Post by Kagi on Jun 30, 2006 0:01:14 GMT -5
*****Recap of Last Session*****
Lone Star has made it's appearance with a very twitchy Detective Jack Drapp. It seems Detective Drapp and his team has been listening in on the teams unencrypted commlink traffic since the beginning, perhaps even rifling through their personal data. Catching the team at breakfast he informed the runners that they are "in over their heads" and to back off the Akihana case. According to Detective Drapp, Akihana is a small part of a larger scheme by a cadre of bug spirits working in Seattle.
Butterfly has taken her usual sarcastic tone with the pill popping Detective and without warning Jack Drapp has taken her downtown to sit in a holding cell as a way to blackmail the team into dropping the job.
The team has an appointment from 1-4pm this afternoon at the private school Akihana attended.
And the morning had started out so well until now. Local time is 8:30am.
*****End Recap*****
[8:56:42 PM] DC "I am not going to enjoy explaining this to Eddie
[8:57:25 PM] Vince "WEll, that makes two of us I won't enjoy seeing him again."
[8:58:13 PM] DC "if you wanted you can stay in the van, no reason for two of us to risk our lives"
[8:58:20 PM] Manzazzuu "Well, Vince, you don't have to. You, Pele, and Doc are going to the cafe. DC, Naroko, and I are going to talk to Eddie." He looks over at DC. "And if you wish, I will do the talking."
[8:59:49 PM] Vince "Your funeral, I"ll have a coffee to you."
[9:00:15 PM] DC "thank you, I'm sure he would much rather deal with a man, more then likely"
[9:02:27 PM] Vince "All right, so we all know where we need to go..now what about the job?"
[9:02:46 PM] Vince "Do we try meeting with the Mafia?"
[9:04:09 PM] Manzazzuu "I don't think we need to bring the Mafia into this yet. I think we go with what we've got right now, and see where it leads us. When we find the girl, Doc or DC should be able to tell if she's a bug. If she is, we don't let on we know, and we bring her alive to the Yaks, where I will quietly inform them of the situation, and let them confirm it with their own mages."
[9:04:30 PM] Vince "What?"
[9:04:58 PM] Vince "I don't think they'll just go 'she's a bug? ok we'll kill her behind that barn over there, thanks!' "
[9:05:29 PM] Pele "How do we get the Lonestar off of us of we continue with the run?"
[9:05:31 PM] Manzazzuu "They are not stupid, Vince. They know what a bug invasion means."
[9:06:13 PM] Vince "anotehr reason to get the Mafia..The Yaks will think the Mafia are bug infested, sicne they seems to believe hard like steel that they have the mark."
[9:06:19 PM] Manzazzuu "We be more careful, Pele. We don't have a secure channel anymore, so we need to avoid using the coms until we get one."
[9:07:01 PM] Manzazzuu "... We're trying to -avoid- a gang war here, Vince, not incite one."
[9:07:05 PM] Vince "that'll lead right into a turf war..with bug infested Yakuzas running the streets."
[9:08:36 PM] * Vince turns to Pele "Pele, I remember you pack quite the kick..you got magic powers or somethin'?"
[9:09:10 PM] Manzazzuu "Vince, if she's a bug, we'll figure it out. If we do, and tell the Yaks, they'll handle the situation. They're not stupid, they don't want bugs to take over Seattle any more than you do. If we do anything ourselves, we make enemies for life of the Yaks."
[9:09:47 PM] Manzazzuu "Dropping the job is not an option either."
[9:10:22 PM] Vince "Blood can mask the vision of a man Manzazzu..what if your kid got snatched and returned to you, will you believe the warning of hired hands?"
[9:10:24 PM] Pele "A few that I use to beef my kicks up but none like the others."
[9:10:44 PM] * DC wonders how many times a day that seattle is threatend and she just dosen't hear about it
[9:10:54 PM] Vince "Ok, Pele..can you see in Astral? maybe the paitings can show us somethin'?"
[9:12:07 PM] Pele "Nope, can't help you there."
[9:12:24 PM] Manzazzuu "You'll have Doc with you."
[9:13:06 PM] * Doc nods "I can take a look."
[9:13:13 PM] Vince "Doc, you can see in Astral right?"
[9:13:29 PM] * Doc nods to Vince
[9:13:33 PM] Vince "Good now we just need our orders and get out of here.."
[9:13:38 PM] Manzazzuu "As to the Oyabun's family ties - if she is proven to be a bug, he will understand that she is no longer his daughter. If he doesn't, then the others will, and will supplant him."
[9:14:38 PM] Vince "Nobody qustions a Mafia don; I expect the same from the Yakuzas...but hey you're the expert, but if drek hits the fan, xpect me to remind you of this moment.""
[9:16:02 PM] Vince "where's that waitress? I'm getting hungry, I need solid."
[9:16:06 PM] Manzazzuu "It is the only way to get out of this without making the Yakuza our enemies, Vince. The real problem is that we have to bring her to the Oyabun alive to let one of his mages see that she's a bug. This, of course, assumes the Lonestar wasn't a whackjob."
[9:16:29 PM] Kagi *Waitress ::peeks in nervously:: "Are you guys okay?"
[9:16:29 PM] Vince "chances are he might be on the Mafia payroll too."
[9:16:34 PM] Pele "I am just waiting for you guys, I didn't order anything."
[9:16:44 PM] Pele "I think so, I am at least."
[9:16:51 PM] * Vince tunrs to the waitress "We will be when we get our food."
[9:17:57 PM] Kagi *Waitress :nods:: "I'm sorry about that, those lone star cops really scared everyone. I'll be right back with your order."
[9:18:32 PM] Kagi *In a few moments the waitress returns with your food, it is all packed "to go"
[9:19:37 PM] Kagi *Waitress "I'm sorry but the manager....well he's really worried about lone star busting in here and all that drek...so you guys have to grab your food and go." ::she smiles weakly obviously a little scared::
[9:20:04 PM] * Vince grabs his order and pays via commlink. He then drops a credstick in the waitress' pants "Forget us..and buy yourself somethin' nice for 'ya, ok?"
