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Post by wolflet59 on Sept 20, 2008 14:57:26 GMT -5
Headcrack - you are obviously incapacitated - Mao indicated that you were reluctant to continue with his treatment which has left you as a pillar of society..! accepted that your current problem will be difficult while manouvering - in the great words of Saint Cooper.... doctor doctor it hurts when I move my arm... .. . Ah you havnt come across the Venerable Tommy - all suddenly becomes clear with his truths.. not that I am a believer but my ol dad is.. it sort of trickles down.
Two points to raise (heh) if you are incapacitated then you need to seek out a remedy rather than refusing Maos help - he has an accuracy regarding the body that is astounding
there is a bio-medbay available
Look Headcrack - you dont like me - I dont like you but we work together. I appreciate your view of your surroundings I tend to concentrate on the individual and now I suggest there is a resolve to the problem you are facing
that is - whenever you look down....
Freddy delivered the diagnosis with a deadpan manner adding to his busting inner amusment. If headcrack refused treatment he would continue to walk with a limp for a few days.. limp? hahhaha ooerr missuss hahahah
Freddy exited viewing the occupants of the tomato and pointed to each in turn.. cant have wouldnt me- I wasnt here leaves hmmm....
Freddy sat next to Pelch who was taking another sip of 'Dogbolter' between bites of burger
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Post by wolflet59 on Sept 20, 2008 15:01:10 GMT -5
haaa ahh ah ah aa hah barstard...
I really do hope that Mao can sort him out... Mao.. please..? Mao looked at Pelch who shrugged an Mao strolled off into Headcrack's room
You dont like me either Pelch - y'know theres a lot of this going around ... But .. any chance we can get along without having to double check everything here as well as out there?
But what ? You are fraggin useless - you can say you use your magig but the las time I saw anything from you was you sayin you couldnt see yourself in the fraggin mirror.. how full of shit is that! Well done for coming back from a meet with a suit to say his office is checked out.. my arse - Mao could have done that..
Yu know what Fred - you were a pile of crap a month ago - you were a pile of crap dealin with Headcrack and - has anything changed?
Freddy resisted the option to storm out only to have to come back with his head up his arse
What do you want Pelch? some kind of confrontation where I destroy your mind or you slag me off so much I die from embarassment?
You are putting a lot into this set of operations and the rest of us are putting our parts in as well...
I do believe you are pulling down a couple or more salaries so you are getting what you want from it.
The rest of us are on a steep learning curve which is difficult enough. Widow is having to work without violence and I am having to work without magic - that is very tough
how about some leeway?
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Sept 25, 2008 3:15:29 GMT -5
"..... gets to Heaven."
************************************
Janie had called an 'all-hands' meeting with the Z Street crew after a visit from Freddy about Headcrack's medical problem. "Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. It appears our sponsor has decided that due to budget constraints, our services will no longer be required. For some of you this might be in your best interests. The Z Street Facility will be closing down and some of it's members may be retained and moved to other jobs. If so we will contact you directly."
Pelch smiled, "Does this mean I get my house and LIFE back? How soon?"
Janie nodded affirmatively. "All deals will be honored as previously negotiated. However, your Skagit job is null and void. You will be completely freelance from this point on. You are all free to leave. Turn in any equipment that belongs to us which includes communicators, badges or anything else. If you had a SIN from us it will be revoked and the money in your bank accounts will be mailed to any address you specify or is in your records."
Pelch looked at Mao and nodded. Both placed their key cards and communicators on the table then went to put on their normal clothes. Leaving the others behind they went out, got in Mao's car and drove to their home at 5501 University Way NE.
Mao glanced sideways at Pelch. "Now what? That was bit sudden don't you think?"
Pelch shrugged. "Actually I have been expecting this. Let's face it KD&A was paying for results. Results that increase the bottom line not detract from it. So they tried us out to see if we could make it. So far that idea has been one expensive boon-doggle. Government operations are not set up to make money and smart guys like Drassel know that. I figured it was only a matter of time unless we did something really lucrative or spectacular, that Krass and crew would cut their losses. In corps you win some, you lose some. Now they'll go back to doing business the old fashioned way. They'll hire runners who have proved they can do the job and it will be a lot cheaper in the long run."
Mao thought for a moment. "How do you plan to keep the house with no SIN?"
Pelch laughed, "When I bought the house I also acquired two NEW ID's. As you might recall I moved a lot of my assets into those and I had most of yours moved at the same time. One ID is yours and the other is mine. The house is under both those new SIN's and we are a legit SIN group of investors in a small business, busily revitalizing the old decrepit neighborhood we live in. We don't need Z Street to do our jobs and we are going to do one tonight but this time we are going to be on our own and we'll sell our info to the highest bidder."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Think about it a minute. Smythe was interested in information the lawyer had. KD&A was interested in the information the lawyer had. Why don't WE get that information? Tonight? Before anyone else even thinks of going there and making a score? Who knows, after we get it, someone else may pay us a whole lot more to keep us from turning the information over to the other two. The key is to get it."
Mao smiled and made an immediate U-turn catching Pelch off guard and slamming him around. Horns blared and fists were shaken at Mao who ignored them as usual as he now headed south. "Why wait until tonight? The problems we have encountered so far; was that everyone wanted us to be subtle. Keep a low profile. Don't make waves. Why do we have to do that now? Stop thinking like a Z Streeter and get back to some good old fashioned unsubtle brutality. We want to beat the rest of the Z Street, 'X' crew to this guy and we want the information. That means we don't have to wait. We get it or I beat it out of him. So where do we go?"
"219 1st Ave S. The old Seattle Power and Light building . The lawyers name is D. Law. Beat up a lawyer? This could get interesting."
Mao glanced at Pelch with some suspicion. "Dee Law? I thought you said he was a man?
Pelch shrugged, "He is, Why do you think he isn't?
Mao glared, "Because 'Dee' is a girls name. You mean someone saddled some poor guy with a girl's name. Talk about your boys called Sue. Still I guess it all fits. D. Law became a lawyer so he could sue."
