About Anika 'Secretary' KowalskaInfo:
Street Name: Secretary Name: Anika Kowalska Movement: 12/24, 2m/ hit, Swim: 7, 1m/ hit Karma: 0 Street Cred: 0 Notoriety: 0 Public Awareness: 0 Elf Composure: 11 Judge Intentions: 13 Lift/Carry: 5 (30 kg/20 kg) Memory: 7 Nuyen: 340+(4d6x100) Priorities and Attributes:
Metatype: D,1 Attributes: A,4 Special: E,0 Skills: B,3 Resources: C,2 == Attributes ==
== Derived Attributes ==
== Limits ==
Skills:
== Active Skills == Animal Handling : 0 Pool: 7 Archery : 0 Pool: 5 Armorer : 0 Pool: 3 Automatics : 0 Pool: 5 Blades : 0 Pool: 5 Clubs : 0 Pool: 5 Computer : 0 Pool: 3 Con : 6 [Fast Talk] Pool: 14 (16) Cybercombat : 0 Pool: 3 Demolitions : 0 Pool: 3 Disguise : 5 [Theatrical] Pool: 10 (12) Diving : 0 Pool: 2 Escape Artist : 0 Pool: 5 Etiquette : 6 [Corporate] Pool: 14 (16) First Aid : 1 Pool: 5 Forgery : 0 Pool: 3 Free-Fall : 0 Pool: 2 Gunnery : 0 Pool: 5 Gymnastics : 2 [Dodging] Pool: 8 (10) Hacking : 0 Pool: 3 Heavy Weapons : 0 Pool: 5 Impersonation : 1 Pool: 9 Instruction : 0 Pool: 7 Intimidation : 0 Pool: 7 Leadership : 1 Pool: 9 Locksmith : 2 Pool: 8 Longarms : 0 Pool: 5 Navigation : 0 Pool: 4 Negotiation : 6 [Diplomacy] Pool: 14 (16) Palming : 5 Pool: 11 Perception : 4 [Visual] Pool: 9 (11) Performance : 1 Pool: 9 Pilot Ground Craft : 1 Pool: 5 Pilot Watercraft : 0 Pool: 3 Pistols : 7 [Semi-Automatics] Pool: 13 (15) Running : 0 Pool: 1 Sneaking : 5 [Urban] Pool: 13 (15) Survival : 0 Pool: 2 Swimming : 0 Pool: 1 Throwing Weapons : 1 Pool: 7 Tracking : 0 Pool: 4 Unarmed Combat : 0 Pool: 5 == Knowledge Skills ==
Contacts:
Mark Boone; Corporate Manager (11, 6) Mark Boone is rich, aging, and as opportunistic as they come. After burning Secretary, in the following months he's been working hard to get to the highest possible position one can get in Ares - that of a HEAR head in UCAS. While both owe each other quite a lot, the two have a sort of mutual respect, and he has mentioned that if Secretary manages to pull of something big enough to present to the highest boards, she can go back to Ares. So far, Secretary's only contacted him twice, once when getting her flat, and once to report on an S-K Johnson, and she knows all too well not to do so without good reason. O'Reilly Mafia Family; Mafia Consiglieri (10, 5)
Lt. Robert Kavanagh; Police Chief (4, 3)
Reliable Randy; Taxi Driver (1, 2)
Renard; Fence (6, 1)
Tomcat, O'Reilly ganger. (3,4)
Qualities and Lifestyles:
Catlike Did You Just Call Me Dumb? Friends in High Places Low-Light Vision Restricted Gear (Zoe Second Skin) SINner (Corporate Limited) (Ares) Vendetta (S-K Johnson) == Lifestyles ==
Cyberware/Bioware/Gear:
Boosted Reflexes Platelet Factories Reflex Recorder (Skill) (Pistols) Tailored Pheromones Rating 1 == Armor ==
== Weapons ==
== Commlink ==
== Gear ==
== Vehicles ==
Description:
Anika appears as any other corporate elf - pretty, young, flighty smile on her face, and apparent enthusiasm for everything. For the trained eye, however, she appears as quite a lot more. The suit isn't only the latest fashion that left the fashion magazines - it's more armoured than what half the street samurai wear. The incredibly perceptive can notice a bulge lacking under most sararimen's shoulders, where a silenced Ares Predator lies. You can notice small strings of text running through the gold-rimmed Zeiss glasses. The flighty, polite smile is usually drawing the eye from a set of cold eyes, analysing every signal of a talker's face, and the sharp-pointed ears are wary for every small slip that could turn negotiations to her side. An Awakened metahuman could notice something unnaturally sharp in her movements, even for an elf. While on a run, if going into the unknown, she usually discards the suit for a much sleeker skinsuit, changing colours at the blink of an eye. The Ares Predator is out, complete with three sets of magazines clipped to the belt, alongside with a grappling gun and a small pouch. If facing an armed force, a simple look at the enemy leads to her quiet, yet commanding voice announcing orders to the team, coordinating orders.
