Twitter: @ELHMk1
Archive Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RFjC4hLbsnPcoA8EZTNWj9THbki3yOLjADkiMidlmfk/edit?usp=sharing

Character Sheet & NPC References:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rzrQLrCE99M_fOu_RDG9zz5pemWhc_DPqXNOIv9kOuc/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for sticking with me through this reboot. I’m sure there will be some bumps/retcons, so just bear with me! Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, especially about things that were covered in previous threads. I’ll try and link to specific post numbers where applicable. Paranoia chat is also encouraged as it amuses me.

If we’ll need to roll, it will be 2d6 versus a number (typically 8). In an attempt to allow the most people to participate in the rolls I let four people roll a single d6. The lowest two are then dropped and the remaining die added together with bonuses/modifiers (if applicable).

In the highly likely event that the Dice Gods are assholes you have the option of making a single roll result a 9. Most of the time this means an automatic success but it will come with a caveat of sorts in the narrative. It also can only be used every other session.

>>46440352

The three seated individuals seem like your average Joes. Two men and one woman. Only one has on anything resembling typical Lancer style - an overcoat worn by the woman. All three are constantly checking their surroundings. When they notice you they stop and watch as you approach.

“How is the soup here?” you ask, using the pre-agreed upon challenge/response.

“You’d be better having rainwater,” replies the woman.

She shifts over in the booth to make room for you. You take a seat and assess your fellows. The gentleman across from you is sporting mid-length, messy brown hair and smart glasses. If you had to guess, he’s probably the techie. The other guy is bald and built like an ox. It doesn’t take much to figure out he’s muscle. That just leaves the gal to your right. Now that you’re closer you can tell her mohawk is colored a faded pink. It’s hard to say what her role is based on appearances alone. But if the overcoat is any indication she’s probably concealing more than one gun on her person.

A quick glance at your watch tells you that you have five or so minutes before the Johnson is supposed to arrive. The three seem content to wait in silence, unless you choose to make small-talk, of course.

> [1] Introduce yourself
> [2] Play it cool and wait silently
> [3] Ask who’s going to be doing most of the talking
> [4] Write in

>>46440387
>[3] Ask who’s going to be doing most of the talking

>>46440387

Unless Pink Mohawk is a fluent conversationalist, you’re pretty sure you’ll end up doing most of the talking. But it doesn’t hurt to confirm it.

“So, who’s going to be working the Johnson over?” you ask.

Both of the men shake their heads negatively. Mohawk, however, is quick to reply, “I assumed that’s what you were here for. Unless, of course, you want my guns to do the talking.”

You grimace slightly at that. “No, that’s alright. I figured it might be me anyways. Does anyone have any info on him?”

None of the three does. Wonderful. Before you can question them any further, the door to the cafe opens with a small chime. In steps a rather unremarkable man in a business suit and shades. He couldn’t fit the archetype of a Johnson any more. He surveys the interior of the cafe, settling on the four of you in the back. He then makes a quick beeline to your booth, grabbing a chair from the bar along the way. Once next to you, he places the chair at the head of the table and sits down.

“Is this everyone?” he asks.

> [1] As far as you know it is
> [2] Look to the others for an answer
> [3] Write in

>>46440682
> [1] As far as you know it is

>>46440682

“I believe so,” you respond. “And you are?”

The Johnson smirks slightly. “My name is not important. My task for you, however, is.”

“Do tell.”

He rummages in the interior breast pocket of his suit, removing two slips of paper. He places them before you, saying, “It’s a rather simple job. A package was… ‘delivered to the wrong warehouse.’ You will be making sure it arrives at the proper one.”

You glance over the bits of paper. They’re each an address, marked “pickup” and “delivery” respectively. “And this package… what is it exactly? How big? How heavy?”

“You will know it when you see it,” replies the Johnson cryptically. “It will be the only item in the warehouse that doesn’t belong. As for the size, it should be carriable by two people.”

A non-answer. To be expected. You’re about 99% sure one of the addresses is a Fokir warehouse, but which you’ll have to learn from the Techie. His glasses are already filling full of web searches and other such windows.

