New Beginnings

Miami, Caribbean League, 2080

Rain beats incessantly on the windows of the place you call home for what seems like the tenth day in a row. The rain would be welcome if it didn't make the unbearable humidity even worse. Unlike the weather, work - real work - has dried up lately. You make a pretty penny when you can pull down a solid job but a couple of weeks between jobs leaves the belly a little more empty than it would like. Soycaf and whatever combination of soy, krill, and fungus-based foods made to taste vaguely similar to real food can only go so far. You've put out feelers to your contacts in the shadows hoping to get something good soon.

Through the noise of the trid news endlessly praising SpinGlobal's investment in the Miami area and all of the good it will do for the people, you hear a notification from your commlink. Checking your burner you see a message from an unknown number. It seems your contacts pulled through on getting you a job.

++
From: Unknown
Six Storms Bar 23:00
Ask for Shiden
++

The Six Storms Bar is both a well-known runner bar in the shadow community as well as a tourist hotspot for those who want to feel hard without actually putting their lives in danger. The bar's location in Wynwood on the border of both Little Haiti and the Belle Meade Erosion Zone makes it safe enough for corp drones to frequent while still being within spitting distance of getting shot for making the wrong comment. You get a second message on your main comm from your contact letting you know that you should be getting a message soon with a new job. Apparently, you should be at least mildly familiar with the crew being put together.

The news feed on the trid continued on in the background, "From all of us here at News Net Miami, have a good night." The clock reads 7 PM. Only a couple of hours until the meet.

Vato woke up nursing a hangover. Those Little Haiti Rum and Mescal cocktails could be deadlier than a pack of ghouls. He smiled when he saw there was the possibility of a job. He was dead ass broke. He liked his new digs. A single room but a big room, fully furnished in decent enough furniture. It used to be the principle's office of Gladeview's Arcola Lake elementary school. Right next to the buzz of Little Haiti but real quiet. The devil rats, ghouls and other unsavoury environmental hazards were what kept most others out. As far as he was concerned it was luxury. School communal showers, the life man. He paid rent to the Cienfuegos who he was on excellent terms with given their shared Cuban heritage and the other residents living in the former school were respectful and friendly as part of his discount with the Cienfuegos came from janitorial duties. He didn't repair or clean stuff tough but he would kill devil rats ghouls, hell hounds and put them in the garbish container. The Cienfuegos figured if he kept it up at worst they could ask more rent to the other residents for being "safe" within a Z zone (as if there was such a thing) and if he kept it up the area would better, raising property values. Vato figured it was a long stretch until that happened but he could enjoy the relative comfort of living beyond his means in the meanwhile.

He walked dressed in a towel towards the showers using a shuriken to kill a devil rat on the way there and twice on the way back... Slow night, maybe they are spreading thinner he thought. Once dressed he got some spicy burritos from his neighbour Angela, she somehow even with simplest of soy and flavor faucets managed to make things taste proper Cuban. He lingered a while playing some matrix games with her son and then hit the road. It was early but it wouldnt hurt to get a feel for the place before he met their prospective employer.

On the street running in the rain and humidity, Eddy almost missed the buzz of his comm. Only after his regular 'link chirped up and got his attention did he scan the message on the burner.

Nice, got work lined up. Bout time. he thought as he slowed to a light jog and moved under an awning. Grabbing a couple of soykafs and some pan cubano with butter, he smiled as he started heading back home.

"Sis, get your butt outta bed and check your work 'link. We got a job lined up tonight."

Eddy drops Jinx a voice message then continues back to the apartment they share, allowing his respirations and heart rate to drop back to normal.

Bright, mismatching lights and handmade cardboard reflectors line the tiny egg carton covered box that comprises the makeshift studio that’s been set up in the living room of a cramped one bedroom apartment where Daniel sits, recording another trideo. Seeing his comlink flash he cuts the session short.

Seeing the message Daniel weighs his options for a second before getting ready. Twenty minutes later Daniel exists into the street wearing a cheap dollar store parka over a well worn coat, pulling the hood close Daniel goes trudging off into the night towards the meet.

