Back in Business (Alpha Run) [Shadowrun 4E]

Game Master CloakedInSmoke

Shrugging his shoulders, Skull stands and nods, giving his silent agreement to the terms. Turning to everyone, Skull says Let's go. I'm hungry, and could use a quiet place to think and eat. My treat.

Turning, Skull walks out the door and heads up front to grab his handgun.
Back with pappa Skull mutters as he holsters the monster gun.

Once outside, Skull sends the address of his favorite italian resturaunt in seattle to everyone, with the added message <this is a safe place to talk business. I know a guy there>

After considering for a moment , Miyako nods her agreement.

If anyone is not done here, don't let me rush you. Crix doesn't have a lot else to do there though, so in the interest of moving along...

Crix says his goodbyes and goes out the way he came, taking several minutes to load himself down with his weaponry once more. He deposits the shot glasses at a table on his way out, but holds onto the pen & bracelet he acquired earlier.

After checking his bike for tampering (or, y'know, stealing), he gets on his comm and sends a wave to his beat cop contact, Lincoln.
<Tracking missing person. Flew into Sea-Tac last night, not heard from since. Hear anything?>

Once finished, Crix goes for Italian, making a quick stop by a liquor store and an almost-abandoned alley.

"Hello Zedda. Why don't we have a drink and talk about someone named 'Fiona Craig' that went missing last night?"

Hold that thought, everyone, something happens before you all leave the club ;-) And Miyako, Mac has told you all he knows. He doesn't know any more about what Fiona did once she left Sea-Tac.

Armed with little more than a name, you head out of Underworld 39, leaving the crowd and the music behind. Your ears ring in the relative silence of the cool city night. As you begin to discuss your next steps, you see a well-dressed, dark-skinned dwarf casually strolling toward you. When he's about 7 meters away, he stops and holds out his hands, palms toward you.

Peace, friends. he says with a trace of a Quebecois accent. I have a job offer for you. I am Laurent Nazaire, and I represent the Atlantean Foundation. You were just hired to find Fiona Craig, were you not? It just so happens I'm interested in an item she was having smuggled into Seattle. The Atlantean Foundation is prepared to offer you 2000¥ each for recovering the item, a fist-sized shard made of obsidian. What do you say?

Ha ha, looks like you might end up getting that 5000¥ you wanted for this job anyway :) You may roleplay this conversation, and if you all want to accept this job as well, again, appoint a negotiator to roll a Negotiation+Charisma Test to haggle for more pay.

I vote Jack does the talking this time. No hard feelings or anything. ;)

"What makes this rock so valuable to you?"

I want to study it. Nazaire says simply.

Skull shrugs his shoulders while putting his hand upon his sidearm.
sounds fine by me. We find a girl. We retrieve a rock. We get paid.

Crossing her arms across her chest, Miyako regards the man "We've been hired to find the woman...no mention was made of any smuggled artefacts..."

That's because your Johnson--and his client-- either don't know or don't care about it. They just want the girl, I just want the stone. And before you ask, I have no idea where she is either. So, do we have an agreement?

I vote we accept & move on with the scenario, allowing Jack to retcon negotiations when he shows up. That way we can keep things moving. In that spirit, see below.

"Sounds fine by me."
Crix moves off to contact Zedda and Lincoln about his situation, hoping one of them has some insight into the situation.
See previous post.

"Hai" Miyako says nodding to the Atlantean. She then subvocalizes a message to Samuel Sam, need info on one Fiona Craig, recently arrived at Sea-Tac....then disappeared. Need any friends, family business contacts she may have here as well as what she was doing and where she's been out in the world."

Nazaire hands you a business card. Call me when you've retrieved the stone so we can arrange a pickup. Thank you, friends. He turns back and walks casually back the way he came, likely to find his car, which must have been parked fairly far away thanks to the Mercurial traffic.

Sorry, but my secret rolls for your contacts didn't turn up much info. Miyako's contact is the only one that turned up with any clues, unless Jack's contacts have info.

For Sam's info
Cha + Etiquette +Loyalty 10d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 4, 1, 6, 1, 3, 3, 5) = 31 = 2 hits

Sam texts back Miyako, who I assume shares the information with the team. <I was able to unearth one bit of info that might help you. One of my contacts works at the airport and said she saw Ms. Craig leave in a cab. She said if you ask the cabbies, they might be able to tell you where she went. I'll forward a list of cab companies that service the airport.>

Assuming we're still meeting for Italian, on Crusha
FF to table chat

"Cab companies ought to be able to tell us what cabbies did pickups at Sea-Tac last night." Crix offers.
"Any other leads or ideas?"

See you at the restaurant Miyako says then walks to her bike.
While weaving though traffic, she comms her Fixer Sergei to see if he has any contacts within the various taxi companies in Seattle.

Cha + Etiquette + Loyalty =9d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 2, 4, 5, 6, 6, 5) = 38 = 4 hits

Sorry for the delays in my posting. Holidays with the family.