Pelch glared at Mao. "Just drive the fragging car."
Ten minutes later Mao and Pelch were parking the car when they saw Freddy and Widow pulling out of the parking lot. "DREK! They got here first. Who would have guessed? C'mon!"
Pelch walked up to the receptionist. "We've come to see Mr. Law but I think I recognized a couple of people who just left here."
The receptionist spoke up brightly. "You must be referring to Mr Frasier Nyles and his wife. They were here for a consultation."
Mao pulled out a Lonestar badge and showed it to her. "Is that what those two con artists told you? Or perhaps your boss is some flim flam scam with them? You validated their parking correct? Call Lonestar immediately, give them a description of the car and the license number and have them both picked up and carefully searched. Impound the car. Tell them I want search warrants on the car, these premises and the home or homes of your boss. Warn them that the man in the car is magically active and the woman may be violent. Tell them also that Captain Krunch, badge # 3318 on UCAS special duty says so and they can verify who I am. In the meantime I better go question your Boss and see if anything was stolen or what he has been up to lately! No one is to leave the building till I say so. Also better have Lonestar send backup to here as well and have them report directly to me. Let them know I'm taking charge of the investigation and will report in with my superiors. They'll understand."
The girl immediately got on the phone as Mao and Pelch nodded to the Security guard. Mao looked at the guard, "When the Lonestar backup gets here tell them what you know. Have them question everyone involved and get details on exactly what the couple was doing here." The guard nodded. Mao and Pelch went into the elevator to go to the lawyers office.
Pelch looked at Mao. "Where did you get a badge? We better not hang around here too long or when they check you out we'll be in the deep drek ourselves."
Mao smiled. "I used to do a little work for the Star and the Yakuza where I have many friends in several criminal organizations. That particular badge number will come up as legit in their computers as belonging to a deep cover operative on special assignment. The operative actually died rather quickly and quietly several years ago and the Star doesn't know he is dead. I have a 'friend' in the Yakuza who keeps the 'account' active with some great undercover work, mostly on their rivals, which we feed to the Star. The Star will leave us strictly alone once it reaches the right people in the food chain and they won't dare interfere with someone who has such a respectable record of arrests, accomplishments and prosecutions. I fact they'll do anything within reason that I tell them to. You see according to all their records, I'm working a very hush hush division in and for the UCAS Criminal Justice, Fraud Division out of Quebec. I have an impeccable record. Just keep quiet and let me handle this. In the meantime Freddy and Widow will get picked up and grilled. If they have ANYTHING incriminating on them or even if they don't, you can bet they'll be out of our way for a long time."
Mao with Pelch following walked into the office and closed the door. Mao looked at the lawyer. "Mr. Dee Law? You sir are in a whole heap of trouble. I'm Captain Krunch, UCAS Criminal Justice, Fraud Division out of Quebec. This may not have to be an OFFICIAL arrest but I will certainly require information and perhaps some corroborative evidence from you." Mao showed the lawyer his badge knowing the receptionist had probably already alerted her boss as too it's legitimacy.
" First, may I ask, what kind of scam are you running with Mr Frasier Nyles and his wife? I've been on their trail ever since they pulled a scam involving aircraft and missiles out in the harbor! I want to see your records and I mean your REAL records not any dime store phonies you brewed up to deal with the tax guys. If you cooperate then I can grant you total immunity. If not? We can wait here for the papers and then we search your home and here and maybe a few other places you frequent and we run you in. I suggest you come clean and cooperate. First though you have the right to remain silent...."
The lawyer looked worried.
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Post by wolflet59 on Sept 25, 2008 16:38:19 GMT -5
It took her three minutes to verify the licence plate the trid pix and link them across to Lonestar.. the low priority APB went out - traffic was alerted - the plates were pulled up five blocks down.
Freddy and Widow were quietly congratulating each other on a plan that had gone well - smooth no frag-ups no explosions.. control would be pleased with their up and coming fieldcraft. The first siren whined out behind them so they pulled across a lane to let them past - the Star in the passenger seat was motioning for THEM! to pull over.. rediculous.. everything had gone so well -
Cack! there must have been something that they had done that gave them away..
Widow got on the comms to the support van currently tailing them- getting the reply sorry guys control says your now on your own - your contract has been pulled.. you are no longer anything to do with us.. but maybe as a good set of citizens we can help these nice gentlemen pull you in.. WHAAAT! The Z Street Facility will be closing down and some of it's members may be retained and moved to other jobs. If so we will contact you directly.
Why the hell diddnt they tell us immediatly? fraggers - 'let the stoopid runners take any blame' all for one my arse..
Here you go Widow - theres a couple of vests back here and theres the ceramic heavy pistols - no doubt this vehicle that Fangs has modified has a few tricks..
I suspect that remaining on the overzoom will make us an easy target so why dont we comply and take the next exit nice an slow, and then we can lose them... first lets get rid of the black van boys - they declare against us - so they go down.
Widow meantime connected to Z street - to confirm that the contracts were out and the fact that they were being pulled over..
Fangs replied with further information Theres a traffic APB for the car - I am just linking that into the Star - seems like the Attorney's office Dee Law has been flagged up with a special category police action - some undercover operative no doubt.. occupants to be section three'd - arrested on sight - thats you
Deep joy.
They could lose the van easily enough - a couple of spells or spirits.. but outrunning the Star radio comms was a lot more difficult. Freddy had taken a few turns around a carpark in a jackrabbit and could reverse OK but combat driving was way beyond him.. Widow was a biker.. and control could potentially override the car.. Give themselves up? noone to help and a carfull of potentially mil-spec electronics wouldnt go down well on their arrest sheet.
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Sept 25, 2008 18:54:48 GMT -5
"Who's there. Fred. Fred Who?
I'M A FRED of the DARK."
