Chapter 1 - A night at the Electric Labyrinth

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Apr 14, 2024 9:21 am
East 59th - Tony and Connorhttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYUcuYBHkHmXDWNy_T43QOk5MKZmS0WaizZnNL6Xf7UQ&sOutside the Electric Labyrinth, a line of taxis awaited, ready to ferry home the club's patrons safely after a night of revelry. Tony and Connor swiftly enter a taxi and directed it towards East 59th Street, heading for the bridge. The driver a first-generation immigrant based on his strong accent, greeted them warmly, his appearance hint at origins in the Middle East or North Africa.

"Hey there! How was the party, guys?" he asked with a friendly smile, glancing at them in the rearview mirror. A small Yankees flag hung proudly from the rearview mirror, adding a touch of patriotic flair to the interior. "So, East 59th it is. Where are we headed?"
Apr 14, 2024 9:54 am
Tav reaches out her mind, grasps the camera in her intangible tendrils and jacks into the network, as she smiles at the erotic dance show she and Selvie are enjoying. Her mind links into the security feed and pulls out any sensitive footage of our augment siblings' revealing imagery.
OOC:
Roll of 13, with an effect of 5 (d10)
Last edited April 14, 2024 10:02 am

Rolls

Amoral + Will + Power + Control - (d8+d10+d10+d8)

(1) + (6) + (5) + (7) = 19

Tony Thatcher

C1NDER

Apr 14, 2024 10:09 am
Tony Thatcher
"Well, you know how it is, lots of drinking, lots of ladies," Tony says. "This side of the Ed Koch bridge, just let us out there, buddy. I'll give ya an awesome tip if you get us there quick."
Apr 14, 2024 10:33 am
Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - JackAs Jack crouches behind a battered Ford-150, she watches with bated breath as the tense scene plays out before her eyes.

Two imposing men step out from the van's front, their strides purposeful and determined. One of them raps sharply on the vehicle's rear doors, prompting a response from within. As the door swings open, an old Asian female in an EMT uniform emerges, speaking in Russian, a language familiar to Jack from her days at Nexus.

"The sedative should keep her under for three hours judging by her weight. Let's get moving; I need to inject the second bitch again, " the woman states briskly, pushing forward an ambulance stretcher bearing an unconscious woman with her face covered with an oxygen mask. The two men in black suits efficiently receive the stretcher, preparing to transport their captive, unaware of Jack's concealed presence.
[ +- ] EMT
[ +- ] kidnaper 1
[ +- ] kidnaper 2
Erin Ivanova
Unknown Female
Meanwhile, under the cover of darkness, two women engage in conversation, their voices carrying a sense of intrigue. Jack recognizes Erin's voice among them, her distinctive Russian tone unmistakable. She never bothered to correct it to pass for a native American.

"Here's your reward, dear. You performed admirably. Your information proved accurate," one of the women says calmly, presenting a briefcase to Erin. The second woman voice is familiar, but Jack can't remember who is it.

"What about the others?" Erin's voice betrays uncertainty, a hint of hesitation lingering in her words.

"It's not your concern. We'll handle them in due time, armed with the details you provided, or they'll meet their end eventually with the same condition you having," the other woman replies confidently.

"So, how does it work? I inject myself same as last time?" Erin's tone is tinged with urgency, her life seemingly hanging in the balance.

"Correct. Two injections, twelve hours apart. Are you certain you don't want our supervision in case of complications?" the second woman inquires calmly.

"Nah, I'm not keen seeing your lab again, I see you also transferred the money. Thank you. " Erin asserts, satisfied.

"Your choice. This should suffice to rectify your condition. We've tested it on multiple subjects, but there are no guarantees. Much remains to be learned about the virus. If you survive, continue your training. I'll be in touch, we have much to do, " the women conclude, their attention shifting to the stretcher being carried by the two men toward the ambulance.
Apr 14, 2024 10:56 am
Moonrise - Tav and SelvieTav's virtual tentacle extends its reach, weaving its way through the network's intricate pathways. Suddenly, she feels the pulse of hundreds of cameras scattered throughout the building, their lenses offering a panoramic view of the Electric Labyrinth and its central nerve center.

