problem.  I can guarantee that no-one
will overhear my end, if that's a problem.]<<<<<
        --  Solitaire(12:25:31/09-05-55)

*****PRIVATE:  Dark Angel
>>>>>[Attention.  This is an artificially generated message operating as per
Emergency protocol Delta-Omega.  You are to report to your most recent center
of operations immediately or a team will be dispatched to retreive you.
Acknowledge as per Delta-Omega regulations.]<<<<<
        --  I/D_lost_in_transmission(T/D_unknown_unreadable)

>>>>>[What the frag was that?  Looked like it came from DC....  Maybe leaving
it alone would be a good idea....]<<<<<
        --  Newbie(21:20:11/09-05-55)

>>>>>[Thank you for watching Haven for me.  I am very sorry that I could not
give you the information that I learned at the time, but I was rather
exhausted.  My dealings with certain forces have a tendency to drain me for
some time after they have been completed.

Raven was not at the bolthole when the black-ops team hit it.  That is the only
truly solid peice of information that I could glean.  However, I have found
that she left Seattle, heading east, to destinations unknown.  However, the
Goddess has helped me see some of what might occur, and it currently does not
bode well for Raven.  I can try to track her magically, but with so much area
that she could have disappeared into, I suspect that more mundane means will
fare far better for at least the near-term.  All that I was able to determine
additionally was that she is still alive.  Her Mana resonances with the
Goddess have not yet ceased to be.

I am sorry if this all seems too vague, but it is the best I can do, even with
the Goddess' help.

However, do you know what happened to Little Dragon?  He seems to have
disappeared into the shadows again.  A 13 year old elf, alone.  I fear for his
future...]<<<<<
        --  Valentine(21:31:15/09-05-55)

>>>>>[Actually, Valentine, Little Dragon is with me currently.  He expressed
an urge to aid me in a small task that, lest the initiator of the task hear of
our search, I will not mention here.  We are perfectly safe, for the time
being, at least.  We will likely be traveling for some time, until we reach
our destination.  We will contact you when we arrive.]<<<<<
        --  Hermit(21:33:30/09-05-55)

>>>>{Gods, thanks, Valentine. Any little bit helps. I've already called
Jackal. "East" actually narrows it down a lot. I have some friends I
made on a run in SE Asia, and Raven is half-Japanese. So, Vietnam and
Japan. I'd say the former, since it's a more obscure hiding place....
-except she wasn't on that run and never met them.]<<<<<
        -- Cat Dancing <22:07:10/09-05-55>

>>>>>[She may not be hiding, Marie. MTC's been an occasional pain in the butt
since her involvement in the AI War told them she wasn't dead. And now
Dante's really pissed her off. She may be settling the score there so Dante
can have her undivided attention.]<<<<<
        -- Jackal <22:10:54/09-05-55>

>>>>>[By taking on a first-tier megacorp? Yeah, right. Bzzzt, thank you for
playing, Jack.]<<<<<
        -- Six Pack <22:12:03/09-05-55>

>>>>>[No.....Jackal may be right. Raven Doesn't have to take on the whole
company. It's really only that one drekhead.

..uh, Hasegawa, that's his name. It's him who's kept the grudge alive. Back
when he was in charge of security for MTC's Seattle offices. Raven was
his responsibility, and he blew it. Then his boss wouldn't let him commit
ritual suicide-gosh, what a downer. He blames her for his "dishonor". All
Raven has to do is kill him, and MTC will forget about her. Six Pack, find
out where this Hasegawa guy is now.]<<<<<
        -- Cat Dancing <22:16:55/09-05-55>

>>>>>[He's not allowed to kill himself. Gee, it really blows chunks to be
him, doesn't it. Yeah, yeah, I'm going.]<<<<<
        -- Six Pack <22:17:56/09-05-55>

***** Private to: Solitaire
>>>>>[ That will be fine Solitaire.  I will inform you when the rest of us
have gathered. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <22:53:06/09-05-55>

>>>>>[Och, it's amazing what can happen when you have a couple runs
take you away from your home for awhile.  Welcome back, spirit & co!  How
are the bairns settling in?  To any of my chummers out there who
seem to be s getting themselves into the thick of things: if there
is anything a humble Highlander can do to aid you, you have but to ask.
My time is my own, once again.  I'll try not to drop out of sight
again, honest.