Negotiation with Nazaire: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3, 6, 4, 5) = 27 = 3 hits.

Jack sends a quick message to Jimmy, <Hey Jimmy, looking for an archaeologist named Fiona Craig. She disappeared after leaving SeaTac in a taxi. Have you heard anything?>

Then to his new team, <see you all at Crusha's. Crusha you want me to pick up anything on the way? Like some non-soy stuff so I don't go into anaphalactic shock?>

<jack, no. we are heading to an italian resturant.>

<Ah. Thanks. See you guys there.>

Sorry for the delay in posting, holiday rush and all. I'll return to regular posting by the New Year :)

Nazaire's Opposed Negotiation Test: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6, 6, 4, 3) = 25 (2 hits, 1 net hit for Jack)

After a few minutes of negotiation, you are able to get Nazaire up to 2200¥ per person: not much, but hey, nuyen is nuyen.

Unfortunately, Miyako, Sergei doesn't know anything about the cab companies.

Jimmy texts back more or less what Sam told Miyako, that he knows Craig left in a cab, then adds <Don't know anything more about her but I do know a guy who will be able to help you find her.>

Jack, roll a Charisma+Etiquette+Loyalty Test. If you can get 3 hits, Jimmy will tell you for free; otherwise a "donation" of 200¥ will be required for him to "remember."

Charisma+Etiquette+Loyalty: 8d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 6, 4, 1, 2, 3) = 25 = 1 hit.

After a moment, Jack finally reads between the lines.

<Hey, that is great Jimmy! Any chance you could put me in touch with your guy? Any help with this would be much appreciated.> A couple of seconds after sending this text, Jack transfers 200¥ to Jimmy's blind drop account, as per previous arrangements.

After getting nothing on the taxi companies, Miyako then questions both of her contacts about Laurent Nazaire and the Atlantean Foundation.

Cha + Etiquette + Loyalty = 9d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 6, 3, 4, 3, 5, 4) = 35 = 3 hits

im still here...not much i can do.

"So what information do we have on the table?"

Assuming Miyako and Jack are cool with sharing their info, feel free to check out Jack's spoiler "3 Hits on Jack's Test or 200¥ later..." and I won't be spoilering the new info in this post.

Sergei, a fixer contact of Miyako, texts that Nazaire is actually president of the Seattle branch of the Atlantean Foundation, and is a key figure in the Foundation's hunt for artefacts, and is borderline obsessed in his quest to study artefacts and discover everything about them. The Foundation itself is known for its belief in a grandiose magical "Fourth Age," and their influx of discoveries tends to support their claims.

Jimmy assures Jack that while it won't take long, the bellhop's services aren't exactly "official" and can't be done over the Matrix, so a visit in person to the Hilton will be required to get Fiona's room number from him. The bellhop's name is Brian, and wears a brass pin of a spider near his name tag.

<Good deal, Jimmy. Thanks again!>

Jack arrives at the restaurant and makes his way inside to the table.

Hey guys, sorry I am late. After he sits, he continues, A guy I know knows a guy that might be able to help, but I have to make a run out to the Hilton to talk to him. Supposedly really Wiz about keeping tabs on hotel stays and whatnot. You guys turn anything else up?

"This kinda thing isn't really my game." Crix says looking a little perturbed.

Miyako arrives and moves through the restaurant to the table occupied by the others, just as Crix asks his question.

"I had one of my contacts check out Mr. Nazaire and the Atlantean Foundation. They seem legit, serious knickknack collectors."

dotting..

Well, it seems like a trip to the Hilton is in the offing.

Jack will run a quick search on the Hilton. What I am trying to discover is how paranoid they are about people showing up and talking to their bellhops, or will he be mainly left alone as long as he doesn't make a scene?

Data Search + Browse: 7d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 1, 5, 1, 1) = 24 = 4 hits. (and almost a glitch! that was close...)

From what your searches have returned, the clientele of the Hilton is mostly corporate execs on business trips and wageslaves on a rare vacation, so business attire would let you blend in with the crowd if you want to come in looking for him. On the other hand, tourists will often stop to ask the bellhops for directions and information as they pass, and the bloggers generally note the friendliness of Hilton bellhops even to tourists, so you shouldn't be bothered for talking with him.

Well, we can do the businessman approach, or the tourist approach. Chances are pretty good we can be ignored in either role. Tourist would probably be better for going in to ask a question and then leaving. If anyone feels like accompanying me discreetly, it would be nice to have an extra pair of eyes and someone at my back.

"I'll scare up a suit and cover you from a distance. I'll go in early and leave later so we don't seem associated."
Crix looks to Miyako. "You can work the bar and see if the bartender knows anything."
Turning to Skull, he adds, "Think you can cover the door in case we need a quick exit?"

did we ever get a picture of Fiona?

Miyako nods at Crix's plan "I'll blend in with the travelling business crowd that ususally can be found in those hotel bars. Shall be meet back here once done?"

