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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on Nov 7, 2008 12:25:54 GMT -5
Cowboy's Flat, Redmond Barrens, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:43:15
The last fading chord of "In My Tree" by Pearl Jam is suddenly cut short by the buzzing of the Novatech Airware's incoming call. Replacing the music is a stern faced female ork with a square jaw and profressional haircut. She smiles politely and begins to speak in very formal English with a hint of a Chinese accent.
"Xià wu hao Cowboy, it is a pleasure to speak with you. My employer asks that you meet with him at 6:00pm this evening at The Peaceable Kingdom in Tacoma. I am forwarding the address to your commlink now. He will answer all of your questions then. Zài jiàn."
Her face disappears from the Novatech's AR display and the bleak reality of the flat fades back into view. The worn beige carpet and the cracked plaster walls have seen better days. Angel Eyes hops from one leg to the other atop a dresser missing all but one of its drawers, the soy substitute most be getting old to her too.
Sublime Lion's Apartment, Downtown, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:45:23
The Qi seems to be flowing well today. The meandering river overhead refreshes the spirit following an all-night session of Dunkelzahn's Quest XII. The slow moving water continues to trickle by, barely visible as a new message icon blinks steadily in the lower left corner of vision. Ignored while entranced by the final raid encounter, the message now seems very urgent. Walking casually over the the counter for a freshly harvested tomato, the message appears as an ork female, who speaks in slightly frustrated tones,
"Xià wu hao Sublime Lion, I am sorry if this message disturbs you, but my employer asks that you meet with him at 6:00pm this evening at The Peaceable Kingdom in Tacoma. I am forwarding the address to your commlink now. He will answer all of your questions then. Zài jiàn."
Attached to the message is a Tacoma address for a Chinese restaurant. The lighting in the apartment is especially good today as the sun has begun to reappear from behind the heavy clouds of acidic rain which have plagued Seattle for years.
Blankface's Apartment, The Docks, Everett, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:47:43
The ceiling fan whirling lazily overhead provides some white noise to mask the bustling noise of the docks outside. This second floor apartment above one of the distributers had been cheap and easily defendable through the long narrow steps leading up through the interior of the building. Sunlight seemed to finally have the upperhand against the gloom that had so pervaded this area for the last few weeks. A series of weapons lay spread out on a low coffee table which is being held up by three legs and an old Russian army mess kit. They are in various states of completeness, with parts lined up in neat rows, occasionaly glinting from a wayward ray of light. The CMT Clip begins to buzz its way across the table, vibrating the carefully laid out parts in all directions. An ork woman appears when the call is finally answered. She appears to be of Chinese decent, but speaks in formal English.
"Xià wu hao Blankface, it is a pleasure to speak with you. My employer asks that you meet with him at 6:00pm this evening at The Peaceable Kingdom in Tacoma. I am forwarding the address to your commlink now. He will answer all of your questions then. Zài jiàn."
She hangs up the call as abruptly as she interupted this ritual of cleaning and checking. The parts lay scattered on the table now, but a profound memory of firearms allows the mind to reconstruct each weapon in a matter of minutes.
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Deej
Senior Member
Posts: 342
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Post by Deej on Nov 7, 2008 15:39:44 GMT -5
Blankface's Apartment, The Docks, Everett, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:47:22
"Bout time I got some work." Blankface itches at the stubble on the side of his face and reorganizes the parts on the table to his nice layout he had before his comm rang. I probably oughta shave, look all nice for these people. He looks at the address sent to him. He tends to think aloud plenty when he's at home. "Tacoma, let's see...with the end of the day rush, might take an hour and a half to get there..." He reassembles his guns with the speed that comes from years of practice and expertise, shaves, and puts on the nicest outfit he has available.
Thursday 4/10/70 16:12:17
As Blankface walks out to his truck, he checks his radar sense to see if anyone's in any position to notice his coming or going, and also looks around with his normal vision once he steps outside, just to make sure no one's watching as he puts his 2066's into his leg compartments, and the rest of his firearms/accessories into his truck's smuggling compartments. He then heads out for Tacoma. It'll take time getting there and finding parking.