******************************
Pelch was amazed. Mao had continued to put pressure on the lawyer until the guy was sweating bullets. They quickly learned that the REAL records were neither at the office or the house. They weren't even being held at the accountants office. They were in a secret lock box in the fragging bank under the name of his dead mother's best friend! It would have taken them forever to find them. Mao's plan however lame-brained on the face of it had worked. With in the hour he had the books in his hot little hands. He had made the Lone Star Troopers make one copy of the records and give it to him and then he had allowed the lawyer to return them.
The lawyer was so thankful to get out of it with immunity that he promised to call Lone star if Nyles or his wife should happen to contact him again. A short while later leaving Lone star to clean up the mess Mao was again driving home while Pelch carefully made two more copies of the records. He would find a safe place to hide them until needed.
Pelch grinned as he finished the copies. "I got to admit it was smooth as silk. We got the goods and after we secure them, all we have to do is contact the interested parties and let the bidding begin. Wouldn't Z Street have a fit if they had known how EASY this whole thing was. Heck with all the contacts everyone had they could have put all kinds of pressure on that guy to cough up instead of running the guys around the hard way. The only problem I have is how can we be sure we got the RIGHT records and not just a good wank?"
Mao nodded thoughtfully in agreement. "Sure he might have had another couple of sets of fake books prepared but it being the Star and him realizing that if he jerks them around they'll be back, tells me it's not likely. Still you're right, we'll have to check out the information BEFORE we go and sell it. The corps would take a dim view if we was to sell them the WRONG info. Especially at the prices you like to charge. you read the file, so what did you learn about the guy interested in Skagit, or maybe BB's Johnson?"
Pelch though for a moment. Dwarfs had good memories. "Well BB's Johnson and the guy interested in Skagit are two different people. It looks to me from these records that BB was playing two sides here."
Mao shrugged, "So what's new? EVERYONE in Z street was playing for two or more groups all along. The smart ones already knew this but never ratted. You, me, Widow, Freddy, Headcrack, maybe even Fang's. So why should I doubt that BB had more than one plan of action going. That's probably why we never seemed to get much done, someone was always stepping on someone else's interest or NuYen chain."
Pelch shrugged. "Right. Everyone was on the take. We figured out that BB must have been working with Wheels on one side. She helped him vanish. She's been helping him to try to get into Skagit. The fragger behind the lawyer is different. According to what the lawyer knows, this guy seems to have spent a considerable amount of NuYen to get Skagit wiped off the map. Now Wheels just wants to break in. This guy wants the facility gone. So what's that tell you?"
"He's the guy behind the eco-terrorists. He's the guy that did the bombings and fires up in the enclave and gave the Rainbows their marching orders. So we got a name on this guy?"
"You got to be kidding. Mr. Johnson of course. Want to try looking in the phone book for Mr. Johnson? You could start with Howard Johnson and you might even get to him in your next life."
"So you're telling me that the info we got is useless but you were going to sell it anyway? Have you gone stupid?"
"Oh you of little faith. Of course not. What it does have is several ways to contact our Mr. Johnson, not that you can contact him directly but you can contact his cutouts and we can trace them back to the source. That is if your lawyer friend doesn't contact the bleeder FIRST and let him know he's been compromised."
Mao smiled and again made a U turn heading back toward the lawyers office. Pelch once again was slammed, without warning, against the door with the bootlegger turn. He cursed fluently in dwarvish for several minutes. Mao ignored this as he did most other things when he was driving. This time a truck not able to stop fast enough rear-ended a bus. Mao ignored the sounds of glass, horns, yells of anger, screams and screeching tires. "Of course. Well Lone Star is still at his place probably bugging the phones and putting the place under watch and he won't call from a location where he thinks the phones will be tapped. It's sad but people have accidents all the time."
Pelch shrugged. It appeared that now that Mao was off the Z Street leash his methods were going to be a little more direct. Pelch wondered how Mao intended to dispose of the body?
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Post by wolflet59 on Sept 28, 2008 10:50:32 GMT -5
I have detected that you are in a state of hightened anxiety do you wish to disengage autopilot and driv yourself or would you like me to run an evade programme ?
You may address me as Igor - I am a light faxcimile of Igor.
there are three location transmitters currently attached to this vehicle do you wish them removing? and six others which you brought inside.
yes to the drive - get us into cover - minimal surveillance.. please. the americar quietly complied with the Star request to pull over then kicked into life taking the sliproad at 60 weaving into the traffic at the bottom as slick as you like then turned taking the underlink in a nimble overtake on the inside then into the tunnel..
In the fifteen seconds the manouver took Freddy had influenced the electonics of the Star patrol vehicle to disfunction.. along witht the siren, their horn went off in a continual blare, all of the lights came on then all went off - something must have happened in the engine as they rolled rather than roared down the sliproad after them..
evasive chameleon employed reducing speed..
they peered around - the trunk had begome a dull green - no longer the shiny black and a gentle whirr would be the plates being adjusted along with the bonnet pannelling. The cams inside the underzoom shouldnt pick up too much of the adjustment not after Freddy had used the accident again this time on the tunnel cams
applying his understanding of electronics was very familiar to Freddy - knowing what sort of things went wrong too - a little power surge here a trickle of water there a loos connection or a gnawed cable.. accidents - all easy to fix - a repair drone would solve most of it within the hour as city maintenance would note the problem and get onto it..
It did mean that by the time the green americar now looking like a different year model pulled gently out of the underway..
the traffic cam prediction routines used to identify a getaway car were well out - and the amount of americars exiting the different lanes would prove too much.
The Black van had been snarled up behind the Star way back..
never a dull moment in this job.. however they wern't in this job any longer it seemed. Control's boys diddnt want to know them
and they were still carrying tags. they needed to get a bugdetec on them. The Laywer's office should have picked up any signals.. Freddy wondered if the tansmit could be powered down the restart in a certain time. Stood to reason. they get to the offices turn off the transmit for an hour and a half then it begins to resend. the tiny transmitters would be short range so there ought to be a couple of bigger ones..
Widow opened the case and checked the fuzzypak packing - sure enough a standard 2K transmitter. She kept the two ceramic pistols in their shrinkwraps - that kept any close-in chemsniffers baffled and slid them into her belt at her back.