The Six Storms Bar, a hive of activity every day of the week with a mix of tourists, wannabe runners, and bonafide denizens of the shadows, today is like any other. When you arrive area is bustling with patrons and parking anything bigger than a motorcycle could be considered it’s own run, just without the pay. Neighboring Belle Meade and Little Haiti are relatively quiet tonight, only a handful of gun shots can be heard on your way in. The excited chatter of the tourists and loud boasting of the wannabes set them apart immediately. Those who live in the shadows remark on it as one would the weather, if at all.

While the Wynwood district is fairly secure, the cops are too busy looking for gang bangers or vagrants than for armed citizens who at least appear to pay their taxes. Some touristy clothes are more than enough to avoid questions about the Ruger Super Warhawk on your hip.

As you enter the bar there’s hardly room at the counter with the number of customers ordering drinks. Some groups sit off quietly in corners while others party it up like there’s no tomorrow. A tall, lithe young woman moves rapidly behind the bar taking orders and serving drinks with surprising speed and accuracy. As you approach the bar she looks you dead in the eyes expectantly while pouring another drink.

Eddy rocks up to the bar on foot, having parked around the corner and stashing his bigger gear in the trunk. Double locking the Americar, he checks his Glock and knife are adequately concealed under the leather jacket before strolling around to the front. Breezing through the crowd up to the bar is easier said then done, but once there he scans for familiar faces before ordering.

"Gimme 2 Soyweisers and put in for a big basket of wings & fries please. And I'm supposed to meet a Shiden here, mind telling me where to go?"

He slides an extra ¥50 via the AR tip window and turns back to scan the room.

{Sis. I'm here, where you at?}

Wearing a synthleather armored jacket, with bulked up "motorcycle" pads over his limbs and a closed face helm under his arm, he blends into a sea of local biker scum without much issue.

Vato navigates his trollhammer in the parking lot expertly and walks in. The Minotaur has made no effort to blend in with acceptable street chique. His reinforced trench coat and dirty rugged leather pants and armor accessoires skirt and probably exceed what is sociably acceptable. However he seems good natured enough and invites the bouncers to scan him with. He is obviously clear of weapons. It seems enough to let him in. He keeps clear of the tourists and he gives a nod of recognition to runners and fixers he knows but any wannabe that wants to prove himself as a tough guy by bumping into the troll or make snark trog remark receives a staredown.

He goes to the bar and orders a White Russian based of double soykaf espresso. "I don't care about the quality of the milk substitute or of the vodka as long as it doesn't make me blind, but put in a shot of rum. I am sweet tooth like that. the real unlicenced Cuban stuff not the generic tourist trap crap. It takes my edge off." He exhales sharply through the nose which jilts the little bell the minotaur has in his nose piercing. His tip is generous enough.

Rook, with his coat still dripping rain water onto the floor, eyes the immense figure to sit down next to him at the bar. It's not often that you see a minotaur in these parts. It's not often you see one anywhere. Rook finishes off his drink, whatever the cheapest whiskey they have is, looks to the bartender, and says "Another of these, and remember to put it on Shiden's tab. He's paying."

He then turns towards the massive figure beside him, and says: "Hi friend, you know, I've always been curious... Is it true that the color red makes you folk angry?"

"Nah the only kind of red that bothers me is bank statements at this time of the month in that colour. I am hardly alone on that. Must be one of those urban myths I am afraid. I also have nothing with mazes. 3 out of 4 of my grandparents have Greek ancestry, that one seems too much to be a coincidence eh.

Name is Vato. He is the best type of friend that Shiden. Generous. He is buying me this White Russian".

"Damn rain. I get phantom pains of arthritis in this metal arm. Yep, I know it doesn't make sense. Either it's in my head or it's faulty wiring. The Doc pointed to the wall when I told him. All caps big enough for a blind person to see, in fact it was there in braille as well "NO REFUNDS"

Vato grins and extends his massive cyberarm to the stranger, he has given up closing his metal fingers in an actual handshake with the cyberarm a while ago and let them grab his fingers or palm.

Eddy hears Vato talking (kinda hard to miss the bass rumble if a minotaur's voice) and elbows his way over to the big man.

"Hoy! Omae, I hear you're looking to talk with Shiden? Zas vid, chummer, they bring you on and I might be looking for new work. Can't really call myself the muscle if you're big chromed hoop is on the job."

Via his trodes, Eddy pings his location to Jinx's link, expecting his sibling to keep an eye on his back as he watches hers.