> [1] Wait until the Techie’s done
> [2] Ask the Johnson about payment
> [3] Ask how quickly the job needs to be completed
> [4] Write in

>>46440682
>[2] Look to the others for an answer

>>46441148
>[1] Wait until the Techie’s done

Payment may be modified due to any new information. Where the thing is and is going will affect how long it takes and if that doesn't line up with Johnson's timeline, then the cost may change

>>46441148
>[3] Ask how quickly the job needs to be completed

>>46441148

You figure it’s best to wait until the Techie’s done. Where the package is and where it’s going will have an effect on the overall price of the job. In the meantime, you figure it’s best to ask, “How quickly do you want this done?”

The Johnson smiles once more. “The quicker the better. You’ll find your payment will be considerably more if it’s completed by Sunday.”

So you have approximately six days to get this thing done. Or, rather, to wrangle everyone involved into a position where the SCU can burst in and arrest them all. Plenty of time. As for your Techie, he finishes his work after several minutes.

“This one here,” he points at the first address marked pickup. “Belongs to Fokir. The second belongs to Hesnos.”

“We’re looking for a Hesnos crate then,” chimes in Pink Mohawk. “Simple enough.”

A wag of the Johnson’s finger quiets her rather quickly. “Not necessarily. There are other companies at play here.”

Still, without a concrete “the package looks like X,” you’re going in blind. For all you know there could be all sorts of crates in the Fokir warehouse from rival companies.

> [1] Press the Johnson for more info
> [2] Now’s a good time to ask about payment
> [3] You have all the details you need
> [4] Write in

>>46441520
>[1] Press the Johnson for more info

What does the fucking crate look like, are there any safety issues with the package itself and do we have to sneak it in to the Hesnos warehouse (plausable deniablity)?

>>46441520
>[1] Press the Johnson for more info
How delicate is the package?
Do we need to be extra careful when transporting it? Or can things get a little rough?
Are there going to be pressure and vibration sensors on the package?

>>46441520

As much as the Johnson seems to want to remain secretive, you’re going to need more to go on. So you put on your best smile and say, “It seems like a simple job. But we’ll need more information than that. After all, what would happen if we delivered the wrong package to the right warehouse? I personally would prefer to get the delivery right the first time.”

The corners of the Johnson’s grin twitch. “You have a fair point. Very well. If you must know, it is a bear-sized crate bearing Raziel branding.”

Well that’s a surprise. You knew Raziel and Fokir were rivals, and that it’s likely they have stolen equipment from one another. But how does Hesnos fit into all this? Wouldn’t it be easier just to steal a fresh package from Raziel rather than steal from Fokir?

In any case, you continue to press the Johnson for more info while he seems to be in a talking mood. “Does the crate have any motion and/or vibration sensors? How rough can we get with it before it becomes an issue?”

“As far as I’m aware, it has no such sensors. Short of throwing it from a moving vehicle, it should withstand most wear and tear.”

“Good. As for the Hesnos warehouse, do we have to sneak it in or can we just leave it in shipping and receiving?”

“Preferably the former,” replies the Johnson. “We must maintain plausible deniability at all stages.”

Typical Lancer-faire then. That seems to answer everything off the top of your head save for one thing.

“And how much are we being paid for this?”

“As I said before, if you finish before Sunday, then you will all find your accounts five zeros heavier.”

100,000? What in the world is in this box to be worth so much?

> [1] Accept the job as is
> [2] Ask something else (Write in)
> [3] Try and negotiate for more

>>46441940
>> [1] Accept the job as is

>>46441940
>[2] Ask something else (Write in)

Any known changes to their security since th package arrived?

>>46441940
>[1] Accept the job as is

>>46441940

Something that valuable would logically have tighter security than your average box in a warehouse. So you ask the Johnson, “Has there been any change to Fokir’s security since they received the package?”

“Not as far as I’m aware, but that seems to fall under your job rather than mine.”

Meaning he actually doesn’t know or is hoping you’ll run into a few problems along the way. Paranoia tells you it’s likely the latter. But for now, you’ll just have to play it by ear.

“Seems reasonable then,” you reply. “Unless any of my fellows have any questions, we’ll be in touch.”

“Actually I have one,” chirps up Pink Mohawk. “Will there be any deduction for wetwork if it’s required?”

The Johnson frowns. “We’d prefer it if no one perished. But the successful delivery of the package should take priority above all else.”

“Awesome. Then this should be fun.”