They quickly checked their coats - nothing was obvious. Widow rolled down the window and threw the case into the back of a skip-waggon - if there was another long range transmitter in there then both would soon be in resyk.
Freddy peeled off the face-highlights that registered him as Frasier Nyles and flicked them after the case
Thanks Igor.. now what Widow?
Mr Fangs suggests you park this and get the trans back to Z street to black bag your gear if you wish to collect it.
that you Fangs?
"The number you have reached has been disconnected. Please consult your directory and dial again. 432-11.
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Sept 29, 2008 16:41:27 GMT -5
"... grows up in Australia, goes to live in America and dies in New Orleans, what is she?"
*****************************
"Dead." "stated Pelch looking at Mao. "Don't you think that's a bit extreme at this point? What's that guy ever done to you?"
Mao spoke quietly, "You never used to be so finicky when it came to eliminating people. You taught me that. It's better not to leave loose ends dangling about. Think of it this way. We have the information he had. Killing him will not only keep him from warning or passing on the information to others, it makes the info we already have that much more valuable. The trick on having a secret is for fewer people to have that secret. Anything else is stupid. Since I've known you, you've been into survival and putting good old Number One first. Why the change now?"
Pelch thought about it, but didn't have an answer. Mao was right. Mao sensed this and continued to drive by the building waiting for the lawyer to come out. He did not have to wait long. A short while later the lawyer came out and started to walk south. Mao started to follow him down the street slowly picking up speed as he stayed in the traffic pattern so he would excite no interest. No quick starts, or screeching tires to give anything away or to attract the eye. As they approached the target Mao calmly rolled down his window, just enough as if he was tossing a cigarette, something thousands did everyday. He continued to blend with the crowd, doing normal things.
At the last moment the lawyer seemed to get a clue that he was in danger but it was too late. The black metal dart aided by the speed of the vehicle flashed out of Mao's hand like he was tossing away a cigarette and it hit the lawyer right between the eyes. The lawyer collapsed on his face. Mao continued to drive around the block exciting no notice in the busy street and it was some moments before the crowd stopped to look at the body that had collapsed so abruptly. It wasn't until they turned it over that they saw the real cause of death.
Pelch smiled slightly as Mao rolled up the window and maintained the traffic speed again headed North toward the house. He spoke to Mao, "Of course you realize that this death and the means of death will be on the news."
"So? They have absolutely nothing linking us to said incident. My darts are made of a timed plastic that will melt long before a forensics team arrives especially in this crowd. How many other deaths are there in this cesspit of a city anyway? One more accidental or otherwise killing will mean nothing unless someone stands to gain a whole lot of NuYen from it and most don't even know what this guy had or who he even was. We have the ONLY good copies of the information available. The lawyers copy was returned to where he hid it and only HE knew where that was. It will sit there for a long time. The copies you have are what counts."
"That wasn't the problem, idiot. I agree you did the job right. However, Johnson is going to hear on the news that his Number One Guy just died under strange circumstances. That means the contact information we have for him is going to be useless. We won't be able to track him back. If we do? He'll know we're coming and will set a trap for us. That just made the stuff I've read so far, useless. At least for the moment. I've only skimmed it though so why don't we head home, have some food and get some rest. I'll go over these papers tomorrow and maybe we can find a gold nugget in there somewhere."
"You're right about one thing though. This Johnson is not going to expect anyone from the old Z Street crowd as having done the deed, UNLESS he is able to get a gander at the Security tapes and sees Widow and Freddie casing the place first. I made sure that Lone Star erased your and my images off the security tapes before I left. So all Johnson has to go on is some Lone Star troopers reports, your false badge which takes him to a place he may not want to go or at least a dead end, and The Widow and her pet snake. I think he'll suspect KD&A or Lone Star before he comes after anyone else though unless the Tonfa Tart and her pet snake left some evidence behind that might incriminate them. That would make it the end of a perfect day."
Mao looked at Pelch, "I want dumplings tonight and bean curd." Pelch made a face. He hated BEAN CURD!
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Sept 30, 2008 16:56:44 GMT -5
Mao pulled into the underground garage and was surprised to see a familiar limo parked inside near Pelch's bike. "I thought you said this building had security in it or did you arrange for some house guests?"
Pelch glared at the limo and stated in a snarky high pitched tone of voice, "YES, I have some security on the place and NO, I didn't invite any fragging house guests. Do I LOOK like the kind of guy that would have HOUSE guests? Maybe 'Wanker did me the favor of eating the remains and I can sell all their stuff to make up for the aggravation! If this is a message from fragging Z Street to come back to the fold and sit on my hoop while everyone tries to make up their collective minds about what they think they should do, I'm going to shoot the fraggers!"
Mao brought the car to a stop and shut down the engine as Pelch slammed the door open, jumped out and slammed it shut. Mao winced but luckily the car, which had been outfitted as a stunt vehicle with a whole mess of tricks was able to take the abuse. Mao shrugged, got out, locked the car and leisurely followed the rapidly retreating Pelch as he went up the stairs toward the living quarters. He looked around a bit curiously because this was the first time he had actually been in the new house.
Pelch charged up the stairs, opened the unlocked security door, which was supposed to have been securely locked and booby trapped and charged straight into BB who was just coming around the corner from the kitchen! She was carrying a plate of food which consisted of some kind of chicken and rice meal with peas, and a large fruity red drink. She was dressed in a very fluffy, large white robe with a towel wrapped around her head. She had obviously just had a shower. The towel and robe had both been stolen by Pelch from Z street and was marked with it's gold 'Z' logo. The food and drink flew as Pelch slammed into her and she sat down hard showing a large expanse of leg as well as other interesting things.
Pelch's mouth fell open at the sight of all that expanse of skin and his face turned red and he quickly turned his back on the woman. He was speechless. Mao having heard the crash had silently come quickly up to the door and seeing the problem quickly turned his back as well. BB was too busy yelling at Pelch, to rearrange her clothing. She had obviously been surprised and startled by the sudden appearance of the dwarf. Mao found this amusing.