{Vato's here. Might be on the same meet. You know the human in the throwaway trench coat? Don't scan his face from memory }

Eddy slides one of the Soyweisers into Vato's massive hand and resumes scanning the room for familiar (or hostile) faces.

"Good news hombre. If I am the muscle of the operation, it means you have been upgraded to brain, I bet you didn't see that one coming"

He offers a wide grin to Eddy and then swigs down the Soyweiser in one go and then takes a measured sip of his White Russian.

"Well with the three of us together, he or she would be a fool to wait much longer to approach us, I always seem to attract attention whether I want to or not, it's why I give all these wannabees death stares, if they think for a moment that they can take I am challenged in some way, it's tiring, stupid and a waste of time".

"Null sheen, omae. If they're looking for me for brains, we're fragged before we get out the gate. Good thing the little thinker is kicking around, she's got the head on her shoulders."

Eddy smiles at Vato and the new face Rook, tipping his bottle in a salute.

"Got some wings and fries on order, ya scan our meet yet? Any Intel on the J or the job at all?"

"Less then nothing, but a Johnson that hires the future Miami-Dade regional tag team champions ? ... This can't be all about your brains and my sex appeal, I reckon. Somebody is expecting the going to get tough"

Stepping inside Daniel peels off the clear parka, balling it up and throwing the soggy mass into the trash. As he enters the crowded room it’s almost as if a switch is flipped. Moving through the room he begins schmoozing with the regulars, introducing himself to the tourists, and just greeting everyone with a smile.

Once he’s done his rounds he’ll begin looking for the Johnson offering the job.

The noise in the bar continues on over your discussion, it seems some of the rowdier patrons are overly excited about seeing a minotaur in obvious runner's clothes and one is even bragging about getting a death glare from him to one of his friends.

Jinx, all seems normal to you, at least as normal as a runner bar can be. Plenty of burner comms in the matrix, some mid-end comms that probably belong to the passersby, and a decently strong host that likely covers the bar's security. As far as personnel go, the same pattern continues. Other than all of the runners this is a pretty normal bar and the overall mood seems jovial.

Eddy, the bartender flashes you a smile when she sees the tip and says, "Shiden will be with you shortly." You notice that even that short exchange seemed to make her restless as she moved on to the order. From the lack of obvious 'ware you can only imagine that her skills are being wasted in a bar.

Vato, your White Russian with a shot of rum is delivered without so much as a word or a look. You notice plenty of eyes on you, but that's nothing new being a minotaur. One of the many wannabes you gave a death glare on your way in is now bragging to his friends about it. He wouldn't last two minutes against regular corp sec, much less HTR.

Rook, when you say that Shiden is paying, the bartender flashes you a bright smile and then returns to her tasks. You're not quite sure why she smiled at you, but you feel that it was more likely to be laughing at you rather than smiling at you.

Daniel, the crowd seems friendly enough, although a couple will glare at you wondering why you're being so friendly. Many of the regulars recognize you and return friendly greetings before going back to their conversations. As you look for the Johnson you see a short Japanese woman walk up to the three by the bar and she gestures to you.

The figure appears next to you with little warning, a Japanese woman with long black hair pulled back in a ponytail and wearing a business suit scarcely over five feet tall. "If you all will follow me that would be appreciated. Grab another drink if you wish to bring it with you and grab the straggler as well." She leads you down a hallway past the backroom and into another room near the rear entrance.

When you enter it, it looks like a corporate executive meeting room, the walls obviously made to appear as if you were in a skyscraper in sunny downtown Miami. In the far corner of the room is another door and standing next to it is a Japanese man a couple of inches taller than the woman with a Katana sheathed at his side. The meeting table is seated with seven chairs, the near end being a chair clearly meant for the minotaur. Doing the math, perhaps the seventh chair is for the man in the corner.

As the woman sits at the opposite head of the table she motions for you to sit and when you're seated she begins to speak. "You may call me Shiden. I believe that you are all loosely familiar with each other. Now, if it's not too much of a rush, we shall begin discussing business. You were brought here for a job, however, the offer is a bit more than simply a job. If you are not aware, I act as a fixer for some of the more... connected individuals in the region. Should you earn it, I shall also act as a fixer for your group. Are we clear so far?"