Backstory:
Two Years Ago Ms. Kowalska closed the VR keyboard, and stood up from her desk. Swiping the report off to her commlink, she buttoned up her jacket and drummed her fingers onto the mahogany desk, waiting for Kevin to bring over the coffee. Not too loud, but loud enough for him to hear and understand the corporate hierarchy. He was the intern, she was the second-in-command, the vice-head. "Two sugars, one packet of soymilk.", the intern smiled enthusiastically, bringing the coffee on the desk. "Thanks, Kevin.", she replied, meticulously putting the smile between 'friendly' and 'forced'. As per company unwritten rule. Carrying the coffee tray in one hand, she ventured into the hallway towards the office. The 10 second walk was put in with a purpose - to let one reconsider whether or not one needs to bother the boss. And she did need to - it was 7:10 am. Knocking on the door, she walked in. Mark Boone's office was, frankly, the most trid-inspired head manager's office she'd seen. Big, armoured glass window covered the entirety of one wall, overlooking Boston. A wall was covered with various paper books, while another carried a case of trophies, diplomas and sporting equipment. In the center, on the thick carpet, was a behemoth of a desk, carved from Amazonian redwood, with a VR projector, and a single case of files. Meaning he only got the important things, and completed them as an example for everyone else. She placed the coffee tray on the desk, then stood up, waiting. The high-backed chair turned away from the window, and the freckled face of Mark Boone, Boston Head of Extracorporate Assistance and Relations appeared, a cigar in his metallic hand, as he yawned with the deadliness of a tiger. A human about the age of 50, his most outstanding feature were the trio of golden earhoops on each ear, stark contrast to the corporate-standart haircut. And the cyberarms, of course, shown by the neatly rolled-up sleeved of the Armante suit. "Thanks, Anika.", he replied, raising the coffee to his mouth. She placed the commlink on the table. He chuckled, picking up the commlink, well aware of the contents of the formal report already inside. "Excellent work there. How much did they take, really?", he asked, twirling the commlink around with trained precision. Anika smiled. "Decided to take a long shot, since they looked green, and went with 25k. They re-negotiated to 30, after assuring me they'll show professionalism. So far, no reports about the NeoNET break-in, and I gave them a pat on the head." She smiled. "So that's 5k in my pocket. May need to keep an eye on them, the mage looked like a junkie, but otherwise surprisingly competent and professional." Except the elf asking me out. Boone grinned, taking a sip. "Nice. I didn't manage to skim off the top until my third job. Don't let it go to your head, though. That'll be all, unless you've got questions?", he asked, raising a curious eyebrow. He looks in a good mood., Anika assessed, before replying. "None, sir.", she said, before putting on a measured smile. "Why do you have your coffee brought to you, sir? I'm sure you can get a coffee machine in here." "Hah!", the reply sounded, clearly amused. "The job comes with a lot of benefits. Honestly, I don't even remember what terms I started on back in the day anymore. But I remember the guy saying, 'You also get a star-eyed secretary to bring you coffee every morning in your office.'" The cyberhand flicked the ash from the cigar. "Dismissed, Kowalska." Six Months Ago Anika took a sip from the champagne, then nodded attentively to the talker. She didn't pick up a lot from the technical bits and bobs, but the man didn't seem to be lying or trying to be intentionally obtuse. "...and that's why I think that might be the definitive discovery in laser technologies for the next five years, ten even!", he finished, putting on a theatrical bow, a rather charming one. "That's great, Dr. Meyer. I'm sure you'll have no problem settling in.", she replied with a smile, taking another sip and patting the man on the hand informally. He blushed. The setting sun over