You’re not so sure you like the look of murderous glee on her face. Though there’s nothing you can really do about it at the current moment. After waiting a few more moments for further questions and receiving none, the Johnson excuses himself from the table and the cafe at large. Once again alone with the three Lancers, it’s time to come up with a plan of attack.

> [1] Having Fokir contacts is handy. Step outside to make a quick phone call
> [2] See what the others have in mind
> [3] Nip the job in the bud before it can take off. Set up a sting with the SCU
> [4] Write in

>>46442382
>[2] See what the others have in mind

This might make the sting easier

>>46442382
> [2] See what the others have in mind

>>46442382
>[2] See what the others have in mind

>>46442382
>> [2] See what the others have in mind

>>46442382

Having done most of the talking up to this point, you’re more than content to outsource the plan to the others. The first to break the silence is the bald gentleman.

“This would be easier if any of us had cybernetics,” he posits. “As we are it’ll take two of us to move something that big. Assuming our Tech here will be working from outside of the warehouse, that only leaves one of us on lookout. Not the position we want to be in if we get caught red-handed.”

Thanks to your coat and the remarkable workmanship of your limbs, the fact you have cybernetic legs and arms is unknown to them. But before you can say anything, Pink Mohawk replies.

“We should just do a smash and grab. It’s a warehouse. How bad can security be? Drive a van through the nearest wall, throw the box inside, then book it before they can formulate a response. Easy.”

“That assumes I can hack my way deep into their system,” says the Techie. “If their security is airtight then the only way we’ll have time to find the box is if we do this stealthily.”

“Bah. You two are no fun.” She turns to you. “What about you, Mr. Face? What say you?”

> [1] Stealth is good.
> [2] Pink Mohawk a go!
> [3] You might have an easier solution (Fokir/SCU)
> [4] Write in

>>46442740
>> [1] Stealth is good.

>>46442740
>[1] Stealth is good.
If we are sneaky then SCU can be double sneaky and catch them all before they know it.

>>46442740

You shrug and motion at the two men across from you in the booth. “I think they’re probably right. Stealth is the way to go on this one. Especially if we have to find the crate ourselves rather than via an inventory system.”

Pink Mohawk pouts at this. “Figures. The one job I get drafted for and I can’t even do what I do best.”

“Well if things go south, you’ll have your shot,” replies the bald man. “Just don’t go popping any heads unnecessarily.”

“If you say so…”

There’s an awkward pause following this. It’s broken by the Techie speaking up. “Give me a day to see what I can access. I don’t want to do any of that here.”

“Fair enough,” you respond. “Let’s share contact info and call it a day then.”

The four of you thusly share one another’s info. In the process you learn their names. The Techie is named Kreff, the bald guy Boyce, and the pink mohawk Sari. Once that’s done, you all arrange another face-to-face meeting for two days from now. Then you all leave the cafe behind one by one.

Now that you’re back on the street, with two days to kill, you…

> [1] Check in with the SCU
> [2] See if you can’t learn anything from Fokir, or at least warn them
> [3] Head back to your apartment for the time being
> [4] Write in

>>46443098
>> [2] See if you can’t learn anything from Fokir, or at least warn them

>>46443098
> [1] Check in with the SCU
Ask them if we should tell Fokir anything yet.

>>46443186
Seconding this.

Seems we're going with >>46443186. Give me a bit!

>>46443098

...decide to check in with the SCU. As they’re the ones who sent you on this job in the first place it seems only right to interface with them first. Given the late hour, you opt to try and call up Mariet rather than head back to the office proper. She answers after two rings.

“Sooooo how did it go?” she asks in a sing song voice.

“It was… interesting,” you reply. “You were right about it being an Anti-Fokir job, but I’m not so sure that’s the true goal.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that, for whatever reason, the job’s to move a Raziel crate from one of Fokir’s warehouses to one of Hesnos’.”

“That’s certainly odd. Especially since Cathy usually is on top of any stolen shipments. They must have snatched it recently. That or no one knows it’s missing yet. I’ll ask. One second…”

Mariet goes quiet for a few moments. Then she says, “As far as Cathy knows, there hasn’t been a reported theft or absence in a month. So unless it’s from back then, this crate is something new.”

“That’s not very reassuring,” you grumble. “Though while I have you, should I tell Fokir anything yet? Seems like it’d be much easier to jump on these Lancers and set up a sting if Fokir was on board.”