"Frag It, Pelch. What the steaming Pyle'O'Drek is your problem. Can't you enter a room like a NORMAL person? You made me spill my meal all over the place! "
Fang's had looked up from the holo at the crash and was watching now with some amusement as Mao and Pelch both with red faces were standing with their backs turned to the partially clothed BB as she yelled at them. He smiled in amusement. Wanker had been curled up next to Fang's and wandered over and started to calmly scarf the food off the floor. Pelch glared at the supposed guard dog and thought; {TRAITOR!}
Pelch recovered quickly. "Look you shameless tart, fix yourself, before Mao decides you're a bar girl looking for his two NuYen! For your information this is MY fragging house. Put your clothes on and explain to me why I shouldn't call Lone Star to haul your degenerate hoop away for Grand Theft Food!"
Fang's spoke up quietly, "Actually, that would be very stupid Pelch. BB is your Johnson. You may have been kicked to the curb by KD&A as well as Smythe down on Z Street, but BB is still paying both YOU and Mao to do a job. She has been paying you as well as your partner through all of this. That still makes her your boss. Since you have been out of contact with her and been unable to give a report she decided to meet with you and Mao. What better place than here where everyone has already been? This would be the last place anyone would look."
BB had suddenly realized her state of undress and had quickly stood and rearranged her clothing her face red. She smiled tentatively at Mao as he and Pelch turned about. "Have you no shame, trying to peek at a woman while she is just finishing a shower?" The girl scolded Pelch. Mao snickered as Pelch's mouth fell open again in shock at the unfair comment.
BB continued, "Of course Fang's is correct. I left several taps in the Z Street computer so I knew what was going on. Once they left here, I pulled the access codes to your house that they had filed away and moved in. No one came back here and it did seem to be the safest place to wait to contact you. As for the food, I didn't steal any, I brought my own."
Mao spoke as he adjusted his hat, "Did you by chance make dumplings or Bean Curd?" Pelch glared at his partner in abject disgust. " "Stop thinking about your stomach." Pelch turned back to BB. "In case you missed the events, we were transfered to Smythe and then the job at Skagit was terminated. We've been compromised anyway and I doubt we can give your Johnson any more than we have. So why aren't you going back to KD&A or looking for a new job?"
BB looked down her nose at Pelch, "Do you REALLY think I want to go back to work for KRASS? The NAN hasn't shown me much either. Besides we still have a job to do. Just because you got fired from the job doesn't mean we shouldn't re-plan what we are going to do. We are still on the payroll until the Johnson let's us go. We need to hear from him before we decide the run is over. I already sent my Johnson the information about where we are now. Unfortunately, we are going to need a place to work from."
Mao snickered as Pelch got a look of panic on his face, "You don't mean....." Fang's smiled toothily.
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Oct 1, 2008 6:39:43 GMT -5
"The only kind of fortune that never seems to miss."
********************************
BB, Fangs and Mao were watching the holo and eating him out of house and home. BB had fixed Mao his dumplings and bean curd. She even offered some to Pelch. YEECH! That traitorous mutt, Wanker, was with them snoozing like a fat happy lap puppy, some fragging guard dog! Pelch glowered at the laughing group from the kitchen and was heartily ignored by all. Just when he thought he had gotten away from all the idiots? DOOM TWO, the Revenge of the Morons! Why couldn't anyone besides him get their own place?
He had suggested to the group that they take over Mao's OLD pad and his room down at the Sinking Ship. His words had fallen on deaf ears. According to agreements in the group, (which appeared to him to be the first time they agreed on anything) it was more REASONABLE to move in here. Why make purchases for three households rather than one, they quoted sanctimoniously to him. It was also IMPORTANT (to them) to be able to 'keep in touch'. HOGWASH! It was just another way to freeload as far as he could see. Pelch plotted looking for ways to toss the whole lot out as the others talked.
"I'm surprised that you and Pelch were able to come up with such a nice place. When I looked at it from the outside it didn't seem like much, but the interior has been renovated nicely. The front shop seems to be doing a thriving business as a fix-it and pawn shop and from what I hear has been supplying specialized guns and equipment to order. That's made it very convenient to get parts without showing our faces out in the streets much. I wasn't too surprised that Pelch found a way of turning a profit on his dealings, he seems to have a knack for making NuYen. Still it IS a dwarf trait, but I'm surprised more dwarves aren't accountants. " BB remarked to Mao with a smile.
ACCOUNTANTS! Himself? The VERY GOBWIT from a race of warriors and heroes? An ACCOUNTANT! A job for gnomes. The slitch must pay.
Fang's drinking a venomous purple/reddish drink nodded in agreement. "The store in the front and a garage in the back, that is an extension off the building was a nice touch. It looks like the garage was used as an automobile repair facility at one time. It has the lifters and heavy equipment you would need for car work. I brought most of my tools and diagnostic equipment and installed it in there and started to fix up some of the locals and university students vehicles. I've even taken in some custom repair work to make some money on the side. We can turn that into a pretty good business too. With BB's help in the matrix we could supply cold vehicles for other runners and get paperwork they need for their runs. That could be pretty lucrative once the word gets out."
Sure thought Pelch, {I'm paying for the water, power and all the stuff you use. I might even have to give the Star a cut to keep them from busting all our hoops, but you numb-skulls ain't thought of any of that yet. Maybe even the mob will want of piece of the action and who will they see? ME that's WHO! I'm sure you're all making a profit off me you fragging freeloaders.} If looks could kill Fang's would have a stake in his heart right now. Mao spoke up calmly.
"Sounds good. Stay as long as you want. We have plenty of room here. Five bedrooms, two bath rooms, living room, kitchen, even a attic area. maybe we should even make it permanent."
Pelch was ready to perform vivisection on his partner.
"Six bedrooms and three baths now. Still that's a wonderful idea. I found the attic and there was some old junk in there. We sold that down in the shop for a really fantastic amount, enough so that I could get the guys down there to come up and renovate that attic into another bedroom and bathroom for me and a matrix room with some special jacks so I could matrix run from there. Who would have thought that worthless junk was worth so much? I've been doing some data steals and information dumps for Nuyen and we've done fairly well at that too. This could be a new base for us."