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Post by Dave on Nov 7, 2008 16:44:04 GMT -5
Sublime Lion's Apartment, International District, Downtown Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:57:12
Work. Yes, I do need the money, I suppose. And it sounds like a nice enough place to meet. Maybe this Mr. Johnson will be less... unrefined than some of the others I've had to work with. Best to get ready to make a good impression, then. Looking wistfully at the majestically flowing river, the thin man walks over to his closet and begins taking out his protective suit, followed quickly by long Chinese robes, designed in the traditional style. He takes a deep breath and releases it. "Once more into the breech we go."
Thursday 4/10/70 16:23:46
Carefully making sure everything is perfect about himself before leaving, the Sublime Lion wishes once more that he had learned to use a gun. Pointing a gun at someone is just more threatening than a fist, no matter if you do know how to fight. He carefully leaves his home, making sure the door is properly locked and sealed before walking down the path to the street front. He smiles as one of his neighbors walks by with a quick "Hoi!" that he returns. His cab is just pulling up to the walk as he arrives. I'll have to give this guy a decent tip for being on time. One would never guess that this is one of the infamous shadowrunners of Seattle just by looking at the smallish man riding in the back of a rush-hour cab, lost in some augmented world that few around him share.
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Post by tokyosexwale on Nov 9, 2008 1:12:15 GMT -5
Cowboy's Flat, Redmond Barrens, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:57:33
Roland nods silently as the vid fades out and is replaced by a view of his cracked apartment wall. Sighing, he brings up a search on his com, for "The Peacable Kingdom." Ha, nothing is ever peacable for long where Johnsons and shadowruns are concerned. At least not from what my experience tells me. Having searched for the usual, clients, dress code, rules and regs, Roland ends his search and moves to pick up his duster and hat. Angel Eyes caws excitedly from the dresser top. "You know the drill, not tonight," Roland smiles, breaking off some more soy for her. "I'll be back soon."
Stepping out onto the street Roland moves to the alley, making sure he is unwatched. After seeing his Growler is as he left it, Roland deactivates the security system, loads up his nav, and heads off towards his destination.
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on Nov 9, 2008 16:29:47 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 17:32:49
The Peaceable Kingdom appears among crowded storefronts in Little Asia. The sign, written both in English and Mandarin Chinese, is old and seems to blend in among the many fluorescent signs that surround it in vibrant greens, blues, and purples. There is a great deal of bustle about the area as the citizens push their way through crowded street merchants whose AR advertisements flood every active commlink with offers of cheap knockoff goods.
After closing out the spam, another image replaces it in augmented reality, eastern dragons flow across the clean glass windows, partially hiding the packed interior full of customers inside the small dining room. Inside the front door, stands an ancient Chinese woman behind a hostess podium, greeting those who enter and thanking those who are leaving. There is no noticeable security outside nor does anyone seen through the windows appear to be openly armed.
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Deej
Senior Member
Posts: 342
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Post by Deej on Nov 9, 2008 19:42:57 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 17:32:49
Blankface steps out and looks the place over. He's taken up the guise of "James Stark", his current "runner business" ID. He left "Tony Castle" back at his apartment, and if anyone were tracking his comm, that's where he'd show up. After attracting too much attention from the law on the other side of the Pacific, he developed that kind of paranoia. Checking places out and always looking over his shoulder? That goes back to his Army service. Only now he can see through walls. He switches to his radar and the walls become translucent to his vision. As do all methods of concealing weapons save anti-MAD protection. If anyone in there's armed, he is now able to spot it. But since he made such good time, he can also take a look at the surrounding buildings as well. He keeps an eye on the clock, and a few minutes before it's time to meet, he takes a second look at The Peaceable Kingdom and heads in.
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Post by Dave on Nov 10, 2008 0:15:41 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 17:50:12
Heart still pounding a bit quicker than usual from the end of his virtual gymnastic competition, Sublime Lion thanks the cabbie for the ride and pays him, with a decent tip for the timely service of course. Straightening his clothing as he gets out, it begins to seem that he is overdressed for this establishment, but Nian, the Chinese citizen that he has decided to be for this meet, simply ignores the inconsistency with his surroundings. He walks to the restaurant and politely informs the hostess (in Mandarin Chinese) that he is here to meet a potential client, though a bit early, and asks if she knows of a person here that seems to be waiting for a business group to meet.