Speaking of which: has anyone seen Cr Cerise?  Or is this a question
I shouldn't be asking?]<<<<<
        --Highlander (23:14:45/9-5-55)

>>>>>[Wouldn't you know it?  I finally come out and visit this
bonnie city of yours, and right after I leave, everyone comes back.  Och,
it's enough to make one believe in bad luck!  I also welcome you back,
Spirit & CB.  Maybe I'll catch you the next time around?]<<<<<
        --Heather (23:15:44/9-5-55)

>>>>>[ Howdy, y'all!  Hangtime & Co. are back ... by remote.  Yeppers, we're
still on vacation, or work-vacation, as Jack Hack calls it.  We're looking
into maybe doin' some relocation.  Denver's lookin' pretty nice right now.

Just dropped it 'cause I heard that there was going to be a message from Doom's
wife. ]<<<<<
        -- Hangtime <03:16:20/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ Hello to the people of ShadowLand, this the Countess von Doom, also
known as Maze.

I know I have been out of touch for the last several months (it suffices to say
that we arrived in Germany without incident, and Hangtime and his crew went off
to vacation in God only knows where) but honestly there has been nothing new to
report until now.  I have to admit it's been one of the purer forms of Hell
watching and waiting ... We were all hoping he would just "snap out of it"
sometime or another.

And I want to express my fondest and most sincere thanks to those who stepped
forward and offered their help, plus the many private messages of support, they
have helped me endure the past months.

But all of these efforts seem to have been in vain, for all the appeals to the
higher powers, those of Christianity, Thaumaturgy, and the Medical Sciences,
Doctor Doom, my husband, is apparently dying ... his life force is just
slipping away.  His physicians tell me he could last an hour, a week, or he
could even suddenly wake up, but the indicators are not promising.

I thought his friends and associates should be among the first to know.  I
promise to keep the ShadowLand community posted as things occur, or as they
change ... for better or worse. ]<<<<<
        -- Maze <03:17:12/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ No!  It can't be!  Fraggit all to Hell, it's not fair! ]<<<<<
        -- Hangtime <03:17:17/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ Life isn't fair. ]<<<<<
        -- Jack Hack <03:17:20/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ I don't NEED your cynicism right now, Jack!

It still ain't fair:  He beat Ganz, we WON, for Heaven's sake!  And now it
looks like he's gonna die.  Not fragging fair, man, not at all. ]<<<<<
        -- Hangtime <03:17:25/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ I agree with you Hangtime, but you've got to remember:

"The way we deal with death is at least as
 important as the way we deal with life."

Oh, and "Hi, everyone" ... Geez, I wish we could have checked-in at a time of
better news. ]<<<<<
        -- Sonic Boom <03:17:31/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ That doesn't sound like one of your usual lines, Sonic. ]<<<<<
        -- Jack Hack <03:17:45/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ Oh, I got it from some old movie ... can't remember which one. ]<<<<<
        -- Sonic Boom <03:17:59/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ We'll probably be in touch for the next few days, folks ... just to be
available to keep tabs on the good Doctor's condition.  Until later. ]<<<<<
        -- Jack Hack <03:18:20/09-06-55>

>>>>>[ Lister, is IBA still with you ?  He took off fairly fast after a meal
last night and said he was meeting you for a booze up. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (14:28:48/6.9.55)

*****Private to: Delta-Omega Protocols
>>>>>[Verified, over and out]<<<<<
        --  Dark Angel <Fallen/Soul>

>>>>>[ I found these in the system logs from last night, thought you might
find them interesting. 

***** Download Node logs SPU 8 - Data processing node

The scene is inside the Nexus, the shadowland computer which you all know so
well.  The node, (SPU 8) is a relatively low security node used for passing
data between more important nodes in the system.  The walls are lit with a
dazzling grid of silver, gold, bronze, blue and red set against a black
background, tiny pulses of light illuminate the lines at various times making
the whole area seem like some expensive firework display.

Pacing up and down in the middle of the node is a dark robed figure holding
a large metal scythe.  Someone isn't very original in his icon design for it
is the icon of death and the most used persona of the infamous decker IBA.  As
he moves shadows seem to flow from the robes which rustle and move with a
startling amount of detail and animation.  Every now and then he stops, mutters
something containing lots of expletitives and the occasional mention of the
name Dante.