“That one I’ll have to forward up to the Chief. One sec.”

Again there’s a pause. This one is much more noticeable though as seconds turn into minutes. Finally, Mariet returns with, “The Chief says it’s okay. On a few conditions. You can say we tipped you off about this, and that we’re prepared to jump on the Lancers at a moment’s notice. But you can’t let them know we know that it’s a Raziel box they’re after.”

“Seems simple enough. Thanks Mariet.”

“Any time. Have fun with the job while it lasts!”

With that out of the way, you…

> [1] Call Aria directly
> [2] Call Valeriya, Aria’s sister and right-hand woman
> [3] Put off calling Fokir for the moment
> [4] Write in

>>46443567
> [3] Put off calling Fokir for the moment

>>46443567
>> [2] Call Valeriya, Aria’s sister and right-hand woman

>>46443567
>[2] Call Valeriya, Aria’s sister and right-hand woman

This seems like her province.

>>46443567
>> [2] Call Valeriya, Aria’s sister and right-hand woman

[2] it is, back in a bit!

>>46443567

There’s no real need for you to involve Aria herself at this stage. Plus you’re kinda putting off having to talk to her after your conversation with Qwin. So instead you opt to call up her sister and right-hand woman, Valeriya, instead. Despite the fact it’s close to eleven at night on a weekday, she picks up on the third ring.

“Mr. Weldon. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”

“I thought you might be interested in knowing that there’s a Lancer group plotting to steal something from one of your warehouses.”

“Such a thing happens fairly frequently I’m afraid. Many fail to get past our security though. What makes this particular group different?”

“That I couldn’t tell you,” you admit. “They seemed like your average Lancers to me. But the Johnson’s target is rather interesting. Supposedly it’s a Raziel crate.”

There’s a pause. Then Valeriya asks levely, “Who else knows about this? And how did you find out about this group in the first place?”

“The SCU tipped me off, believe it or not. Said it was an anti-Fokir job and that it might be of interest of me given our connection. So I had them add me to the group that was meeting with the Johnson.”

“Does the SCU know about the crate?”

“They only know that it’s a crate. Not that it belongs to Raziel.”

“Good. I’d prefer that it remain that way. As for this Lancer group, when are they going to be trying to hit the warehouse, and which one?”

You share the address you were given along with the Sunday deadline. Valeriya lets out a tut.

“So they’re after that prototype then. Interesting. Are you sure Raziel isn’t involved in some way?”

> cont

>>46444032

“Moderately sure. The crate was supposed to be delivered to a Hesnos warehouse, not a Raziel one.”

“Hrm. Hesnos again. I’m beginning to wonder why they’re popping up more frequently in recent weeks. They must be playing at something. I’ll have to look into them more closely. In any case, you’ve done well to bring this to our attention. I’m sure Aria will appreciate it tremendously.”

Speaking of Aria…

> [1] Mention that you might be “breaking up” with her on Friday
> [2] Ask how she’s doing
> [3] Simply say it was no trouble and hang up
> [4] Write in

>>46444053
>> [1] Mention that you might be “breaking up” with her on Friday
Given o a already have a target on my back, and one slip means I'm found out....
>> [2] Ask how she’s doing

>>46444053
>> [3] Simply say it was no trouble and hang up

>>46444053
> [3] Simply say it was no trouble and hang up

>>46444128
>>46444145
Why?

>>46444198
Because I don't want a cyborg dragon breaking into my house while we sleep.

>>46444245
That's all the reason to do it now before she gets super attached. Do you not remember the talks the mc has had about this?

>>46444269
It can wait till friday, otherwise it might complicate this operation.

I believe [3] has it. Back shortly!

>>46444245
I don't think she's THAT yan/maya-dere. Yet

>>46444370
She's going to kidnap us and we'll wake up naked in her bed with no memory of how we got there.

>>46444053

You decide it’s best not to poke a sleeping dragon. Instead, you simply say, “It was no trouble. When/If I know more you’ll be the first person I call.”

Valeriya lets out a small chuckle. “Of course. You have a good night, Mr. Weldon.”

“And you.”

With that out of the way you have nothing else to do this evening. You’d been walking while talking, so you’re relatively close to your apartment by now. Before you retire, though, you stop by one of the few open restaurants to grab a fresh sub sandwich. Then you head on up to your abode.