Daniel takes a seat and makes himself comfortable.

"Hello miss Shinden, I’d like to start by saying that I’m incredibly intrigued by what you’ve said, do you mind if I ask some clarifying questions?"

"See I’m a little curious what you mean by "the fixer for our group", as you’ve mentioned, we’re familiar with one another from around the way but…" Daniel motions to indicate the other runners at the table, "…we are not really affiliated in any official capacity. We’re you intending on recruiting us in order to form a team so that we may perform jobs for you?"

Afterwards Daniel just shrugs and says "I mean I could also just be completely overthinking this, I’ve done that before."

When Vato enters the room he makes a curt almost imperceptible bow towards the female host then makes eye contact with the man with the katana and takes his trenchcoat off to hang it over his designated chair so he is considerably less armored and cannot grab anything from his jacket a move to convey quite literally he is disarming himself.

His game face with a prospective employer seems to be one politeness, quite contrary to the horseplay and joking when he was alone with the other runners. He is content to let others talk for the moment, calmly nursing his White Russian.

Rook has plenty of criminal experience, and is probably known in the streets and underworld, but he has never technically been a shadowrunner.

In an act of overcompensation and trying to appear comfortable and confident he does his best to take up more physical space then his small frame would usually require, and keep his normally loud mouth shut and let the more experienced do the talking.
He does a quick assessing of Shiden and the other man in the room and lights up his last cigarette and leans back in the chair.

Eddy moves in and settles into the closest non-oversized chair. He pointedly puts his back to the door, if possible and faces the pair.

"Ma'am. Names Eddy if anyone didn't know that already. Pleased to meet you all."

He looks everyone in the eye as he scans across the room, keeping a calm pleasant Corp approved smile on his face.

"I am also interested in what you mean by 'this groups fixer'. You looking to set up a stand-by crew, or got something more long-term in mind? Those kind of arrangements typically run a few more zeros than a typical one and done. No offense intended, of course, just wanna make sure we're all on the same page here."

He keeps his hands neatly folded on the table before him and sits up straight with relaxed shoulders.

{Any serious objections to a long term gig? Assuming the pays ok, if course.}

She smiles politely at each one of you who spoke to her in turn before speaking. "I apologize, I may have misrepresented myself. Rather than being the fixer for your group, the deal would be better represented by saying that when you work for me, you work in this group. Naturally, you are free to do as you please when not working in my employ. Furthermore, as I mentioned this is your chance to take a step up in the shadows."

Shiden pauses to sip her glass of water and gives another smile. "I am aware that you have not worked together before, but your skills have been evaluated as presented by your contacts and, given a trial run, I am prepared to work with you towards... more lucrative deals."

Jinx, your matrix searches for Shiden come up with little information, and all of that is largely pointless unless you want to know some trivia about a nearly 150-year-old plane. Your search on the man however provides some information that could be useful. There are a handful of poor-quality pictures that claim to show the man standing in the corner of the room. The information you can find seems to be attempting to link this man to an incident at the Nicaragua Canal that never made the news about five years ago and a high-profile heist of a museum in London that involved a dragon and the Queen. While there is plenty of rumors they all seem to agree that this runner specializes in wet work and is mostly active in the Caribbean.

(I'm not opposed to a long term gig, was just more curious as to her intentions and expectations of the arrangement given her wording.)

Daniel listens to Shiden speak, nodding his head as she explains her intentions. "I myself am very interested in your proposition and have no objections to step into the big leagues so to speak. I assume that while working for you as a part of this group we would benefit from your support? Perhaps interceding on our behalf when necessary or facilitating payments to the right people if needed? If so I'm definitely on board."

Having said his piece Daniel relaxes back in his chair, eager to hear what his fellow runners think of the deal.

"Yeah, I'm game to hear the rest of the pitch. I'll say up front I'm not about geeking people just for some scratch. I mean someone draws down on me or mine, sure, they're fair game. But I tend to pack non-lethal for the most part. And I'm definitely not about kids and non-combatant kills. Other than that, I'm down for pretty much any job you can think up."

Eddy keeps his calm corp demeanor as he speaks, making eye contact with the others in the room.

"No offense intended to anyone who's a bit less concerned with violence, it's just not my cuppa tea, as they say."