[9:20:14 PM] DC "I'm sorry about that as well"
[9:20:46 PM] Kagi *Waitress ::smiles at Vince and nods::
[9:20:56 PM] * Manzazzuu stands up, and Noroko does too. He waits for the others, looking to see if they're ready to go now that the food is here.
[9:20:59 PM] Kagi *The waitress leaves
[9:21:45 PM] Vince "Everyone's set?"
[9:21:50 PM] * DC looks for her spring rolls and heads out to Manny's car
[9:22:00 PM] * Pele gets up and leaves
[9:22:10 PM] * Vince heads for his van outside
[9:23:04 PM] Manzazzuu "If you have to use the coms to contact us, be careful of what you say." He tells Vince, Pele, and Doc as they leave. He stands by their van to give them a few final instructions. "There's a cafe not far from here. We'll meet there in, say, two hours if all goes well?" He suggests.
[9:23:41 PM] DC sure
[9:23:52 PM] * Vince rolls his eyes from behind his goggles at Manny's obivious advice "Yeah 2 hours sounds good"
[9:24:02 PM] DC "Mind if I eat these in your car?"
[9:24:49 PM] * Vince gets in the van and starts the engine
[9:25:00 PM] Manzazzuu "Just don't ruin the apholstry, DC." He says with a grin, and a laugh as he moves to his Mercury comet. He opens the rear door for Noroko, who climbs in the back. Manny gets behind the wheel.
[9:25:20 PM] * DC takes shot gun
[9:25:25 PM] * Pele jumps on his bike, and gets ready to head out
[9:25:58 PM] DC "thanks for letting me ride shutgun Noroko."
[9:26:03 PM] * Vince unwraps his New-York cheesesteak sandwitch in such a way that the melted cheese and grease won't fall on him while he's eating
[9:26:45 PM] * Manzazzuu pulls away from the club, and starts back to the Yakuza compound - hoping this unannounced meet will go better than he expects.
[9:27:22 PM] Manzazzuu "I don't intend to mention the potential bug threat until we know for sure." He tells DC, thinking that the most prudent way to go.
[9:28:59 PM] DC "considering the source, it would be wise"
[9:31:39 PM] Kagi *In short order Manzazzuu, DC, and Noroko arrive back at the yakuza's mansion in the Everett sprawl. The front gates are closed tight
[9:32:22 PM] Manzazzuu Pulling up to the gate, Manny searches visually for an intercom system, or something.
[9:37:06 PM] Kagi *No intercom is in sight, but a camera begins tracking your movements as you approch
[9:38:23 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu makes certain that his face is visible to the camera, and he offers a wave of his hand. He waits, patiently.
[9:39:12 PM] Kagi *As you get close two men with submachine guns step from a place behind the wall that is out of sight. They say nothing but seem to be waiting for you to start the conversation.
[9:42:37 PM] Manzazzuu "I would like to request some of the Kobun's time." He informs the guards in Japanese.
[9:47:49 PM] Kagi ::One of them holds his ear as if listening to radio traffic and makes a clipped response in japanese under his breath::
[9:48:26 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu waits patiently.
[9:48:28 PM] Kagi *The gate opens and the two men stand to the side, again all without saying a thing to the runners
[9:48:59 PM] Manzazzuu Offering a nod to the pair of guards he slowly drives his vehicle onto the grounds of the compound once again.
((Meanwhile back with Pele, Vince, and Doc))
[9:27:19 PM] * Vince , while taking a bite of his lunch, looks at the location of the Cup of Art Cafe.
[9:28:29 PM] Pele @@ I am following you @@
[9:28:43 PM] Vince @@ Ok @@
[9:29:39 PM] * Vince extis the club's parking lot and heads for the Cup of Art Cafe
[9:29:47 PM] Kagi *The cup of art cafe is in the Everett sprawl not very far from the private school Akihanna attends
[9:30:58 PM] * Vince talks to himself "We should have gone there right away..cost less in gas..but nooo we had to eat at Fancy McTavern..."
[9:31:55 PM] * Vince buckles up, and drive to the Cafe a little over the limit but not enought to attract Police Attention
[9:33:17 PM] * Pele follows closely behind
[9:33:35 PM] Kagi *In short order you arrive at the small cafe, parking is out front. The cafe is stuffed in at the bottom floor of a skyscraper. It looks to be a popular cafe for young wage slaves and the like.
[9:35:03 PM] * Vince parks his van, 'activate' his anti starting system, gets out and lights a smoke "nothing beats UCAS' Number 47 most popular cigarette after one hell of a snack."
[9:35:41 PM] Kagi *The inside is a room about 100x30 foot with a stage at one end, a coffee bar on the left, two bathrooms in the back and numerous painting along the walls with price tags on each one.
[9:36:45 PM] * Vince walks slowly aroudn the cafe, looking for painting made by Akihana
[9:37:03 PM] * Vince blows his smoke with little regard to the other patrons
[9:37:24 PM] * Pele parks, jumps off his bike and heads in. "That is not good for you, as you probably know."
[9:37:47 PM] Vince "Better a little smoke than lead poisonning in my book."
[9:37:58 PM] * Vince grins at Pele
[9:38:14 PM] Vince "C'mon, let's-a find Akihana's work."
[9:38:52 PM] Pele "Sure."
[9:39:43 PM] * Vince looks around for any paintings doen by Akihana.
[9:40:07 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman "Excuse me. You can't smoke in here."
[9:40:16 PM] * Pele chuckles
[9:40:53 PM] Vince "No drek?"
[9:41:00 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman "It ruins the paintings." ::she is behind the counter but obviously trying to get Vince's attention::
[9:41:59 PM] Vince "Yeah, don't want the painting's little lungs to get all dark huh?"
[9:42:12 PM] * Vince keeps on walking around, looking at the painting, smoking his smoke
[9:44:02 PM] * Vince finsihed his smoke
[9:44:08 PM] Vince "you got an ashtray somewhere?"
[9:44:46 PM] Pele "If there is no smoking why would they keep an ashtray, per say?"