At first, nothing seems amiss inside. Then you notice a brand new bottle of liquor tied with a blue bow waiting for you on the kitchen counter. You figure out it’s from Qwin seconds before your VI’s bird holo-avatar manifests above your living room.

“Welcome back! While you were gone, Mistress stopped by with a bottle of scotch that you might like. It’s over there on the counter! You have no new emails, and no missed calls.”

“Thanks,” you reply. You turn your attention to the gifted-bottle and read the label. It’s written in calligraphy and from a place you’re pretty sure is halfway around the world. It seems like a good a drink as any to go with your food, so you pour yourself a small amount. Sure enough, it goes down smooth. Really the only problem with it is that Qwin let herself into your apartment to deliver it. You’ll have to remember to mention that next time she appears.

The rest of the night passes uneventfully. The next morning, you…

> [1] Head in to do some work at the SCU
> [2] Take a personal day (though is it a personal day if you claim it’s for the Lancer job?)
> [3] Write in

>>46444656
> [1] Head in to do some work at the SCU
Can't let that paperwork pile up.

>>46444656
>[1] Head in to do some work at the SCU

Do the watch wearing dildo thing that is life.

[1] it is. I've got to take a food break here, so it'll be about 30-45 minutes. Just so you know.

>>46444896
Have fun with that Iggy.

>>46444896
How hard do we have to shadowrun in order to get into space?

>>46444656

Let it not be said that you’re not a diligent worker. You may be “burdened” by what Lancers may consider as “wage-slavery,” but it keeps the lights on. Or, in your case, it pays for the maintenance on your limbs. They may be top-of-the-line prototypes but they still need to be adjusted now and again. Luckily you haven’t had to do so yet. It’s only a matter of time, though.

In any case, the first half of the day you spend finishing off the last remains of the paper tower that stacked up while you were otherwise indisposed. Once it’s been vanquished, you have the rest of the afternoon free. Well, you would if you weren’t called into an all-hands meeting shortly after lunch.

When everyone in the SCU’s situated themselves in the conference room, Chief Hatos clears her throat.

“I’ll try and keep this brief. We’re all here to go over the plan to snag both the Lancers and the Johnson involved with the job Weldon’s on. Right now it’s relatively simple: we step in right as they’re about to sneak into the Fokir warehouse. Then we have Weldon plant a dummy crate at the desired Hesnos storage place to lure out the Johnson. The rest of you will be positioned here, here, and…”

Everyone’s given a role to play, save Cathy. When the Chief rounds on her, she simply says, “And Cathy will be rotating between positions as needed. For starters, though, work with Mariet to try and trace that Johnson back to the source.”

“Sure thing, boss,” replies Cathy. “But I can’t help but wonder - isn’t the Johnson going to know something’s up when the dummy crate turns out to be empty?”

> cont

>>46445893

“Well if we could get Fokir to tell us what they stole that’d be a different picture. But right now it’s our best play. Unless…”

Hatos turns to stare at you with those unnervingly green eyes. “Unless Weldon here wants to try and hold the crate for ransom. Something worth half a million in Lancer fees is bound to draw some heavy hitters though. It’d be extremely dangerous for Weldon even with Cathy glued to him.”

> [1] You’ll do it anyways
> [2] Stick with the dummy crate idea
> [3] You have something else in mind (Write in)

>>46445890
Find a corporate backer and/or a dragon.

>>46445912
>> [1] You’ll do it anyways

>>46445912
> [1] You’ll do it anyways

>>46445912
>[1] You’ll do it anyways

Let's see who else wants it.

>>46445912

You put on your bravest face, then say, “Somehow I think dealing with Aria is more dangerous than anything this Johnson can throw at me.”

Cathy laughs openly at that. “Probably. But the last thing we need is for you to be shot or blown apart. It looks bad on our reports.”

“And we can’t have that, now can we?” you fire back. “I’m sure I’ll be fine with you watching over me.”

Hatos coughs so as to draw everyone’s attention. “Well then, let’s talk about where to hole up Weldon until we can backtrace the Johnson.”