"I seem to be the least scrupulous amongst my peers, a position of comfort mostly and occasionally more dangerous"

Vato smiles as he sips from the White Russian

"Let's hear about that trial run of yours"

Shiden acknowledges each of you as you talk. "Certainly I would seek to protect my investment in you, so long as it doesn't cause too much trouble for myself. As for the types of jobs you would be working, I wouldn't force you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. As for getting down to business, this trial run will be an extraction job."

She pulls out a commlink and you receive a file from her, she then pulls out physical folders and passes them around the table. "This will be your target for extraction."

++
Name: Toussaint Accoune
Meta: Human
Gender: Male
Age: Late Teens
Affiliations: LH47, Little Haiti Street Gang known primarily for drug dealing and gun smuggling
Mission: Extraction
Details: Toussaint's father, who used to be a high-ranking member of LH47 has since left the gang, but in retaliation, the gang is holding his son who still appears to want to be a member. He is being held at the LH47 headquarters near Lemon City park deep within LH47 territory.

Toussaint is to be extracted alive and unharmed, how you wish to deal with the gangers is up to your personal discretion.
++

The picture attached to the file shows a lanky dark-skinned African-American teenager with close-cropped hair. Shiden watches you as you look over the file. "Pay will be ¥20,000 for the group," she states rather casually before continuing, "cold credsticks of course."

"To the best of your knowledge. Awakened or Mundane? To the best of your knowledge any ware we should know about?"

Rather than trying to negotiate Vato is fishing for useful elements, elements that may help drive the price up

Seeing the looks of dissatisfaction on several of his prospective teammates Daniel tries to upsell Shiden on this new group. "Perhaps a higher level of compensation is in order? While this is indeed a trial run, this job will also set the tone of our relationship. This is just my opinion but I think that all of us, you included would benefit from a bigger investment into our future together." {Hey, I can try and get us a better price but in the future I don't appreciate being called "Kid", My name is Daniel.}

Rook's initial impression is to shake hands on it right now. 20k is way more than he could ever hope to make in a month, even after splitting it equally.
However, Rook is inexperienced in Shadowrunning, but not niave. He leans back and let Daniel do the negotiations.

Rook will chime in once the negotiations of payment appear to be concluded.
"Define 'unharmed' please. We're talking just no permanent damage, right?

Shiden flashes a polite smile at Daniel and responds, "Certainly the pay can be... discussed. Investment in our future together is important to me. Perhaps ¥25000 would be more favorable to the group. After all, even if you are not exactly old hands at this, people of your talents should have no problem handling some common street thugs."

The man in the corner of the room shifts his weight back and forth between legs with his eyes closed, seeming bored with the conversation. Shiden shoots a quick glance over her shoulder at the man before turning back to the group. "As for your other questions, I can personally guarantee that the target is mundane and the gang has no significant magical capabilities. As for 'ware, the latest information given by the father says he has none. And as for unharmed, nothing permanently debilitating although no harm period is preferable."

Rook, you recognize the name LH47 instantly. They used to be a fairly small-time gang pushing drugs on street corners in Little Haiti proper. When Miami joined the Caribbean league, however, they made connections with sources in what used to be Haiti and used their new influences to expand Little Haiti significantly. They're known for their cruelty including a technique of tying people to chairs with barbed wire around their arms and then beating and torturing them.

Jinx, Ruse texts you back {What are you getting yourself into? ¥750 for what I've got. Hope you're not going after her.}

{I'm good with the price. And beating up a few 'bangers seems like a good warmup for this lady.}

Eddy looks from the woman to the swordsman with a level glance, then looks at the team for signs of disapproval or other concerns.

"I'm in, sounds like a good chance to see what we can do together, and if it opens up into more lucrative work ,all the better. You got a timeframe on this grab? I assume the client would like his son back ASAP."

"Let's assume a hypothetical yes for answer to your job offer. In how far are you opposed or not in your contractors augmenting their income through somewhat dubious appropriation of secondary assets? If, and only if, this does not interfere with the primary asset acquisition of course. Do you oppose if we acquire LH47's chemical recreational stimulants and items of personal defence ? If not, do you want first pickings on the items, do you propose a fixed percentage of their street value or do you let us go trough our private channels ?