[9:45:19 PM] Vince "In case the painting all died from lung cancer, then it'll ok to smoke again in here."
[9:45:22 PM] Kagi *It doesn't take long to locate one of Akihanna's paintings, she has several for sale here at the Cup of Art. They are beautiful lanscapes and cityscapes from all kinds of climates and locations.
[9:45:56 PM] * Vince is still looking for an ashtray
[9:46:14 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman ::comes out from behind the counter, cup of coffee in hand:: "Excuse me I said there is no smoking in here, Sir."
[9:46:27 PM] Kagi *No astray in the building
[9:46:36 PM] * Vince truns to the counter-woman "Say, you're not the kind of place that takes the rest of coffees and pass it to the otehr customers are you?"
[9:47:14 PM] * Vince turns to Doc "Ok Doc, check the paintings out."
[9:49:14 PM] * Pele follows Doc through the paintings
[9:51:27 PM] * Vince , seeing his burning almost-to-the-filter smoke and getting no responce from the counter-woman, dunks his smoke in an adbandonned, half-fille probablly cold cup of coffee, before putting the now extinguised smoke into some paper tissue and pockets it
[9:53:23 PM] Kagi *No abandoned coffee around, the place looks imaculate
[9:54:05 PM] Kagi *This is deffinetly an upper class place, everything looks expensive and fragile
[9:54:46 PM] * Vince goes to the bathroom, kill the fire of his smoke and pockets the wet cigarette.
[9:55:26 PM] * Vince then comes back into the main room
[9:55:33 PM] Vince "so doc, see anything?"
[9:56:04 PM] * Doc doc is staring and does not respond
[9:56:30 PM] Vince "Hey doc? you all right?"
[9:57:13 PM] * Doc slowly nods as he continues to stare at one of akihanna's paintings
[9:57:30 PM] Pele "Hmm...
[9:57:38 PM] * Vince look at Pele and rasied his elbows
[9:57:49 PM] Vince "I never got 'them mages anyway.."
[9:58:20 PM] Pele "In every painting is this man. It may be a signature type thing or it may be something else..."
[9:59:01 PM] Vince "what?"
[9:59:08 PM] * Vince looks at the painting with more focus
[9:59:24 PM] Pele "They are excellent paintings though."
[10:00:49 PM] Pele "They seem to be all of foreign places except..." *Pele walks in front of one* ".. this one."
[10:01:23 PM] Pele "It might be of somewhere near the docks. I have never been there."
[10:01:50 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman ::looks at Vince disgustedly and returns to behind her counter
[10:02:57 PM] Vince "Hmm..."
[10:04:34 PM] Vince "Let's grab it then"
[10:05:09 PM] Pele "What?"
[10:05:16 PM] Pele "I can just take a picture."
[10:05:35 PM] Vince "As in paying for it I mean, we're not crooks."
[10:06:06 PM] Vince "Frag why does everybody takes what I say to the letter?"
((Meanwhile back with Manzazzuu, DC, and Naroko))
[9:52:35 PM] Kagi *Again you are impressed by the lavish beauty of the sculpted garden as you pull to a stop outside the neo-japanese mansion. This time only the two large ork bodyguards from before are waiting for you, sub-machine guns at the ready
[9:53:56 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu parks the car, and gets out - unthreatening as he can manage to be as he opens the door for Noroko who gets out as well. He tries to ignore the fact that there are two submachine guns pointed at him.
[9:54:34 PM] * DC gets out of the car fallows manny
[9:56:41 PM] Kagi *Ork "Leave any weapons in the car."
[9:59:12 PM] * DC checks herself quickly for any weapons, then discreetly puts her pistol in the glove compartment of Manny's car
[9:59:23 PM] * Manzazzuu sets his knife, cane, and colt america in the car before he walks over to the door. Noroko appears not to have any weapons, currently, her staff in the trunk.
[10:00:47 PM] Kagi *Ork ::pats down everyone for weapons:: "Follow me."
[10:01:16 PM] Manzazzuu Manny pauses to remove his shoes again, and help Noroko to take off her boots, before he follows the Ork.
[10:02:46 PM] * DC takes off her shoes, when she enters the building
[10:05:16 PM] Kagi *The Ork kicks off slippers and begins leading the three of you into the mansion. With a dizzying number of turns you become quickly turned around until you arrive at an office. Eddie sits behind a mahogany desk and seems to be working on something as he looks up. "Why are you here?"
[10:07:10 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu bows low to Eddie and says. "My appologies, Kobun, for the abruptness of our arrival, but Lonestar is monitoring our communications over the coms. I have come to inform you of their involvement, and ask for your assistance in the matter."
[10:10:12 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::sighs, steeples his hands, and seems very unhappy:: "I see."
[10:11:11 PM] Kagi "I was assured you where resourceful and experienced. How is it that Lone Star is aware of your activities?"
[10:14:17 PM] Manzazzuu "Of that, I am unaware, Kobun. Perhaps they saw us enter the compound and it began from there. They have taken Butterfly, and hold her in an attempt to force us to abandon our agreement with you. I was hoping you might use your influence and resources to ensure that she is quickly released."
[10:15:39 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::his brow furrows:: "You have spoken to Lone Star?"
[10:16:38 PM] Manzazzuu "We have told them nothing. We led them to believe we were planning a party for you, and nothing more. You are aware of Butterfly's experise in the area of.. fireworks?"
[10:19:24 PM] Kagi *Eddie "Why would Lone Star be interested in stopping a fireworks display?"
[10:20:01 PM] Manzazzuu "They did not believe us, though we stuck to the story regardless of their lack of belief."
[10:20:18 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::punches a few buttons on his desktop computer as he talks::
[10:21:41 PM] Kagi *Eddie "I see. I can exert pressure to release Butterfly, but nothing can be done immediatly. It will take sometime."
[10:23:33 PM] Manzazzuu "I understand, Kobun, and greatly appreciate your efforts. I only wish to ensure that she remains unharmed, and uncompromised while we continue our work."
[10:23:56 PM] Kagi "I will do what I can."