Geneva was quite lovely, especially from the balcony of the ski resort. The hearty Swiss interior design shined through, more solid and vintage than the sleek Ares interiors she had gotten used to. The covered bonfire outside was a nice touch to the glass covered balcony, though. The doctor ruffled his hair, and looked down to his feet. He was going to ask about the money. "And, uh, about my joining bonus?", he asked in a forcedly relaxed tone. "When we have the information verified. That's non-negotiable. Though, the offer of employment is unconditional, so you don't have to worry about that!", she reassured him, patting him on the hand once more. He reached into his pocket, taking out a commlink. "It's read-only for now, so you can verify. I can give you the complete data after the gala?", he asked. Anika nodded, connecting the data to her glasses. "Data upload commencing, Rodrigues.", she whispered to the decker on the other side. The man grinned in anticipation. The two stared at the sun set for a couple of minutes, watching the fireworks in silence, until the decker replied. "-Verified.-", sounded the short reply. Rodrigues wasn't the most charming decker she'd worked with, but he's been good backup for more than a year, and terribly competent, to boot. She smiled at the doctor, then reached into her purse, handing out an ebony credstick. ------------ She'd gone back to her room, and changed. The Second Skin was changed to appear into a shirt and shorts, as if she was going to the sauna. The gym bag with the concealed pistol inside was just an extra precaution towards any last minute complications. She reached Dr. Meyer's room, and was just about to knock when she noticed the door was opened, and a small draft was coming from inside. "It's all checked, Dr. Meyer. We're the extraction team. There's been a complication, however, so we'll need to extract you ASAP.", an unfamiliar voice sounded, sending Anika's hairs on edge. "Ah. What about the elven lady? Isn't she coming along?", asked the doctor's voice, clearly on edge. "She's got a few more things to get done in Switzerland, sir. Don't worry, you'll see her soon enough.", the man replied, chuckling. She opened the door quietly, leaving the bag outside and drawing the pistol. Pulling the cowl over her head, the ruthenium coating blended in with the rich wallpaper, as she took a step inside, watching the drek hitting the fan. Four men and a woman were standing in the room, in front of an open window. All of them dressed in non-descript black armour, and armed to the teeth. An ork was lugging around a machinegun, and the woman was clad in what seemed to be magical foci. And next to the talker was Rodrigues. The bastard. Anika considered her options. Heavily outnumbered, and outgunned. Someone snatching the scientist from right under her nose, and her only backup working for the enemy, and quite possibly the reason why it was all timed so perfectly. Drek., she swore, hiding even further behind a leather couch. "I've got to secure the room, and brick your devices. Make sure you've left no trail, doctor.", said the decker, tossing a grenade in the air casually, as the ork was helping the doctor with the climbing gear to rappel down the building. The guy was actually enjoying the excitement in his life. "Just to make sure anyone coming after us doesn't, and erase the evidence." The man nodded, as the group started rappeling down. Rodrigues started whistling as he made for the door. Anika stood up from behind the couch, and took two silent steps, before speaking. "What the actual drek do you think you're doing?", she hissed, as the decker turned, eyes and mouth wide open as he saw an Ares Predator closer to his face than he'd preferred. "F&%%...", slipped through his mouth, as he raised his hands. He swallowed slowly. "Uh... Kowalska...", he started saying. "It's... nothing personal. I've got an offer from S-K, and a damn good one. No offense, but I've been Matrix Nanny for four years, and I don't see that changing." Her mouth opened, then closed. He continued. "I do mean it. Nothing personal.", he