Rook raises an eyebrow at the new number for payout.
"So, let me guess... All these fine folks are here to get me close to the kid, and I convince him to come with us. I can be very convincing"
Rook reaches for his last cigarette again to relight it, but glances at Jinx and stops himself before he lights up.

Vato replies {When you assume, you make an ass of you and me. Also I'm pretty laid back with your whole ironic, "I'm smarter than you schtick" you seem to have going. That is until the day you take it that bit too far.... Don't my take kindness for weakness if I don't reply to that shit. I prefer to bite rather than by bark because I am better at it. I don't think we know each other well enough to take over the coordinated leadership of a gun and dope racket gang, at least at this point in time. Or the intricacies of which law enforcement to pay off or the competition and whatnot. Better to keep things simple and better to limit ourselves to a snatch and grab. But I most definitely like your ambition and lack of scruples lady, they go well with your urban chique and nail polish. Just think of me and treat me as the hammer in your enemies coffin instead of the pet by your side and we can go places .}

Daniel responds to Shidens increased offer "That is wonderful, I appreciate your flexibility on the matter." Turning to his fellow runners Daniel Asks "Should we get started then?"

Shiden tilts her head slightly and looks at Vato, "If you wish to... loot whatever you may come across, you are free to do so as this is simply against gang thugs. So long as the mission is not jeopardized that is, however, I expect your discretion when you perform more professional runs. After all, your actions, as well as your success, affect not only yourselves but my own reputation. You are free to do with your acquisitions as you please, I have little purpose for street guns and street drugs. As I believe I mentioned, but I will say once again for clarity, as soon as possible is preferred, and within a week is necessary. The manner in which you choose to carry out the run is entirely your decision. Your fifty percent up-front is ready when you are. If that is all you need from me, this meeting is dismissed." She pulls a credstick out of her suit jacket pocket and slides it across the table. Upon inspecting it you find ¥12500 loaded onto the stick.

Jinx you get a text back from Ruse, {Fine, but you've got a week before I start charging interest, 10% compounding daily after the first week as usual.} Your comm then receives a file from Ruse.

++
Shiden
Powerful Shinto Magician, known for combat magic and summoning
Came to the Caribbean running in order to search for someone, no more is known about the person being searched for
Known for wearing a Shinto Shrine Maiden's garb on runs
Has since partially retired from running, surrounds herself with other high-end runners, and acts as a fixer.
Frequents the Six Storms Bar, always with at least one other runner
++

"Sounds good, Daniel. Anyone needs a lift, let's head out and get clear of this place. We can find a spot to talk and plan on our own."

Eddy splays his fingers, presenting an AR "business card" so everyone can access his commlink and begins a group message/call.

{All patched in? Anyone got any weird simsense issues, or phobias I should be aware of? Don't wanna drop a fire meme and trigger someone on task.}

He gathers himself, bringing the basket of wings bones up to the bar on the way out. He nods to the bartender and walks into the night, hands in pockets and helmet tucked up under his arm.

{Anyone got a line on a decent safehouse to prep from? Or do we wanna slide over and try the snatch right now?"}

Daniel raises his hand "I could use a ride"

"As could I." Rook chimes in. "Use a ride that is."

{All patched in.
I might have a contact who could work as our eyes and ears on the ground and be discreet about it... If you think we need the surveillance. He isn't too expensive either. Maybe just a couple candy bars per day.}

"You know me I don't discriminate, Minx. I like a fair bit of junk in the trunk, and you got that requirement filled. Mmh red head cuz because it goes well with the bike. .

He lifts her by the hips on top of his Trollhammer and gets behind her, revs up the engine and does a dougnut to get out of the tight parking with the soundtrack provided by a vintage Sir-Mix-A-Lot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X53ZSxkQ3Ho .
When some rich elf tourists in a luxury car shout at him because of his dangerous manoeuvre and his choice of music he flips out his spurs to bury the hook deep into the paint side panelling of the car while accelerating getting sparks out of the car. He then lifts the arm high up in the air making a fist, using the spurs as a massive finger flip insult while he deftly weaves in and out of traffic."

"Don't worry, omae. I ain't gonna pull no Go-Gang drek like that. In case you couldn't tell, I prefer a bit more discretion in my style. 'Sides, this old Americar wouldn't do a burnout if I got out and pushed."