Pelch was about to explode! WORTHLESS JUNK! His workshop area in the attic with all the security spare parts, spare thieves tools, except the ones he had gotten from Corndork, which was around his middle in the special belt. All his very expensive practice locks, key makers, even the safes he was learning to crack? ALL GONE! The slitch had sold it all? Probably for a QUARTER of what it was really worth! All his hard stolen stuff gone! Pelch was in despair and put his face in his hands.
"Good idea." Mao stated to BB. "It seems we have the makings of a first rate run team. The best part is we already made a run and got the information from that lawyer. So if we are still working for the guy who hired the lawyer as you say, just closing that loophole from Smythe and KD&A should net us a nice bonus with your Johnson. I'll bet he'll be real happy we closed that loophole." Mao started to explain what he and Pelch had done without telling Fang's or BB that he had actually killed the lawyer. He just mentioned that he 'heard' that the lawyer had been killed, possibly by Freddy or Widow still working for Z Street in some way.
Pelch rose from the chair and walked out of kitchen and went down the stairs to the garage. The others didn't even notice. He had to get out for a bit before he killed them all. Now all he needed was for Freddy, Widow, Wheels or Headcrack to show up. He started to think seriously about taking a course in demolitions and bomb making. At least he could collect on the insurance.
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Post by wolflet59 on Oct 1, 2008 16:43:57 GMT -5
The security scans registered a big NO on the elf biff and the Frasier Nyles address and company were still being dug into - the guy was tough to track down. The public assassination of the attorney made the noos - towards the end but before the funnies.. The Star had little to go on but the tipoff from one of their deep operatives (Thank God SOMEONE around here is earning their keep....) ..shouted the Superintendant...
Freddy an Widow strolled out of the carpark wearing a change of gear and a smogmask apice leaving Fang's Americar behind. A few stops later on the transit system and a short walk got them to Z-street looking for some answers.
The desk guard requested their comms and z-street cardswipes, exchanged their docwaggon bracelets for copies (originals?) and asked for a pair of Infiltrators. Upon recieving a stare from Widow he shrugged and gave them each a key. They had already been 'black bagged' and were allowed to collect their personals from lockers on the groung floor. Access to the basement denied.
They swept each other and all of their gear down with the bugscanner from his electronics kit pulling off the two short range transmitters doubling up as the gold covers to Freddy's jackplugs and a sub-cutaneous implant on each of them mid-spinal area. If there were biosamples then they ought to deteriorate in a month or so.. they both checked their bank accounts noting their recent transactions.
So Control isnt going to show her face or send a goon along to explain what went wrong.. flamin typical ..
I dont think it was in their interests to drop us in it - why point the finger at operatives or rather ex-operatives? If they wanted to keep quiet about the job then they keep quiet - Control doesnt do things out of spite - it is all calculated.
I'm listening..
The job was well planned - we had good personal stories too. This smacks of a leak - someone sold us to the Star. What have we got..? we go in to recce for the attorney's papers come out and suddenly we are pulled over. It has to be after we leave that we get dropped into it. Someone knows we leave then causes a stir - why? Smokescreen to go in and snatch the data then kill the guy. Who would be so weasly to do that?
You got Pelche's addresses? Thought not..but if we get hold of him soon then we rest on him to remove whatever clever pressure he has brought to bear - diddnt he work for the Star? or his Skagit position ought to hold some weight with the City. We get him to unpoint the finger.
Once we find him
Or we ask someone nicely who has had access to Z-street personell files. Fangs or Headcrack. Fangs helped us out back there but Headcrack is a mercenary. What was the end result of the files.. to track down the J who hired BB who hired Pelch an Mao for the Skagit run. I know BB ducked out with Fangs' help so I would go with the money up front and Headcrack.
they turned and strolled back to the Ace Tomato - asking the desk guard nicely if either Fangs or Headcrack had left the building. With the reply that 'the spook had gone earlier and there's a key with Headcrack's name on it' sealed the deal.
Personal call for Headcrack - we got some biz to discuss if youre interested... We'lll be across the road at the soup bar.
Widow - we clear ourselves quickly then I am off to see Meg - If you need a place to stay theres our waterfront shop we still got - there was a guy called Glacier staying a while back a real big guy, place should be secure..
They both spent a while checking up on old aquaintences they had purposely avoided contacting recently - sliding into the darkness of the stall curtains seemed quite natural - old habits...
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Oct 2, 2008 12:49:01 GMT -5
BB noted Pelch walking out the door. She could sense something wrong. She looked at Mao. "Pelch doesn't look to happy. Could it be that he doesn't want us here? Maybe we shouldn't have invited ourselves along."
Mao adjusted his hat. "Now that's not it at all. Pelch is ALWAYS angry about something. He's just not a real people person. He's never going to admit that he's glad to see you. That's not his style. If he was really out to get you he'd be smiling and nice whilst looking for an opportunity to stick in the knife. Headcrack should have learned that by now if nothing else. So nice, equitable, thoughtful? That's when Pelch is the most dangerous. Grumpy is part of his nature."
"He does do that well. So given he just went out the door and down the stairs I suspect he is up to something. Maybe someone should go AFTER him to keep him out of trouble?"
"I'm sure Pelch is capable of handling any trouble. He may not like us playing nanny."
"Actually, I was more thinking about him getting US into trouble. I know Pelch has his own ways of handling things but a lot of times it means he shuffles them off on people he knows."
"You do have a point. Maybe I better go see what he's up too. He's used to me following him around. In the meantime why don't you get some rest. I'm sure Pelch will be his usual self by tomorrow." Mao adjusted his hat, went out the door and down the stairs. Pelch's bike and sidecar were still there so that meant he would have exited by the side door and then gone down the ally. Mao quickly and silently darted out the door and out to the end of the ally and looked quickly both ways on University Avenue. Pelch was heading South West. It was impossible to miss Pelch's duck style walk. Still Mao was ready. He remembered how fast Pelch could be when he wanted to. Mao crossed the street and kept pace tailing the dwarf.