added, swallowing, sweat starting to appear on his brow. "If... if you let me go, I can probably put in a good word for you. It was good working with you, at least.", he continued, lying through his teeth. She considered the fallout. Losing an asset, a hundred and twenty thousand nuyen, and S-K getting a head scientist on our pay. That's it. That's fragging it. I'd be lucky if I get part-time janitorial duty. Sighing, she lowered the gun. "Fine. Just leave the grenade.", she said with a tired tone, feigned surrender in her voice. The decker looked relieved, as a non-believing smile laid onto his face. "I'll... I'm serious. Moment I'm there, I'll try and get you on board. You just lay low.", and seemingly he was almost honest. "No point in burning any more bridges, am I right?", he joked, with the tact of a troll in a ballet class, tossing the grenade on the couch and making for the window. He made it halfway across the room before two APDS rounds struck him in the back, sending him on the floor. Anika lowered the gun, hearing the slow choking and retching as his lungs started filling with blood, and slowly drew her commlink from her pocket. He'd just be on his way home. "Mark.", she said as the man on the other side picked up the commlink. "Rodrigues turned coat for S-K, and a team of runners picked up the doctor. Can't pursuit." Her voice was calm, yet inside she felt everything she worked for years wash down the drain. Just as the decker was bleeding on the bear rug. She heard a thudding sound, as if metal striking metal, and one of them giving up. She was betting on the fist. "What!? Drek... And the scrip?", Boone asked on the other side, as she overheard a lighter flicking open. "Gone." A muffled roar was heard over the commlink, as if a dire beast's been mortally injured. "How could you fra... nevermind. What's recoverable?" Anika considered the situation. "Nothing." The Mitsubishi Nightsky took another hit over the comms, the sound of real, tanned leather being torn. "You got something more to say, girl?", he shouted over the comms. "Rodrigues is about to drown himself in his own blood.", she said curtly. "Good! Hope he burns in hell, the stupid trogson. So I don't suppose you've got any fragging clue as to what to give to the next meeting? A fragging gift basket, maybe?" She paused for a moment, paying no heed to the man next to her coughing out arterial blood. "Burn me.", she said, swallowing. "I know it was the first thing that crossed your mind." "Well, aren't you a f#&&ing smart one?", he shouted. "Yes. I learned from the best. Only reason you're even considering anything else is because you're worried I might come for vengeance. I'll give you my access codes, so you can plant whatever it is on me to get you off as clean as you can, if you move quick enough. It's going to happen eventually, so I'd best roll with it." She holstered the pistol. "It's the best we can do, regarding the situation. I could go after five shadowrunners on their terrain and die. You could take the blow for me, but that means neither of us sees a fragging promotion while we're alive." A sorrowful smile appeared on her face. "Which might not bother you, Mr. Boone, but I'm a starry-eyed elf." Boone quieted down over the commlink. "So? I trade a potential branch manager for a possible runner?" "Beats trading a branch manager for an enemy. And it's much better on my end. Sending you the codes now." The voice replied, muffled through thick cigar smoke. "Fine. But put another one in that fragging drekhead for me, and don't call me until September." Two more silenced shots rang in the room, before she cut the commlink feed, and threw it from the window. She saw a van driving past the gates, carrying away her hopes and dreams. Present day.
She opened the window, hearing the voices and the shouts outside, the sound of metahumans surviving, thriving, and getting recklessly exploited. Taking her own coffee, and stuffing it with four packets of sugar, she shrugged, and took a sip. She was her own Secretary now.
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