The system clock reaches 00:00:00 hours, the system date moves forward to
09.06.55, there is a chime as if from a church bell.  The visage of death stops
and looks up, there is another chime.  At the entrance of the node a clock
has appeared, the old type that used hands, beneath it a large wrought iron
bell is suspended impossibly floating in the air of the reality that is the
matrix.

The figure of death removes a stone from a pocket and slowly, rythmyically
begins to sharpen the blade matching the exact speed of the chimes.  The
muttering has stopped and the figure seems to be chuckling to itself, finding
something strangely amusing in the events currently taking place.  The twelth
chime is sounded and the clock and bell begin to fade, in their place stands
another decker though this one is very different from the one standing straight,
scythe in hand.

The newcomer appears in a strange garb, large soft leather armour adorned with
elaborate embroidery makes the chest seems larger than it should and medieval
looking trousers add to the strange appearance of the decker.  The decker doffs
it's hat, a round soft hat with a crumpled top and executes a swift bow to the
figure of death standing opposite.

The newcomer speaks : So IBA you showed, I was wondering wether you would or
not wether you puny decker skills could take on one as mighty as me, wether
you actually cared anything for that pathetic spawn of your loins that you call
a son, wether you have the guts to do something other drink yourself into
oblivion because you cannot handle the pressures of life, of reality.  But no
you choose to live in this virtual world where data is life and all things can
be made to seem something else, where you can escape from that pathetic excuse
that you call your life.

IBA : Dante you mother fragging piece of sputum, you were born from the
drek of devil rat, the product of a thousand whores and their clients, you
don't deserve to live, you've shown others that you're little more than a
shadowrunner wannabe, yeah no more than a fraggin wannabe, you really
think you stand a chance against me.  Me who has been running the matrix since
he was able to read, me who was brought up in the ghettos of Austin and the
barrens of Seattle, you really think that a fraggin piece of mother drekking
pathetic excuse for a human can actually do anything to me !  Ha, come fall
on my blade, come let me burn the neurons in your brain, let me invite that
lethal feedback dose that I know you desire so much where your brain will go
from pleasure to pain in nanoseconds, that is all the pleasure you get from
me the pleasure caused by the confusion of your brain as it struggles to find
the right signal to let you know that your have a mere microsecond to live.

Dante : IBA, you underestimate me, you saw my little frame before I entered,
you can see my icon, the garb of medieveal Italy, more orginal than Death !
I shudder to think how many variations of the Death persona I have come
across when travelling throughout the matrix.  Are you so poor a coder that
you had to steal someone else's MPCP code ?  Are you so unimaginative that
you *buy* your attack programs from your fixer, or do you get that other
thorn in my side Solitaire to create your programs.  Ha, I wouldn't be suprised,
yet even she would not be able to beat me, no my talents are not just your
equal IBA, they are your superior !

IBA : You fraggin what !  The day you can code anything better than me will be
the fraggin day, I can place a fairly good bet that if I said create a
complex search tree or a Jorna matrix that you have to go running to the
fraggin whore that was your mother and ask *her* for advice.  Of course she'd
rather shoot on site and was sorry that she didn't have the decent sense to
get a piece of drek like you terminated when she could have done.

Dante quickly begins weaving something in his hands, IBA spins his scythe the
blade passing in a circular motion over his head, as it does so a shimmering
shield of blackness begins to obscure IBA.

Dante : So afraid of me are you that you seek to make a shield when I merely
respond to your challenge.  Here a complex search tree and a Jorna matrix,
with the Gottley algorithm for increased search time implemented into each.

A small sphere of glowing light begins to float from Dante's hands, it pauses
just a the edge of IBA's shield.  IBA reaches to his eye and pulls, what looks
like a small eyeball appears in his hands, suddenly it grows wings and
flutters in the barrier waiting while IBA adjusts the parameters to let it
through.  I approaches the sphere of light several pulses of black ink are
fired from the eye into the centre of the sphere.  On each pulse the sphere
begins to slowly disintegrate, eventually there is no more and the eye floats
back through the shield where IBA retrieves and replaces the eye.