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Post by wolflet59 on Oct 2, 2008 13:17:11 GMT -5
he's got a lot smarter recently - less animal cunning more thinking it through - an endorsement of your implants Headcrack.
and he owes us a good few grand..
So nothing to do with rippin then removin the laywer and puttin you in th picture for the Star to collect? Not to mention the potential that there is now a bundle of expensive files up for grabs.
ah - there is that..
You realise too that if the Star have you as their number one suspects then that intel will currently be in the hands of anyone else who may have an interest in the goods
hadnt thought about that - which means other interested parties would like a few words with us. Fragger really does have some kinda ability to make a mountain out of a molehill.
So we catch up with him - anyone looking for the goods finds both of us - so we make it in his interests to clear our names and sell the goods quick.
So cnu trace him down?
600 and a cut
of what?
the sale price.. - look its cheap because you will find him soon enough so I may as well get something from it now. Insurance will be a couple of fone fotos of Widow at the front door which could easily blow their cover.
Suddenly it seemed that any share of the sale was not going to go very far.. served Pelch right anyway....
hah! done!
It wasnt long before the three of them stepped off the two bikes two blocks away. Freddy scanned the shop and upper windows through his magic eye - a simple spell that gave a different viewing point.. great for peering into upstairs windows from way bak down the road out of sight of the house ... ten minutes later..
you want the good news?
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Oct 2, 2008 22:13:28 GMT -5
"Pelch was arrested for shop lifting. When he went before the judge he asked him, "What did you steal?" Pelch replied, "A can of peaches." The judge asked him why he had stolen them and he replied that he was hungry. The judge then asked him how many peaches were in the can. He replied six. The judge then said, "I will give you 6 days in jail. Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment Mao arose in the gallery and asked the judge if he could say something. The judge said, " What is it? " Mao said "He also stole a can of peas."
*****************************
Pelch wandered down the road, not really caring where he was going. After some time of walking toward the downtown area he decided to stop off and grab a quick supper at a local McBeasts. He quickly purchased twenty soy-burgers, one soy shake, strawberry, a popular fizzy drink, some soy chicken nuggets with assorted sauces and a large amount of soy fries. It was enough food to give an elephant a heart attack. Picking a booth in the back away from the window he sat and ate it all.
By the time he was finished it was just starting to get dark. He was not quite as mad now that he had some food but he still wasn't real happy with the picture of his life. Maybe Mao had a thing for the slitch. Well the guy was young. Probably do him good to get his pipes cleaned. Still there was the tax-man to watch out for and of course crime. It would only be a matter of time that they would be coming round to pay their respects, and sell 'fire insurance'. Of course that crowd wouldn't want him to pay and that would only add to the problems.
Then there was the work. BB's job would probably end when she turned the lawyers papers over to the Johnson. Pelch had made three copies and left all three at the house. Let BB have them. He was going to have to look for other work on the side. Luckily, he could keep the house even without the Skagit or Z Street job. He was part owner in the fix-it business. A silent partner yes, but it was enough for him to be able to retain his SIN. There was no help for it. He was going to have to go visit the crime boss of the neighborhood and schmooze him up. It would be better if Pelch approached him rather than waiting for the inevitable gangers and such to start causing trouble.
The local crime boss was one Victor Polumbo nicknamed 'The Plumber'. He didn't have such a colorful name because he installed toilets. He started his criminal career as muscle and strikebreaker and his favorite 'tool' was three feet of solid plasteel pipe. Now he ran the numbers, prostitution, gambling, and strong arm rackets in Pelchs chosen area. As Pelch started to approach the guard post to Polumbo's house Mao stepped out beside him startling the dwarf.
"Where you going, partner?"
"If you must know I'm going to the local crime boss to make a deal before he sends his goons around to burn us out. While you and the other fruit-loops were talking about how we are going to be so rich you forgot that little detail is going to generate some interest. Money always does. So I'm going to head it off at the pass."
"Maybe you should let me handle that."
Pelch was again surprised. "You mean to tell me your actually volunteering to deal with this guy? Don't make me laugh. You'll get us in the deep drek when they find his body. I think I better do this myself."
Mao leaned against a light pole and adjusted his hat. "Master. Trust me. I will deal with this situation. I'll even arrange for him to keep the Star and the UCAS tax people off your back. I won't even threaten or bruise him. As a matter of fact I won't even see him directly. I'll prove it to you. Give me two days. If the situation has not corrected itself to your satisfaction I'll pay the costs out of my own pocket."
Pelch looked at Mao strangely. Something about the way Mao talked had changed. He couldn't put his finger on it but instinct told him to back off. Pelch trusted his instincts. It had kept him alive on the streets. "Alright partner. I'll give you two days. I just hope you know what you're doing. I saw a bar back aways let's go get a few drinks and maybe get drunk. Heck we might even pick up a couple of joy girls, it's been a while"
Mao smiled slightly. "That sounds perfect but it's your turn to buy the round.
A short while later whilst Pelch was ordering the beers with some snacks and trying to hit on the dwarf waitress. The Beast made a phone call to Lan Ping. "Master!" Lan Ping stated when he heard the voice. The Beast spoke quickly. for Pelch would be suspicious if he stayed on the phone too long. Lan swore that it would be done. Satisfied Mao returned to the table. Pelch was in a better mood now. Mao smiled.
Freddy and Widow had staked out the house and it was now starting to get late and neither Pelch or Mao had shown up at the house. They knew that the duo had been there because Mao's car was parked near Pelchs bike. Surprisingly, there as well was Fang's limo. The startling part was BB was also there with Fang's. Freddy had felt like kicking his own hoop. BB must have been at pelchs place hiding out. He hated that fragging dwarf. Pelch was so slick he'd slide right out of his own coffin as stinking ooze.
Fang's was getting some sleep. BB was decking in the attic. Suddenly Widow looked at Freddy and pointed. Six very large men got out of a large black car. They quickly took up positions around Pelchs house. They seemed to be watching the place.