[10:25:54 PM] Manzazzuu "Thank you Kobun, for both your assistance, and your understanding. While we are here, could we perhaps interview miss Tokucho? If she is available, of course." He asks, bowing to the man again.
[10:26:43 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::ignores the last question:: "I am concerned that your transmissions have been so easily monitored."
[10:28:02 PM] Manzazzuu "We had no reason to believe they would be, and our expert in the field of communications met with an unfortunate accident on our last job." He informs the Kobun.
[10:28:53 PM] Kagi *Eddie "You are down one team member, I am sending you a replacement..." ::Eddie seems less then pleased about all this. you are acutely aware the winning smile of his has yet to make an appearance::
[10:29:58 PM] Manzazzuu "I thank you again." He replies.
[10:33:46 PM] Kagi *Eddie "We have a man we have used in the past. As for Tocucho, she does not live here. She does how ever live nearby. I can schedule you an appointment to see her. What time is best?"
[10:35:23 PM] Manzazzuu "Any time before our appointment with the school would be good. Some time in the next hour ideal, but I understand that these things can take time."
[10:39:45 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::nods to the ork:: "Take them to the waiting room."
[10:40:32 PM] Kagi *Eddie "I will contact your new member and send him in, it shouldn't be long. He will have your appointment time for you."
[10:41:00 PM] Kagi *Ork takes a few steps toward the door and waits
[10:41:12 PM] Manzazzuu Manny bows to Eddie. "Thank you once again, Kobun." He straightens, and moves to follow the Ork.
[10:41:26 PM] Kagi *Eddie "I hope this will be the last of the complications. Good day."
[10:41:44 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::stands and returns the bow::
((Meanwhile back with Pele, Vince, and Doc))
[10:06:38 PM] * Vince turns to Doc and whisper to him "Doc...did you see anything astrally?"
[10:06:41 PM] Pele "IF you want to pay, go ahead. A picture is good enough for me." *Pele turns off his online part of the comm and snaps a shot.*
[10:06:58 PM] Vince "Take a picture of the man too..the best one you can find.
[10:07:01 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman ::hearing Pele:: "Nothing can capture the artists true vision but an original."
[10:07:03 PM] Vince "and more than one too."
[10:07:26 PM] Pele "I don't want the vision though. I want the location."
[10:07:45 PM] * Doc blinks
[10:07:55 PM] * Pele cross references the picture with the locales in Seattle
[10:08:48 PM] Doc "There is something strange about this painting." ::he points to the cityscape Pele and Vince are taking pictures of. It's...I'm not sure, it's diffrent."
[10:09:01 PM] Vince "diffent? How diffrent?"
[10:10:20 PM] Vince "As in...disturbing?"
[10:12:23 PM] Doc "A painting is a very strong link to the artist. Each painting carries a bit of the artists...umm..Astral thumbprint so to speak."
[10:12:43 PM] Vince "yeah ok ok...and what does this one tells you then?"
[10:12:47 PM] Pele "Well, I guess we need to buy it then..."
[10:13:05 PM] Doc "This one," ::he points:: "has a slightly diffrent thumbprint."
[10:13:15 PM] * Vince snaps at the coutner-woman "We'll take that one"
[10:13:21 PM] Vince "How diffrent is it Doc?"
[10:13:29 PM] Doc "Akihanna's is there, but diffrent."
[10:13:40 PM] Vince "Frag...."
[10:13:59 PM] * Vince passes his hand on his jaw
[10:14:06 PM] Vince "We're in deep deep drek...."
[10:15:30 PM] * Vince snaps at the coutner-woman again "Listen lady, you want ot make a sell or are you part of the furniture?"
[10:16:23 PM] Doc *Counter-woman "My name is Liz. What can I do for you?"
[10:16:39 PM] Vince "We'll take that painting."
[10:17:45 PM] Vince "Now."
[10:18:04 PM] Doc *Liz ::looking a bit angry:: "That painting is 2000¥." ::she has the look of someone who expects you to be much too poor to afford it, she's smug.::
[10:18:28 PM] Vince "Easy money doll-face"
[10:19:22 PM] Vince "I hope we get at least a blanket to protect if for that price."
[10:19:33 PM] Pele "Nice, I could help pay for some of it."
[10:19:52 PM] Vince "Well you can pay me later then."
[10:24:42 PM] * Vince turns again to Liz "So, we just take and leave then?"
[10:28:40 PM] Pele "I wouldn't think so. Alarms like crazy, I would think."
[10:29:27 PM] Vince "yeah well, this place ain't to my likings..not classy enought for my tastes"
[10:30:09 PM] Kagi *Liz ::looks a bit surprised:: "I'll have it packaged in plastic wrap if you'll wait one moment."
[10:30:24 PM] Vince "Yeah we'll wait."
[10:31:23 PM] Kagi *Liz "Please subscribe to the Cafe's menu and make the transfer of funds." ::she taps a few keys on the register::
[10:32:04 PM] * Vince registers using his fake ID, transfert the fund, then disconnects
[10:33:07 PM] Vince "you got it?"
[10:36:12 PM] Kagi *Liz ::again comes out fro behind the counter and walks to the painting:: "Yes, thank you." ::she passes an electronic key near the frame and a hidden maglock releases the frame fro the wall::
[10:37:01 PM] Kagi *in short order Liz has the frame wrapped in bubble wrap and returns to hand it over to Oscar
[10:37:21 PM] Kagi *Liz "Enjoy, Akihanna is a talented painter."
[10:37:41 PM] Vince "Yeah, she comes here often?"
[10:38:28 PM] Vince "I might have some work for an artist with talent"
[10:38:59 PM] Kagi *Liz ::now in a much better disposition:: "Oh yes. She spends sometime teaching workshops, and in VR through our network."
[10:39:39 PM] Vince "I might have some work for an artist with talent"Nice, she must have her little clique following her around then?"
[10:41:01 PM] Pele "Hopefully this is as good as we need it to be."
[10:42:00 PM] * Vince truns quickly to Pele "Yeah I hope so too."