IBA : Hmphh !  So fraggin what, so you learnt a tiny bit of computer programming
at school, that's first year stuff as well you know let's see what you can
do with some real programs.

The shield around IBA changes, instead of beacoming one complete cylinder of
darkness surrounding him it forms into a denser more opaque shield that hovers
and shifts in an unpredicatable way around IBA's body.  Around Dante a shaft
of heavenly light suddenly appears bathing him in glorious light, a sound
of chanting can vaguely be heard in the distance.

The two begin an intricate dance, IBA spinning his large scythe making
exploratory moves Dante.  Dante laughs skips out of the way, taunts some more
and all the time the heavenly light follows him around.

At last IBA moves in to attack, a long swipe to the midsection, Dante is
nearly caught unawares by the attack happening so quickly but he skips back
looking angry and mutters something.  A small demon in the shape of a small
ninja appears in his hand, IBA gasps for it is one of the personas of
Nightstalker.

Dante : Ha, see what I did with your friend, I made him into a piece of code,
well what did you expect when you sent a half brained idiot after me to try
and track me down.  Ha, he couldn't even find his own way home if that whore
he calls a girlfriend Raven led him by his dick all the way.

IBA : Frag you Dante, prepare to die.

The battle begins in earnest, the two appear very evenly matched for speed,
both moving with lightning reactions.  Dante moves first and releases the
icon of Nightstalker, except that it isn't it's a crude mockery of Nightstalker
made in the form of a tiny demon.  He releases it and watches it fly towards
IBA.  IBA counters a slice of the scythe and it is no more, datasymbols fall
to the ground as the piece of code returns to it's silicon heaven.

Now IBA attacks, he moves in close and swings his scythe a large diagonal
swipe.  Dante laughs again and stands there waiting for the blade to hit, then
his image shimmers and he is no longer there, instead Spirit stands there
belly ripe and swollen with the twins she was to later bear but her face is
evil, fangs protrude from her face, her skin is green and small demon horns
sprout from either side of her head.  Stunned, IBA cannot stop the swipe but
moves his hand slightly and the scythe head becomes transparant for a mere
second passing through the image of Spirit.  But some evil part of Dante's
programming had prepared even for this, the image splits cleaving Spirit in
twain and a pair of young demons both in the image of Nightstalker emerge
from her womb and speed towards an attack against IBA.  To one side Dante
stands and laughs again.

Dante : See, all your friends are mine for me to control.  Ha !

IBA obviously incencsed, dispatches the Nightstalkers with another double
swipe.  He then turns towards Dante, looks and places the scythe butt on the
ground.  Suddenly a point of inky black comes from the tip of the scythe and
hits Dante right in the chest.  The heavenly light had absorbed some but now
a dark hole can be seen in the shield of light.  Dante now looks mad, he
picks himself up and doesn't appear injured in the slightest.  Next to him
another demonic form appears, this time it is Fenris with the wolven feautures
twisted in a cruel parody of themselves into something more dark and foreboding.
Fenris leaps with a snarl and attacks IBA, hitting the constantly moving shield
of blackness.  IBA again fights back.

The fight continues, black rays emitting from the scythe creating IBA's attack
and demon forms of IBA's friend's and associates being used as attack forms
against him.  Then an attack of Dante's hits home, IBA reels and staggers.
A small gravestone appears infront of him and the soul of an unfortnate
leaves the body of the dead and infuses IBA's persona with it's lifeforce
healing some of the damage inflicted by Dante.

Dante however isn't letting up, he has obviously underestimated IBA as IBA
underestimated him.  He is showing signs of irritation at having to counter the
new forms that the peculiar black ink produced by IBA's scythe, but his body
looks well, whereas IBA has now suffered from a few cuts.  With a new sudden
attack IBA changes tactics, muttering something he disappears leaving the
attack programs of Dante's with no target they quickly hit the wall and
dissolve.  Dante looks perplexed and launches into a long series of taunts
to make IBA show himself, he then proceeds to launch numerous sensor programs
all in the form of a curly haired middle aged man with long multicoloured scarf.

No result, he shouts out again.  Then he stops in one corned a glow is
beginning, it grows with incredible speed then IBA drops his masking and
appears with one *big* ball of glowing corsucating blue, gold light.  This he
hurls at Dante who still slightly dumbstruck fails to react fully in time
though much of his armour and shield are destroyed in the attack, Dante
staggers but still lives, small sparks seems to emanate from beneath his
embroidered suit.