"Mafia." She hissed. 'I wonder what they did to get organized crime on their hoops."
Freddy looked at one of the goons guarding the front. The guy was a mage and fairly powerful. Freddy could make out the glow of several combat fetishes. The guy was a goat shaman.
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Post by Pelch Gobwit on Oct 3, 2008 9:08:38 GMT -5
"... look for Kitty Litter."
*******************************
The dream on the other side of the wall was starkly different than the torch lit maze Quick had been traveling in so long. He wondered idly how long he had been away from his body. Maybe he was already dead from exposure. Maybe he was in that Christian Hell people used to be so fascinated with. It had to be a dream because where else could he have come up with a talking cat?
Quick looked around. Yep, a fragging desert. Nothing but fragging sand, hot sun, maybe some cactus in the distance and angry red clouds near the horizon. Place was fragging deserted which seemed to make sense for a word with a desert in it. He looked at the small cat by his side. "OK, so where do we go from here?" He asked the cat expectantly. The cat didn't even look at him but sat down and started washing herself.
"How should I know. You're the one that's lost and seeking. The cat looked around at the desert with little interest. "Looks to me like your still LOST. I don't know why I agreed to help you at all. Your pathetic. I keep showing you the way and you keep ignoring everything you learn.
Quick looked confused and frustrated. "You're right I'm confused. What is it exactly that you're trying to teach me or is that some secret you'll give me in riddles as well?"
"Finally it begins to ask the RIGHT question and realizes it knows nothing! Look cub ling, you are trying to become a mage. The problem is your approach to it is all wrong! First your impatient! A mage must exercise restraint both in his use of the power and in his life. You don't see CAT going nuts when it's well fed. Play yes, sleep yes, but when your hunting, as you are now, you have to be stealthy, determined and deliberate. Think like a CAT you stupid hairless ape, then think like a mage."
Quick sat down. Maybe he had been in too much of a hurry. First you had to think like a cat. His partner had made it easy there. He was supposed to be hunting for his totem. Think of it like a large mouse. Something tasty and helpless and small and edible. He could play with it first, just for practice. That part was easy but he didn't see how it was going to put him on the right path to actually getting there. Then it hit him like a bolt of lightning!"
He didn't have a cat's senses so he was still relying on human senses. If he was going to be a cat shaman he had to see things the way a cat would see them. Wasn't there an ancient song about a cat called Rum Rum Tugger? That might be just what he needed. After all he was here to make a change.
Hmm. A male cat the female cats really liked. That might fit. Slowly but gathering force Quick started to sing trying to use a cats voice and making it a cat's song. the hardest part would be trying to make a cat's personality fit his own! It turned out easier than he thought. He had a lot in common.
"I want what I don't have, and don't want what's offered to me. The one thing that I do enjoy is being the center of attention."
His partner cat started to sing as well. "The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat.
"If you offer me pheasant, I'd rather have grouse If you put me in a house, I would much prefer a flat If you put me in a flat, I would rather have a house If you set me on a mouse, then I only want a rat If you set me on a rat, then I'd rather chase a mouse"
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat"
"And there isn't any need for me to shout it
"For he will do as he did do" "And there's nothing doing about it"
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore"
"When you let me in, then I want to go out I'm always on the wrong side of every door And as soon as I'm at home, then I'd like to get about I like to lie in the bureau drawer And I make such a fuss if I can't get out"
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat"
"And there isn't any need for you to doubt it"
"For he will do as he did do"
"And there's no doing anything about it"
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast"
"My disobliging ways are a matter of habit If you offer me fish, then I always want a feast When there isn't any fish, then I won't eat rabbit If you offer me cream, then I sniff and sneer For I only like what I find for myself So you'll catch me in it right up to my ears If you put it away on the larder shelf
"The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing
Doesn't care for a cuddle But I'll leap upon your lap in the middle of your sewing For there's nothing I enjoy like a horrible muddle
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn't any need for me to spout it "For he will do as he did do"
And there's nothing doing about it!
As the song conclude Quick looked at himself. The colors had all changed. He was seeing in shades of green for dark colors and shades of pink for light colors. It was very strange. He also noted that he now appeared to be a very large pink cat with green stripes. His hearing had improved as well and he twitch an ear. How strange to be able to hear directionally. He also noted the the desert was not as deserted as he had thought. He heard mice and rodents. He felt different. Stronger, faster. He looked about him. Near him was a large pile of what looked like DREK! Smelled like it too. He thought wrinkling his cats nose in distaste.
"That was the stuff you had in you, that kept you from being what you really are. You made the mess. You bury it. Now you should have enough magic for us to go meet cat."
The Tugger known as Quick started to scrape the sand over the Drek.
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Post by wolflet59 on Oct 5, 2008 11:17:59 GMT -5
Pelch an Mao arnt there - I would guess that this is a show of strength - else they would have been through the back door, collected what they wanted and out
seems strange to have a committee without the guests of honour. For the life of me I cant think why Pelch would want to organise the sale of those documents openly and from his place... he kinda likes the house an home thing..
Soneone going to come a-calling in a very obvious manner. indicates there is a powerplay.. anything in their files that would link Fangs BB Pelch or Mao to receiving a big-time visitor Headcrack?
there are a few links an I think that it has to be Pelch an Mao - like you said if these guys wanted someone or something they would have been in, grabbed and gone. So they are waiting nicely.
you going to tell us about it or just let us whistle..?
Need to know intel from Z-street
What about warning BB and Fangs..?
No need - this is all organised - though it is an ideal way to re-introduce ourselves and take a slice
what ever happened to being plain nice?
nice got found wanting, executed and buried along with her followers years ago.. thought you would have realised that by now there isnt room for nice.
I got Fangs number.. send him a warning message to contact Pelch.. with us a s backup if needs be?
sounds reasonable..
Hello Fangs - repaying the help you provided earlier - you got visitors. Seven outside. Looks like they are waiting for someone bigger. Give me a call if you want help..
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