Sounds like a good plan. Miyako, do you still have contact info for Droid? He might be a good asset to have on this run.

no.

finishing his pasta, Skull grunts Sure. no problem.
staring off in space for a moment, skull continues
ok, to sum up. Crix will get there first and lounge about the area. Jack and Miyako will go in and talk to the bellhop. Ill be outside covering the front doors, ready to provide assistance should talking to a bellhop turn into a turf war. Skull chuckles at his last statement.
seems easy enough.

"No, Miyako enters separately and covers the bar. Though someone should go with Jack, in case something goes down. Who's this 'Droid' character? Someone you can trust? And can he pass for a tourist?"

Sorry, I should have given you a description of her. I held off because I could not find one in the campaign guide and thought I was just missing it or something, but I ended up giving a description of her to the Beta Run team. Mac will have given a pic to you guys. She's a willowy white woman of about 25 with jet black hair, wearing jeans, a leather jacket, glasses, and a beret.

Droid is something of a tech wizard. Not a technomancer, just really good with the machines. Miyako and I have both worked with him before, though I don't have his contact.

"I'll send him a query, see if he's available. Yes, Jack and I can vouch for his usefulness." Miyako says with a slight smile.

Looking back to the others "I've invited Droid to join us, as well as advised MacCallister of our intentions regarding Droid. I need to return to my residence to prepare for my investigations at the hotel. Comm me if there are any change of plans."

With that she rises from her seat nods the the men and leaves the restaurant.

Returning to her condo, she changes into typical corporate casual attire : grey slacks, brown shirt, sensible shoes; perfect camouflage as a Japanese wageslave on a work-cation.

Satisfied, Miyako then rides her bike to a nearby transit hub and takes the mag-train downtown to the Hilton

Crix goes to pick up a little new armor to put under his suit, and for that matter, find a suit.

Thursday ends up being just as rainy as Wednesday, and the passing tourists and wageslaves alike all sport umbrellas as they pass the Seattle Hilton, the bellhops looking fractionally less friendly than you suspect they would in good weather, decked out in red coats and the flat hats so typical of the profession. They are grouped under the canopy over the front entrance. A car or taxi appears every minute or so to let out or take in passengers, and the bellhops rush to their aid with luggage carts. From the street, you cannot make out the names on their tags or find Brian's distinctive spider pin.

What is everyone doing?

Is there at-the-door security, or can we make it inside the lobby with concealed weapons?

Once Droid has responded in the affirmative, Miyako shares the group's comm particulars and individual folios with him and introduces him to the group.

"Droid, I suggest for now you act as backup outside the Hilton, a bit of overhead surveillance never hurts"

Getting off of the public tram, Miyako blends into the tide of humanity coming and going in the transit station.

Walking down the crowded street, her cheap utility raincoat glistening with moisture from the constant rain.

Arriving at the Hilton, her presence as she entered barely registers with the bellhops, conditioned as they are to key on those appearing wealthy enough to actually afford to tip for their services.

Transiting the well appointed foyer, Miyako pauses briefly as if unfamiliar with her surroundings. Orienting herself, she walks into the hotel bar. I've arrived at the bar she sub-vocalizes to the group.

Etiquette - to convince any observers of her ordinariness
5d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 5, 4) = 15 1 hit

Shadowing - to notice any observers
8d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 2, 2, 1, 6, 1) = 18 1 hit

"No prob."

Droid will then search for map of the area around the Hilton for somewhere he can park his van out of the way for several hours.

Navigation? Rank+Stat: 1d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (6) + (4, 1, 4, 2, 1) = 18 = 1 hit

Then use his Optic X drone to aerial observe, taking special care to avoid lighting and security cameras whenever possible.

Please make sure you note any glitches you roll :) If half or more of your roll are 1's, it's a glitch, no matter how many hits you rolled along with them. A glitch without a hit is a critical glitch and much, much worse.

Crix, there are no visible security scanners, though one or two security guards armed with stunners seem to be milling around the lobby, looking bored. As long as you aren't acting suspicious and are concealing the weapon, it shouldn't be a problem.

Miyako gets the feeling that someone is staring at her, but every time she looks, no one is. The most likely culprit each time seems to be different than the last.

What'll it be? a dour bartender asks Miyako as she walks in.

Droid, you have no difficulty in locating a public parking lot to set the van down a couple blocks away. To observe unnoticed, roll an Infiltration+Pilot test. Are you using full virtual reality to rig it right now?

Crix mills about in the lobby looking for reading material. If possible, he finds a newspaper or magazine with a crossword or puzzle, finds a pen, and begins working. With a few minutes to burn, no sense spending it all uptight.
<Tell me when you get here.> Crix messages Jack. In the meantime, Crix simply sits and puzzles.
Kind of assuming there will be some place to sit and read/puzzle near the door.

Indeed, there are couches in the main lobby for guests to sit at while waiting for colleagues, family, visitors, etc., and Crix is fairly well blended doing today's crossword in The Seattle Times.