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Post by tokyosexwale on Nov 10, 2008 1:35:35 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 17:41:49
After parking his Growler on the street Roland, activates the security and keys it to his com. Glancing dow the street, Roland walks towards the Peaceable Kingdom.
Nodding towards the old lady manning the entrance Roland, casually takes alook around after moving further into the club; going over his surroundings. Damn, this place is pretty crowded. Johnson, must either own this place or be VIP to have a private room to himself. Spotting a bar, he decides to order a whiskey and scope the place out, till the pre-arranged meeting time. Maybe he can spot the other runners who were inevitably asked to meet Mr. Johnson as well.
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on Nov 11, 2008 23:13:05 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:01:45
The weathered face of the Chinese hostess widens into a smile and in a high pitched, yet friendly voice she makes the following announcement to each runner individually,
"He is now ready to meet with you, yes, please proceed through the kitchen doors to the private dining room in the back."
The swinging kitchen door, opening and closing for only a matter of moments as waiters enter and return with orders has until now hidden the scentalizing aroma permeating the air in the Peaceable Kingdom. Once inside the kitchen, the source of the aroma becomes apparent as a large creature can be seen laid out atop the industrial countertop of the center island. It appears to be missing most of its chest, with the organs carefully laid out and labeled in a very particular manner using Mandarin calligraphy on white cards. One small dwarven cook, standing atop a two-step ladder is working at removing the meat from the creatures abdomen.
Additionally, a steel hook in the ceiling hangs the partially cleaned carcass of a boar, yet astonishingly enough this one appears to possess tusks made of gold. The final oddity in this Chinese kitchen is that of an arboreal creature with clawed hands and feet. It is roughly a meter long and skinned down to the sinuous meat and fat. Alongside all of this, three elderly Chinese men prepare traditional dishes which seem to be for the patrons dining in the main part of the restaurant.
After walking through the kitchen, under the watchful eye of the head chef, a sturdy door opens to the right into an ornate dining room. The dining room is decorated in Chinese calligraphy scrolls and scenes of mountains and flowing rivers. They are not like the AR iconography in the main dining room, as these appear to be antique works of art that are hundreds of years old. In the middle of the room is a low table around which six red cushions are situated.
A middle-aged Chinese man in a tres chik Vashon Island suit is dining formally, using chop sticks to eat from a bowl of noodles. He awaits for everyone to enter the room and become comfortable before he continues.
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Post by Dave on Nov 11, 2008 23:54:21 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:02:12
Nian thanks his host with a traditional Mandarin greeting before seating himself. He neatly arranges his designer Zoe robes after sitting, so they will not wrinkle. He then slowly and carefully takes in the scrollwork, noting the masterful calligraphy that he could only aspire to - all the while not taking his eyes too far from the other mercenaries that have been brought here. The Asiatic man examines the menu carefully, looks thoughtful for a moment, and then orders (in Mandarin) the Storm Dolphin Fin with Kale, along with the Sage Spring Rolls and he asks that the Stewed Papaya with Merlin Hawk's Nest be brought for him when he finishes. He then charmingly thanks the waitress and hands her his copy of the menu, seeming to settle into a business-like demeanor.
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Deej
Senior Member
Posts: 342
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Post by Deej on Nov 12, 2008 10:44:00 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:02:58
"James" follows suit with the traditional greeting and seats himself. He doesn't feel like eating after seeing some of the things on the menu. No offense to you guys, but I prefer to eat normal animals. His "nice" attire doesn't make him look any richer than a blue collar wage slave, but he's sure the others could tag him as mercenary by race alone.
He decides to check out his fellow runners. The first and most obvious is the elf in the cowboy hat. Pretty quick way to draw attention to yourself. The second was the Chinese guy that seemed a bit overdressed for a hole-in-the-wall place like this. Frank also saw him seat himself as a guest, which was what really gave him away. And third: What the heck is a kid doing here?
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Nate
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Posts: 487
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Post by Nate on Nov 18, 2008 1:59:35 GMT -5
Dr. Small's Apartment, Downtown, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 15:54:34
Phineus stares at his fish tank, contemplating what he should do. Whether to go on a run is a big decision and one that he never takes lightly. He has turned runs down in the past but money is getting hard to find. "Yes I know I have to go. I like to at least pretend like I have some semblance of control over my life. Now stop looking at me like that." He responds to the fishes imaginary looks of accusation. Closing the medical journal he was reading, he gets up and prepares to depart. Loading up his over sized brief case will take some time.