IBA : It took me some time to realise that your deck was better than mine, but
I guessed right by thinking that I was the better coder.  So I reckon by
now I've blown maybe half your hardening so that makes the odds even again and
it's down to pure coding skill.

Dante : Frag you !

Dante then proceeds with a massive assault each attack launches three of the
Nightstalker demons.  IBA dodges swipes and destroys then returns fire with
a finly tuned piece of black magic.  20 seconds pass, still the two are
equally matched though the strain of the fight is showing on both their faces.

IBA pauses to take breath and Dante uses the opportunity to heal some of the
system damage with a strange icon.  A small gypsy girl floats down and kisses
Dante on the cheek.  Seeing this IBA attacks again shouting loudly.

Suddenly as the icon of the small gypsy girl floats upwards another small gypsy
girl appears at the doorway.  Though this one is an unmistakable form of a
decker and a good one at that judging from the persona.

The girl stops glances at the icon of herself and sends a shaft of bright light
towards it which immediately vapourises it.

Girl : So I found you at last Dante.  Well it took me long enough.

Dante : Arrghh, frag it Solitaire, you always know how to spoil some fun.

IBA : Solitaire, frag off, this is between me and Dante.

Solitaire : No, way I've waited too long to kill this sonofabitch.

Dante : Well I'd love to hang around for the party but I don't like the way
the odds have just changed.  See you in hell frag faces.

A small red button appears in front of Dante, both Solitaire and IBA leap to
try and stop him pressing it.  However they are too late, with a small pop
and an inrushing of air Dante vanished, jacked out.

IBA : Fraggin fraggin fraggin hell !

***** End download  ]<<<<<
        -SysOp (**:**:**/**.**.**)

***** (PRIVATE): Mrs. V
>>>>>[I hate to see a woman in distress.  We should get
together and see if there is something that I can do to alleviate
what ails you.  Give me a call to set up a meeting. ]<<<<<
   -- Kor <11:23:04 / 09-06-55>

>>>>>[Ms. V., I understand you are in need of a few magicians.  I would like
to offer my services.  Although I am not a hermetic magician, I am a shaman
and have my own talents and abilities.]<<<<<
        -- Jasmine (10:35:00/9-6-55)

>>>>>[To : the Drekk-heads who trashed my Harley while it was parked
outside the Hellhole while it was parked outside and I was parked inside
face-in-puke drunk.  I know who you are.  It's only a matter of finding
where you are, and when I find you, you will be so much troll-food (no
offense, Morgan).]<<<<<
        -- Hardcase <10:50:26/09-06-55>

>>>>>[Well, well.  My automated systems were running a routine check for
mention of my name when this showed up.  I have only this to say to the
hapless perpetrators of this senseless crime:  Prepare to suffer.  You
would not wish to face the wrath of Hardcase.  However, Hardcase can be a
generous, even forgiving person given the proper persuasion.  As a close
assocate of Hardcase I can attest to this side of his nature.  I am sure I
can convince him to have mercy.  Of course, in this coldly mercenary world
such as ours, the proper monetary incentive is a small price to pay for
timely intervention. 

Since I am here, I would like to add that I have acquired the propotype
Azrael G-20 autocannon.  As per previos transactions, the auction will be
held over the matrix.  Encrypt your bids if you wish privacy.  The
starting bid is 10k nY.]<<<<<
        -- Morgan <10:53:41/09-06-55>

*****Private: Morgan
>>>>>[Butt out of this, Morgan.  It's just like you to try to make a cheap
buck out of this.  (by the way, if you actually do make money, cut me in
for 50).  Oh, and thanks for the flowers and condolence card.  Very
funny-har-har-har.]<<<<<
        -- Hardcase <11:22:17/09-06-55>

>>>>>[Hardcase here.  I need a job.  I'm into blowing things up with
miniguns, autocannons and high explosives.  I'm pretty good at
hand-to-hand and surveillance too.  I'll do just about anything except the
really heinous stuff like bodysharking.  Payment: standard going rate or a
decent bike in good condition.]<<<<<
        -Hardcase <11:22:49/09-06-55>