Lone Star has made it's appearance with a very twitchy Detective Jack Drapp. It seems Detective Drapp and his team has been listening in on the teams unencrypted commlink traffic since the beginning, perhaps even rifling through their personal data. Catching the team at breakfast he informed the runners that they are "in over their heads" and to back off the Akihana case. According to Detective Drapp, Akihana is a small part of a larger scheme by a cadre of bug spirits working in Seattle.
Butterfly has taken her usual sarcastic tone with the pill popping Detective and without warning Jack Drapp has taken her downtown to sit in a holding cell as a way to blackmail the team into dropping the job.
The team has an appointment from 1-4pm this afternoon at the private school Akihana attended.
And the morning had started out so well until now. Local time is 8:30am.
*****End Recap*****
[8:56:42 PM] DC "I am not going to enjoy explaining this to Eddie
[8:57:25 PM] Vince "WEll, that makes two of us I won't enjoy seeing him again."
[8:58:13 PM] DC "if you wanted you can stay in the van, no reason for two of us to risk our lives"
[8:58:20 PM] Manzazzuu "Well, Vince, you don't have to. You, Pele, and Doc are going to the cafe. DC, Naroko, and I are going to talk to Eddie." He looks over at DC. "And if you wish, I will do the talking."
[8:59:49 PM] Vince "Your funeral, I"ll have a coffee to you."
[9:00:15 PM] DC "thank you, I'm sure he would much rather deal with a man, more then likely"
[9:02:27 PM] Vince "All right, so we all know where we need to go..now what about the job?"
[9:02:46 PM] Vince "Do we try meeting with the Mafia?"
[9:04:09 PM] Manzazzuu "I don't think we need to bring the Mafia into this yet. I think we go with what we've got right now, and see where it leads us. When we find the girl, Doc or DC should be able to tell if she's a bug. If she is, we don't let on we know, and we bring her alive to the Yaks, where I will quietly inform them of the situation, and let them confirm it with their own mages."
[9:04:30 PM] Vince "What?"
[9:04:58 PM] Vince "I don't think they'll just go 'she's a bug? ok we'll kill her behind that barn over there, thanks!' "
[9:05:29 PM] Pele "How do we get the Lonestar off of us of we continue with the run?"
[9:05:31 PM] Manzazzuu "They are not stupid, Vince. They know what a bug invasion means."
[9:06:13 PM] Vince "anotehr reason to get the Mafia..The Yaks will think the Mafia are bug infested, sicne they seems to believe hard like steel that they have the mark."
[9:06:19 PM] Manzazzuu "We be more careful, Pele. We don't have a secure channel anymore, so we need to avoid using the coms until we get one."
[9:07:01 PM] Manzazzuu "... We're trying to -avoid- a gang war here, Vince, not incite one."
[9:07:05 PM] Vince "that'll lead right into a turf war..with bug infested Yakuzas running the streets."
[9:08:36 PM] * Vince turns to Pele "Pele, I remember you pack quite the kick..you got magic powers or somethin'?"
[9:09:10 PM] Manzazzuu "Vince, if she's a bug, we'll figure it out. If we do, and tell the Yaks, they'll handle the situation. They're not stupid, they don't want bugs to take over Seattle any more than you do. If we do anything ourselves, we make enemies for life of the Yaks."
[9:09:47 PM] Manzazzuu "Dropping the job is not an option either."
[9:10:22 PM] Vince "Blood can mask the vision of a man Manzazzu..what if your kid got snatched and returned to you, will you believe the warning of hired hands?"
[9:10:24 PM] Pele "A few that I use to beef my kicks up but none like the others."
[9:10:44 PM] * DC wonders how many times a day that seattle is threatend and she just dosen't hear about it
[9:10:54 PM] Vince "Ok, Pele..can you see in Astral? maybe the paitings can show us somethin'?"
[9:12:07 PM] Pele "Nope, can't help you there."
[9:12:24 PM] Manzazzuu "You'll have Doc with you."
[9:13:06 PM] * Doc nods "I can take a look."
[9:13:13 PM] Vince "Doc, you can see in Astral right?"
[9:13:29 PM] * Doc nods to Vince
[9:13:33 PM] Vince "Good now we just need our orders and get out of here.."
[9:13:38 PM] Manzazzuu "As to the Oyabun's family ties - if she is proven to be a bug, he will understand that she is no longer his daughter. If he doesn't, then the others will, and will supplant him."
[9:14:38 PM] Vince "Nobody qustions a Mafia don; I expect the same from the Yakuzas...but hey you're the expert, but if drek hits the fan, xpect me to remind you of this moment.""
[9:16:02 PM] Vince "where's that waitress? I'm getting hungry, I need solid."
[9:16:06 PM] Manzazzuu "It is the only way to get out of this without making the Yakuza our enemies, Vince. The real problem is that we have to bring her to the Oyabun alive to let one of his mages see that she's a bug. This, of course, assumes the Lonestar wasn't a whackjob."
[9:16:29 PM] Kagi *Waitress ::peeks in nervously:: "Are you guys okay?"
[9:16:29 PM] Vince "chances are he might be on the Mafia payroll too."
[9:16:34 PM] Pele "I am just waiting for you guys, I didn't order anything."
[9:16:44 PM] Pele "I think so, I am at least."
[9:16:51 PM] * Vince tunrs to the waitress "We will be when we get our food."
[9:17:57 PM] Kagi *Waitress :nods:: "I'm sorry about that, those lone star cops really scared everyone. I'll be right back with your order."
[9:18:32 PM] Kagi *In a few moments the waitress returns with your food, it is all packed "to go"
[9:19:37 PM] Kagi *Waitress "I'm sorry but the manager....well he's really worried about lone star busting in here and all that drek...so you guys have to grab your food and go." ::she smiles weakly obviously a little scared::
[9:20:04 PM] * Vince grabs his order and pays via commlink. He then drops a credstick in the waitress' pants "Forget us..and buy yourself somethin' nice for 'ya, ok?"