Dr. Small's Apartment, Downtown, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 16:45:43
"Why are these cabs never on time." He says to himself as the cab pulls up nearly 15 minutes late. The ork driver looks at him with a surprised smile and before he can say anything, Phineus exclaims, "Don't say a word. Your job isn't to talk to me, its to drive."
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 17:54:12
As soon as the cab comes to stop, Phineus gets out and pays the driver. He pays the driver and skips the tip. "Consider all that extra time you took driving up the price your tip." He turns and heads towards the restaurant, taking enough time only to look around the outside briefly. Not wanting to late he heads in, easily ignoring the spam. In English he tells the hostess that he is here to meet someone.
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:03:12
Phineus nods his appreciation to the hostess and takes a seat. Sitting cross legged on the floor as a nine year old looking child looks normal for him. He looks round the room admiring his surroundings. When asked he orders sage spring rolls, peryton egg with black pepper and mushrooms, and ginko in mandarin orange for dessert. He ignores the odd looks he gets from the other people in the room. He doesn't worry about inspecting the others at the table, that will come in time. The exception is the man who summoned then here. He pays close attention to him while waiting for him to speak.
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on Nov 18, 2008 11:23:47 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:06:45
Mr. Johnson sets his bowl down softly on the low wood table. He folds his hands neatly infront of himself, resting them just on the edge of table before he begins to speak. He makes a point of looking each runner directly in the eyes during his speach, and does not seem hurried. His English has a subtle British accent, but his words are clear and unambiguous as though he was reading from a surgical manual.
"Greetings everyone, I trust you found this place easily enough. I might suggest the wyvern tonight if anyone is on the fence about which of these delicacies to order. They only come across one perhaps once a year. Well then, I assume you all know what we are here for. You were specifically chosen because you have been successful in the past, this is not a milk run chummers. It will be dangerous, and that, my friends is why I am going to pay you generously to retrieve an item that has been lost for some time."
He pauses for a moment as the attractive waitress clears away his ornately carved empty noodle bowl and places a dish of fried rice and meat similiar to Chicken Tandori, but with a green rather than red tinge to it infront of the man. The rest of the dishes are brought out individually, all of them are placed in ornate wooden serving dishes with Chinese characters carved into the rim of the bowl by hand.
"The item in question has been missing for some number of years and only recently has its location been discovered. The site is not here in Seattle, but in another UCAS city. We will fly you to a location near that city and provide you transportation as close to the item as possible. Our agents in the other city will be able to provide you with most of the things that you might need there; you can abandon it all without a trace back to you. As you can see, we are very accommodating and willing to work with you if you are willing to work with us. The payment is 150,000 nuyen upon completion. I will provide you with 5,000 nuyen each right now, not included in the total pay. The window of retrieval is short as we are likely not the only interested party in this item."
He pauses once more, eyeing each runner and speaks in a stern, demanding tone.
"Your silence in this matter will be a requirement of our contract. Do we have a deal?"
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Nate
Senior Member
Posts: 487
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Post by Nate on Nov 18, 2008 11:54:15 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:11:13
Soon after phineus eats the spring rolls and again after his main dish, he gets a strange look on his face. He begins looking around the room with a dreamy dazed look on his face. "Provided we have enough people here skilled at breaking and entering and have enough firepower, I am in." Phineus picks up his drink and looks awed by the colors and shapes given off by the ripples in the tea. Almost as if absent mindedly he states, "I am the healer if that helps anyone make up their mind." He then sits quietly admiring the strange new world the has taken shape before him.
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Deej
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Posts: 342
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Post by Deej on Nov 18, 2008 19:57:36 GMT -5
The Peaceable Kingdom, Little Asia, Tacoma, Seattle Thursday 4/10/70 18:11:15
Frank's eyes widen for a second. 150,000¥? Even split four ways, that's a lot. He must want this bad.
"So we move in, get the goods, get out, dust our tracks, and make a cool 150 grand?" Just like my old gig in Russia.
He reaches down to his smuggling compartments and pulls out his Government 2066's. With a smirk on his face, he leans back in his chair, twirls them in each hand, and sets them on the table in front of him.
"I'm in. And I'll do the breaking if someone else can pick up the entering."
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