Eddy leads the others over to his sedan, a very plain and nondescript Ford Americar in a sun-faded blue. He pops the trunk and grabs a pair of bags, a red one with a large white cross embroidered across the front, and a standard tactical range bag without insignia. He tosses the packs in the back seat and pops the doors.

"Give your guy a buzz, if we can get good eyes on, maybe we can grab the payday right off the jump. And don't worry about no Uber, we run together, I got you on the rides. Where to, chummer?"

Eddy slides behind the wheel and ignites the electric hybrid vehicle, then turns to Daniel. "Where's the stop?"

Vato pilots the hammer to the shop blending with the ongoing traffic and sticking *mostly* to the actual traffic rules. Once he stops the bike to let Jinx fetch the sweets he communicates to the group

{Heh, a kid seems fine to get some eyes on the scene but anybody got some friends that can provide us with intel on how that gangs stands with other gangs and if they pay for cop protection and whatnot?}

Daniel leans forward and asks Eddy "Actually, do you mind dropping me off on the edge of the neighborhood where they’re keeping our captive? I’m not great at this sort of legwork and prefer to just hit the streets and just talk with people. I have my comlink on if you guys need to reach me."

Im trying to sort of blend into the neighborhood and speak to the locals to see if they have any insight into the gang we’re looking into. Also looking for as much info as possible so I can pose as a gang member if needed.

Daniel, the night air is significantly cooler than it was during the day, but the humidity still makes you feel as though you're walking through a rather sticky mist. The streets of Little Haiti are about what you can expect from an area where the law only rolls through on a planned operation or in a response. The streets and sidewalks are poorly maintained while the patches of grass in medians and along sidewalks and yards grow to your waist in places. Tonight the streets seem fairly deserted with only the occasional person walking by or hanging along the road. They seem to watch you with some suspicion, but you can't blame them all things considered.

Jinx, your sprite comes back with a good amount of information gathered from various sources on the matrix, all rather public but with a surprisingly reliable reputation. As you already know where LH47's headquarters is, that information is not new but you also find out that they likely have some sort of hideout in an abandoned house near the soccer park. Your information also confirms that the gang is made up entirely of ethnic Haitians living in the area and that the gang's leader is called George Blanc who is an ork. Because of the large number of gangs in Miami and its connections with arms smuggling the gang is well-armed with a variety of common weapons. The gang generally uses kids to peddle their drugs on street corners while the full-fledged members work to enforce their control in the neighborhood and keep other gangs from pushing into their territory.

Vato, sitting on your Trollhammer out of what is clearly a very nice you get some strange looks, even at this time of night. Perhaps it's the sight of a troll waiting outside of a patisserie in the middle of the night, or maybe they're just your garden variety trog haters. You may be used to the stares and the names, but one person getting jumpy could mean a night of explaining yourself to the cops and that's never a fun experience.

Rook and Eddy, as you roll up on Rook's apartment you realize you're going to need a way to kill some time until morning to talk to the kid. With the rest of the crew performing other jobs, you find yourself wondering what to do beyond making planes over the integrated chat. Jinx and Vato should be along with the candy at some point and Daniel is making tracks gathering intel from locals. For whatever reason, the radio station is playing old Maria Mercurial songs late at night raising the question of whether anyone who still listens to her is even awake at this time.

Rook's apartment has the classy décor that would be expected in a sleezy pay-by-the-hour kind of motel. The drab grey walls covered in unknown stains that have probably been there for decades, the bed is unmade and crooked (one corner held up by a brick) and the sheets full of holes. The only other furniture is a small bedside table, a larger dining table with 2 chairs, and a dingy recliner facing towards an old trid set. The bathroom is even worse.... mildew covering most surfaces and even mushrooms growing in the corner of the shower.


Rook pulls his Ares Lightfire 70 from the inner pocket of his coat.
"Violence ain't really my style, but I do keep this around in case I need it. I just hope not to need it, because if I have to rely on this that means than plan A has failed."

To Eddy: "Make yourself at home chummer, just try not to get the place dirty, it takes a lot of work to keep it this tidy.

Sends a message to Micky "Tooth" Jackson {Hey kid. I got a job for ya, with better pay on this one than last. You interested? Come meet me at my place when you can.}