[9:20:14 PM] DC "I'm sorry about that as well"
[9:20:46 PM] Kagi *Waitress ::smiles at Vince and nods::
[9:20:56 PM] * Manzazzuu stands up, and Noroko does too. He waits for the others, looking to see if they're ready to go now that the food is here.
[9:20:59 PM] Kagi *The waitress leaves
[9:21:45 PM] Vince "Everyone's set?"
[9:21:50 PM] * DC looks for her spring rolls and heads out to Manny's car
[9:22:00 PM] * Pele gets up and leaves
[9:22:10 PM] * Vince heads for his van outside
[9:23:04 PM] Manzazzuu "If you have to use the coms to contact us, be careful of what you say." He tells Vince, Pele, and Doc as they leave. He stands by their van to give them a few final instructions. "There's a cafe not far from here. We'll meet there in, say, two hours if all goes well?" He suggests.
[9:23:41 PM] DC sure
[9:23:52 PM] * Vince rolls his eyes from behind his goggles at Manny's obivious advice "Yeah 2 hours sounds good"
[9:24:02 PM] DC "Mind if I eat these in your car?"
[9:24:49 PM] * Vince gets in the van and starts the engine
[9:25:00 PM] Manzazzuu "Just don't ruin the apholstry, DC." He says with a grin, and a laugh as he moves to his Mercury comet. He opens the rear door for Noroko, who climbs in the back. Manny gets behind the wheel.
[9:25:20 PM] * DC takes shot gun
[9:25:25 PM] * Pele jumps on his bike, and gets ready to head out
[9:25:58 PM] DC "thanks for letting me ride shutgun Noroko."
[9:26:03 PM] * Vince unwraps his New-York cheesesteak sandwitch in such a way that the melted cheese and grease won't fall on him while he's eating
[9:26:45 PM] * Manzazzuu pulls away from the club, and starts back to the Yakuza compound - hoping this unannounced meet will go better than he expects.
[9:27:22 PM] Manzazzuu "I don't intend to mention the potential bug threat until we know for sure." He tells DC, thinking that the most prudent way to go.
[9:28:59 PM] DC "considering the source, it would be wise"
[9:31:39 PM] Kagi *In short order Manzazzuu, DC, and Noroko arrive back at the yakuza's mansion in the Everett sprawl. The front gates are closed tight
[9:32:22 PM] Manzazzuu Pulling up to the gate, Manny searches visually for an intercom system, or something.
[9:37:06 PM] Kagi *No intercom is in sight, but a camera begins tracking your movements as you approch
[9:38:23 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu makes certain that his face is visible to the camera, and he offers a wave of his hand. He waits, patiently.
[9:39:12 PM] Kagi *As you get close two men with submachine guns step from a place behind the wall that is out of sight. They say nothing but seem to be waiting for you to start the conversation.
[9:42:37 PM] Manzazzuu "I would like to request some of the Kobun's time." He informs the guards in Japanese.
[9:47:49 PM] Kagi ::One of them holds his ear as if listening to radio traffic and makes a clipped response in japanese under his breath::
[9:48:26 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu waits patiently.
[9:48:28 PM] Kagi *The gate opens and the two men stand to the side, again all without saying a thing to the runners
[9:48:59 PM] Manzazzuu Offering a nod to the pair of guards he slowly drives his vehicle onto the grounds of the compound once again.
((Meanwhile back with Pele, Vince, and Doc))
[9:27:19 PM] * Vince , while taking a bite of his lunch, looks at the location of the Cup of Art Cafe.
[9:28:29 PM] Pele @@ I am following you @@
[9:28:43 PM] Vince @@ Ok @@
[9:29:39 PM] * Vince extis the club's parking lot and heads for the Cup of Art Cafe
[9:29:47 PM] Kagi *The cup of art cafe is in the Everett sprawl not very far from the private school Akihanna attends
[9:30:58 PM] * Vince talks to himself "We should have gone there right away..cost less in gas..but nooo we had to eat at Fancy McTavern..."
[9:31:55 PM] * Vince buckles up, and drive to the Cafe a little over the limit but not enought to attract Police Attention
[9:33:17 PM] * Pele follows closely behind
[9:33:35 PM] Kagi *In short order you arrive at the small cafe, parking is out front. The cafe is stuffed in at the bottom floor of a skyscraper. It looks to be a popular cafe for young wage slaves and the like.
[9:35:03 PM] * Vince parks his van, 'activate' his anti starting system, gets out and lights a smoke "nothing beats UCAS' Number 47 most popular cigarette after one hell of a snack."
[9:35:41 PM] Kagi *The inside is a room about 100x30 foot with a stage at one end, a coffee bar on the left, two bathrooms in the back and numerous painting along the walls with price tags on each one.
[9:36:45 PM] * Vince walks slowly aroudn the cafe, looking for painting made by Akihana
[9:37:03 PM] * Vince blows his smoke with little regard to the other patrons
[9:37:24 PM] * Pele parks, jumps off his bike and heads in. "That is not good for you, as you probably know."
[9:37:47 PM] Vince "Better a little smoke than lead poisonning in my book."
[9:37:58 PM] * Vince grins at Pele
[9:38:14 PM] Vince "C'mon, let's-a find Akihana's work."
[9:38:52 PM] Pele "Sure."
[9:39:43 PM] * Vince looks around for any paintings doen by Akihana.
[9:40:07 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman "Excuse me. You can't smoke in here."
[9:40:16 PM] * Pele chuckles
[9:40:53 PM] Vince "No drek?"
[9:41:00 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman "It ruins the paintings." ::she is behind the counter but obviously trying to get Vince's attention::
[9:41:59 PM] Vince "Yeah, don't want the painting's little lungs to get all dark huh?"
[9:42:12 PM] * Vince keeps on walking around, looking at the painting, smoking his smoke
[9:44:02 PM] * Vince finsihed his smoke
[9:44:08 PM] Vince "you got an ashtray somewhere?"
[9:44:46 PM] Pele "If there is no smoking why would they keep an ashtray, per say?"
[9:45:19 PM] Vince "In case the painting all died from lung cancer, then it'll ok to smoke again in here."