The next hour or so is spent going over various safehouses and other such defensible positions. In the end, a place in the middle district is selected. Half of the SCU is put on overwatch, while the other half (minus Cathy and Mariet) is set on pursuit and interception of any bogies that might crop up. Mariet’s stuck on tracing the Johnson, and Cathy’s going to be holed up with you. In all, it’s a pretty sound plan. At least, you feel pretty safe about it.

Once the meeting’s adjourned you find yourself lingering just long enough to be afforded a moment alone with Cathy. You haven’t really spoken with her in awhile. Though to be fair, there hasn’t been much to talk about since the hospital.

> [1] Strike up a conversation (Write in Optional)
> [2] Leave Cathy be for now

>>46446303
>[1] Strike up a conversation

>>46446303
> [1] Strike up a conversation (How's it been going, any advice, Any ideas on what a "prototype" worth 100 grand to steal in Raziel packaging could be?

[1] it is. Back in a bit!

>>46446303

“So Cathy,” you begin. “Any idea what a ‘prototype’ in Raziel packaging could be? Aria’s sister mentioned it briefly during our conversation.”

Cathy shrugs with a sigh. “It could be any number of things, even if you narrow it down to things that would benefit both Fokir and Hesnos. I think it’s safe to say it’s probably cybernetic though. Some new limb or body. I doubt it’s a weapon. Unless, of course, both companies are willing to run the risk of being caught trafficking.”

“Something about needing the proper licenses, yeah?”

“You’ve got it. Each company can freely move cybernetic goods as that’s their purview. But weapons are something that only Raziel has the license for in Ocrania. Otherwise the SCU would be running around with BB guns and slingshots.”

“Sounds fun,” you jest. “Do you think it’s worth me trying to get Aria to show me what’s inside the box?”

Cathy purses her lips and crosses her arms. “Maybe. I doubt she’ll be willing to just show you unless you’re deeper into her web than I would like.”

“Phrasing.”

“Ugh. You know what I mean. If there were a way to ask her without setting off alarm bells, then I’d say yes. Otherwise it’s not worth her growing suspicious of you at this stage.”

Yeah about that… Friday probably is going to do just that unless you ignore Qwin’s advice. Is it worth mentioning to Cathy though?

> [1] Mention it to Cathy
> [2] Keep Friday a secret for the time being
> [3] Ask for dating advice from the U-Oni class tank killer
> [4] Write in

>>46446924
>> [1] Mention it to Cathy

>>46446924
>[2] Keep Friday a secret for the time being

Asking dating advice from almost waifu is not a good idea.

Damnit, why do the yummy ones always have to be able to rip us limb from limb and then get mean about it.

>>46446924
> [1] Mention it to Cathy

>>46446988
Well there is Qwin...

>>46446924
>[2] Keep Friday a secret for the time being

As there's a fairly big difference between [1] and [2], I'll give it another 5 minutes before breaking the tie myself.

>>46446924
> [2] Keep Friday a secret for the time being

[2] it is by a vote. Back in a bit!

>>46447122
Oh good. Our choices are dismemberment, dismemberment or techno-lobotomy.

>>46447497
We don't have a cyber brain yet, so no lobotomy. Besides, only Aria's shown a tendency to "play rough" when things don't go her way. Cathy just pouts, and Qwin's a mystery.

>>46446924

One problem at a time. You don’t need to worry about Friday just yet. Doing so while the Lancer gig is still afoot will only distract you. There’s no sense in extending that concern to Cathy. Not yet, anyways. So you play it cool.

“I suppose you’re right. Whatever’s in that box will just have to remain a mystery. Unless, of course, we actually let the Lancers try their luck at stealing it. I doubt they’d succeed, but you never know.”

“Doubtful. Especially since you warned Fokir. They’ve probably moved it or added additional security. Short of a tactical strike that box is staying put.”

“And here I thought Sari was crazy.”

“Who’s Sari?” asks Cathy.

“One of the Lancers. Pink mohawk, big fan of going in guns blazing.”

“Ah. One of those types. With a bigger team she might have been onto something. But four people, including you? No way. Not unless everyone was a cyborg.”

“And considering I was the only one with any cyberization? I guess you could say they were doomed from the start.”

Cathy rubs her chin in thought. “Which just makes me wonder why this Johnson would send you on what’s essentially a suicide mission. Either he severely underestimates Fokir’s security or he’s banking on the fact you’d get caught. But even that doesn’t make sense. Corporate espionage hardly makes the papers these days except for the really big events.”