[9:45:22 PM] Kagi *It doesn't take long to locate one of Akihanna's paintings, she has several for sale here at the Cup of Art. They are beautiful lanscapes and cityscapes from all kinds of climates and locations.
[9:45:56 PM] * Vince is still looking for an ashtray
[9:46:14 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman ::comes out from behind the counter, cup of coffee in hand:: "Excuse me I said there is no smoking in here, Sir."
[9:46:27 PM] Kagi *No astray in the building
[9:46:36 PM] * Vince truns to the counter-woman "Say, you're not the kind of place that takes the rest of coffees and pass it to the otehr customers are you?"
[9:47:14 PM] * Vince turns to Doc "Ok Doc, check the paintings out."
[9:49:14 PM] * Pele follows Doc through the paintings
[9:51:27 PM] * Vince , seeing his burning almost-to-the-filter smoke and getting no responce from the counter-woman, dunks his smoke in an adbandonned, half-fille probablly cold cup of coffee, before putting the now extinguised smoke into some paper tissue and pockets it
[9:53:23 PM] Kagi *No abandoned coffee around, the place looks imaculate
[9:54:05 PM] Kagi *This is deffinetly an upper class place, everything looks expensive and fragile
[9:54:46 PM] * Vince goes to the bathroom, kill the fire of his smoke and pockets the wet cigarette.
[9:55:26 PM] * Vince then comes back into the main room
[9:55:33 PM] Vince "so doc, see anything?"
[9:56:04 PM] * Doc doc is staring and does not respond
[9:56:30 PM] Vince "Hey doc? you all right?"
[9:57:13 PM] * Doc slowly nods as he continues to stare at one of akihanna's paintings
[9:57:30 PM] Pele "Hmm...
[9:57:38 PM] * Vince look at Pele and rasied his elbows
[9:57:49 PM] Vince "I never got 'them mages anyway.."
[9:58:20 PM] Pele "In every painting is this man. It may be a signature type thing or it may be something else..."
[9:59:01 PM] Vince "what?"
[9:59:08 PM] * Vince looks at the painting with more focus
[9:59:24 PM] Pele "They are excellent paintings though."
[10:00:49 PM] Pele "They seem to be all of foreign places except..." *Pele walks in front of one* ".. this one."
[10:01:23 PM] Pele "It might be of somewhere near the docks. I have never been there."
[10:01:50 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman ::looks at Vince disgustedly and returns to behind her counter
[10:02:57 PM] Vince "Hmm..."
[10:04:34 PM] Vince "Let's grab it then"
[10:05:09 PM] Pele "What?"
[10:05:16 PM] Pele "I can just take a picture."
[10:05:35 PM] Vince "As in paying for it I mean, we're not crooks."
[10:06:06 PM] Vince "Frag why does everybody takes what I say to the letter?"
((Meanwhile back with Manzazzuu, DC, and Naroko))
[9:52:35 PM] Kagi *Again you are impressed by the lavish beauty of the sculpted garden as you pull to a stop outside the neo-japanese mansion. This time only the two large ork bodyguards from before are waiting for you, sub-machine guns at the ready
[9:53:56 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu parks the car, and gets out - unthreatening as he can manage to be as he opens the door for Noroko who gets out as well. He tries to ignore the fact that there are two submachine guns pointed at him.
[9:54:34 PM] * DC gets out of the car fallows manny
[9:56:41 PM] Kagi *Ork "Leave any weapons in the car."
[9:59:12 PM] * DC checks herself quickly for any weapons, then discreetly puts her pistol in the glove compartment of Manny's car
[9:59:23 PM] * Manzazzuu sets his knife, cane, and colt america in the car before he walks over to the door. Noroko appears not to have any weapons, currently, her staff in the trunk.
[10:00:47 PM] Kagi *Ork ::pats down everyone for weapons:: "Follow me."
[10:01:16 PM] Manzazzuu Manny pauses to remove his shoes again, and help Noroko to take off her boots, before he follows the Ork.
[10:02:46 PM] * DC takes off her shoes, when she enters the building
[10:05:16 PM] Kagi *The Ork kicks off slippers and begins leading the three of you into the mansion. With a dizzying number of turns you become quickly turned around until you arrive at an office. Eddie sits behind a mahogany desk and seems to be working on something as he looks up. "Why are you here?"
[10:07:10 PM] Manzazzuu Manzazzuu bows low to Eddie and says. "My appologies, Kobun, for the abruptness of our arrival, but Lonestar is monitoring our communications over the coms. I have come to inform you of their involvement, and ask for your assistance in the matter."
[10:10:12 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::sighs, steeples his hands, and seems very unhappy:: "I see."
[10:11:11 PM] Kagi "I was assured you where resourceful and experienced. How is it that Lone Star is aware of your activities?"
[10:14:17 PM] Manzazzuu "Of that, I am unaware, Kobun. Perhaps they saw us enter the compound and it began from there. They have taken Butterfly, and hold her in an attempt to force us to abandon our agreement with you. I was hoping you might use your influence and resources to ensure that she is quickly released."
[10:15:39 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::his brow furrows:: "You have spoken to Lone Star?"
[10:16:38 PM] Manzazzuu "We have told them nothing. We led them to believe we were planning a party for you, and nothing more. You are aware of Butterfly's experise in the area of.. fireworks?"
[10:19:24 PM] Kagi *Eddie "Why would Lone Star be interested in stopping a fireworks display?"
[10:20:01 PM] Manzazzuu "They did not believe us, though we stuck to the story regardless of their lack of belief."
[10:20:18 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::punches a few buttons on his desktop computer as he talks::
[10:21:41 PM] Kagi *Eddie "I see. I can exert pressure to release Butterfly, but nothing can be done immediatly. It will take sometime."
[10:23:33 PM] Manzazzuu "I understand, Kobun, and greatly appreciate your efforts. I only wish to ensure that she remains unharmed, and uncompromised while we continue our work."
[10:23:56 PM] Kagi "I will do what I can."
[10:25:54 PM] Manzazzuu "Thank you Kobun, for both your assistance, and your understanding. While we are here, could we perhaps interview miss Tokucho? If she is available, of course." He asks, bowing to the man again.
[10:26:43 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::ignores the last question:: "I am concerned that your transmissions have been so easily monitored."
[10:28:02 PM] Manzazzuu "We had no reason to believe they would be, and our expert in the field of communications met with an unfortunate accident on our last job." He informs the Kobun.
[10:28:53 PM] Kagi *Eddie "You are down one team member, I am sending you a replacement..." ::Eddie seems less then pleased about all this. you are acutely aware the winning smile of his has yet to make an appearance::
[10:29:58 PM] Manzazzuu "I thank you again." He replies.
[10:33:46 PM] Kagi *Eddie "We have a man we have used in the past. As for Tocucho, she does not live here. She does how ever live nearby. I can schedule you an appointment to see her. What time is best?"
[10:35:23 PM] Manzazzuu "Any time before our appointment with the school would be good. Some time in the next hour ideal, but I understand that these things can take time."
[10:39:45 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::nods to the ork:: "Take them to the waiting room."
[10:40:32 PM] Kagi *Eddie "I will contact your new member and send him in, it shouldn't be long. He will have your appointment time for you."
[10:41:00 PM] Kagi *Ork takes a few steps toward the door and waits
[10:41:12 PM] Manzazzuu Manny bows to Eddie. "Thank you once again, Kobun." He straightens, and moves to follow the Ork.
[10:41:26 PM] Kagi *Eddie "I hope this will be the last of the complications. Good day."
[10:41:44 PM] Kagi *Eddie ::stands and returns the bow::
((Meanwhile back with Pele, Vince, and Doc))
[10:06:38 PM] * Vince turns to Doc and whisper to him "Doc...did you see anything astrally?"
[10:06:41 PM] Pele "IF you want to pay, go ahead. A picture is good enough for me." *Pele turns off his online part of the comm and snaps a shot.*
[10:06:58 PM] Vince "Take a picture of the man too..the best one you can find.
[10:07:01 PM] Kagi *Counter-woman ::hearing Pele:: "Nothing can capture the artists true vision but an original."
[10:07:03 PM] Vince "and more than one too."
[10:07:26 PM] Pele "I don't want the vision though. I want the location."
[10:07:45 PM] * Doc blinks
[10:07:55 PM] * Pele cross references the picture with the locales in Seattle
[10:08:48 PM] Doc "There is something strange about this painting." ::he points to the cityscape Pele and Vince are taking pictures of. It's...I'm not sure, it's diffrent."
[10:09:01 PM] Vince "diffent? How diffrent?"
[10:10:20 PM] Vince "As in...disturbing?"
[10:12:23 PM] Doc "A painting is a very strong link to the artist. Each painting carries a bit of the artists...umm..Astral thumbprint so to speak."
[10:12:43 PM] Vince "yeah ok ok...and what does this one tells you then?"
[10:12:47 PM] Pele "Well, I guess we need to buy it then..."
[10:13:05 PM] Doc "This one," ::he points:: "has a slightly diffrent thumbprint."
[10:13:15 PM] * Vince snaps at the coutner-woman "We'll take that one"
[10:13:21 PM] Vince "How diffrent is it Doc?"
[10:13:29 PM] Doc "Akihanna's is there, but diffrent."
[10:13:40 PM] Vince "Frag...."
[10:13:59 PM] * Vince passes his hand on his jaw
[10:14:06 PM] Vince "We're in deep deep drek...."
[10:15:30 PM] * Vince snaps at the coutner-woman again "Listen lady, you want ot make a sell or are you part of the furniture?"
[10:16:23 PM] Doc *Counter-woman "My name is Liz. What can I do for you?"
[10:16:39 PM] Vince "We'll take that painting."
[10:17:45 PM] Vince "Now."
[10:18:04 PM] Doc *Liz ::looking a bit angry:: "That painting is 2000¥." ::she has the look of someone who expects you to be much too poor to afford it, she's smug.::
[10:18:28 PM] Vince "Easy money doll-face"
[10:19:22 PM] Vince "I hope we get at least a blanket to protect if for that price."
[10:19:33 PM] Pele "Nice, I could help pay for some of it."
[10:19:52 PM] Vince "Well you can pay me later then."
[10:24:42 PM] * Vince turns again to Liz "So, we just take and leave then?"
[10:28:40 PM] Pele "I wouldn't think so. Alarms like crazy, I would think."
[10:29:27 PM] Vince "yeah well, this place ain't to my likings..not classy enought for my tastes"
[10:30:09 PM] Kagi *Liz ::looks a bit surprised:: "I'll have it packaged in plastic wrap if you'll wait one moment."
[10:30:24 PM] Vince "Yeah we'll wait."
[10:31:23 PM] Kagi *Liz "Please subscribe to the Cafe's menu and make the transfer of funds." ::she taps a few keys on the register::
[10:32:04 PM] * Vince registers using his fake ID, transfert the fund, then disconnects
[10:33:07 PM] Vince "you got it?"
[10:36:12 PM] Kagi *Liz ::again comes out fro behind the counter and walks to the painting:: "Yes, thank you." ::she passes an electronic key near the frame and a hidden maglock releases the frame fro the wall::
[10:37:01 PM] Kagi *in short order Liz has the frame wrapped in bubble wrap and returns to hand it over to Oscar
[10:37:21 PM] Kagi *Liz "Enjoy, Akihanna is a talented painter."
[10:37:41 PM] Vince "Yeah, she comes here often?"
[10:38:28 PM] Vince "I might have some work for an artist with talent"
[10:38:59 PM] Kagi *Liz ::now in a much better disposition:: "Oh yes. She spends sometime teaching workshops, and in VR through our network."
[10:39:39 PM] Vince "I might have some work for an artist with talent"Nice, she must have her little clique following her around then?"
[10:41:01 PM] Pele "Hopefully this is as good as we need it to be."
[10:42:00 PM] * Vince truns quickly to Pele "Yeah I hope so too."