It’s your turn to shrug. “Who knows. I guess we’ll find out when we try and bait him out.”

“Indeed.”

There’s a pause. If you have anything else to ask or tell her, now’s probably the time. After this you’ll be in “crunch mode” until the Lancer gig’s wrapped up.

> [1] Mention… (Write in)
> [2] You’re good for now

>>46447650
> [1] Mention… (He was giving us almost no information, was recalcitrant to a fault. Almost seemed to be trying to foster disharmony. Also it's a rush job. Could we have gotten hired to be the distraction for the REAL team? Especially since we're all supposed to be un-auged.)

>>46447650
Perhaps the whole op is a fishing trip. Trying to find out if there are security leaks and who's getting involved.

I'll see about including both write ins. Back in a bit!

>>46447650

Now that you think about it, what Cathy’s said is true. It is essentially a suicide mission. The whole job really only makes sense if it was meant to be a security probe. That or as a distraction for an actual team. You mention as such to Cathy.

“Hmm, how evasive was the Johnson being?” she asks.

“More so than what would be typical,” you reply. “I’d go so far to say he was being recalcitrant.”

“Then you’re probably onto something. And if that’s the case, luring him out is going to be a bitch.”

“Still think we should run with the ransom angle?”

“For the time being, yes. I’ll work with Mariet to make sure all the security feeds match up with your story. But I’ll tell the Chief to let the three Lancers try their hand against Fokir security. If they can’t handle them, then that box is as good as stolen already.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. I’ll go ahead to the hideout and make it look like we’ve got the Johnson’s crate. That way we can send out the ransom notice as soon as all the pieces are in position.”

Cathy nods appreciatively. “Works for me. Stay safe, James.”

***

An hour later you’re situated in the hideout with a large crate bearing Raziel’s logo. It’s in such a position to give just enough of the street outside away when photographed from the front. With any luck it’ll draw out the Johnson’s muscle and possibly the “real” team of Lancers. As for the hideout itself, it’s a fairly standard, two-bedroom apartment in the middle district. Or it would be were it not for the steel-reinforced walls and hidden window shutters.

While you wait for Cathy to join you, you…

> [1] Have your VI craft a good ransom notice
> [2] Make the ransom notice yourself
> [3] Wait patiently until Cathy’s arrived
> [4] Write in

>>46448157
> [2] Make the ransom notice yourself

>>46448157
> [2] Make the ransom notice yourself
>4 rub one out if theirs time afterwards.

>>46448157
> [2] Make the ransom notice yourself

>>46448157

You’re pretty confident you can craft an adequate ransom notice on your own. How hard can it be? It takes you a bit, but you finally settle on:

> Johnson,
> If you want your crate back safe and sound, you’ll wire me ten million. Else I crack it open and auction its contents to the highest bidder. You have one hour.

All you have to do now is get the okay from Cathy to send it. In the meantime, you use one of your spare datapads to “tune in” to see how the Lancers are doing. You have a good feed from a camera across the street of the three carefully sneaking their way into the Fokir warehouse. They actually make it inside before alarms start sounding. In the ensuing chaos, with guards running this way and that, you notice a vehicle pull up to the curb across the street. It’s hard to tell from this angle, but it looks to be occupied by five cyborgs. Military-grade ones at that judging by how flashy their augs are. They simply watch the scene unfold until the three Lancers are brought out in cuffs and transferred into a waiting SUV. Then the cyborgs depart.

Just about then, Cathy lets herself into the hideout via a window. “I miss anything?”

> Housekeeping next post

Seven hours in and I'm beat. Especially since I still have to plan for an RT session tomorrow. We'll pick up here next Sunday around the same time hopefully.

>>46448565
Thanks for running Iggy. See you next week.

>>46448565
Thanks for running Iggy have a good one.

>>46448565
Thanks for the fun, boss.

RT is Rogue Trader?

>>46448628

Yeah. I'm running it for a bunch of 40k newbies in lieu of our usual D&D night. I dunno if it'll be story time worthy, but we'll see.

>>46448652
good luck. how long do you think it will take to decend into the usual shenanigans?

>>46448724
Given their usual murderhobo tendencies? Until the first shiny macguffin shows up.