Navigating through the digital landscape, Tav's mind delves into the heart of the building data streams, sifting through the sea of information. After several moments of mental navigation, she accesses the VNET 3D images capturing the incident in the parking lot. It's as she's transported to the scene itself, every angle captured in vivid detail.

With a keen focus, Tav observes as Max is struck by the van and witnesses Connor springing into action, his laser beams flashing brightly as he disable the van's tire with precision. The two perpetrators sitting at the front of the van, their faces etched in her memory from their presence at Connor's party, are unmistakable as they navigate the vehicle toward the parking exit.
[ +- ] kidnaper 1
[ +- ] kidnaper 2

Jennifer Johnson

Nebula

Apr 14, 2024 11:13 am
Jennifer Johnson
[ +- ] Jack's SMS
To Connor, Tav, Charlie, Max, Jack
Jennifer: " Get the ambulance plate! Don't engage, doesn't help if you get yourself captured or worst. "
Jennifer: " Jack, unless you saying otherwise i'm calling the cops... I mean those in that area! "
Apr 14, 2024 11:32 am
JW Marriott Essex House - Max
[ +- ] Max
It's after 3 AM when Max arrives at the JW Marriott Essex House's lobby. There's not a lot of activities at the time of the night, but like NYC, the hotel is a 24 hrs mini city with people arriving and leaving at any time of the day.

The front desk exudes an aura of warmth and professionalism, despite the unusual timing of the visitor's arrival. The middle-aged woman behind the desk, impeccably attired in her uniform, handles the situation with ease. "Just one moment, please," she says with a polite smile, reaching for the phone to summon assistance.

Within minutes, a young man emerges from a discreet door, his demeanor refined and his appearance impeccable. "Good evening, sir. My name is David," he introduces himself with a courteous nod. "Do you have any luggage? Please follow me." With practiced ease, he leads the visitor to the elevator and deftly navigates the electronic control panel with a swipe of his card. Entering a code, he initiates the elevator's ascent, signaling the beginning of their journey.

Max's pocket buzz with the latest SMS from Jennifer.
[ +- ] Hotel
Apr 14, 2024 12:04 pm
On the elevator ride up, Max glances at his phone. What the hell are they getting into. Dammit. Just let one thing work out for him, just one thing.

He convinces himself they still don't need him. They probably don't.


To Connor, Tav, Charlie, Jennifer, Jack
Max: wtf guys. cops. get out of there

Seo-ah (서아) Yun (윤)

Nebula

Apr 14, 2024 12:55 pm
Seo-ah (서아) Yun (윤)
JW Marriott Essex House - Max
As the elevator chimes to a stop, they find themselves at the highest floor, greeted by a breathtaking view of Central Park through the hallway window. The night sky is clear, with the moon lingering on the horizon, hinting at the impending dawn. With graceful efficiency, David leads the way to one of the only two doors on the floor, both leading to the finest suites available.

Seated in a chair nearby is a butler, poised to attend to the needs of the affluent guests throughout the night. "Here we are, Dr. Yun's suite," David announces, pressing one of the buttons beside the door. A soft chime resonates from within, signaling their arrival.

There's a feminine voice speaking through the intercom. " Please, let him in. I don't require any other service tonight. Thank you. "

David opens the door, and let Max get inside. The suite is enormous as expected, there's even a piano...

" I'm on the balcony " A voice guiding him from outside. The terrace of the hotel suite room is a luxurious oasis perched high above the bustling city below. Enclosed by glass railings, it offers unobstructed panoramic views of the urban skyline, with central park and other buildings stretching into the distance.

The terrace is furnished with elegant outdoor seating, including plush lounge chairs and a cozy sofa adorned with soft cushions. A sleek table stands at the center, with a champagne bottle resting in a bucket of ice.

Potted plants and lush greenery line the perimeter of the terrace, adding a touch of natural beauty to the contemporary space. Soft ambient lighting casts a warm glow, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation and leisure.

At one end of the terrace, a small dining area is set up with a stylish table and chairs, ideal for al fresco meals or intimate gatherings. Overhead, retractable awnings provide shade during the day and can be opened to reveal the starry night sky.

Seo-ah is pleased to see him, she is resting on the sofa wearing this white night gown he saw on her sms picture. " Thanks for joining me. I hope it wasn't too much of a burden to get here. "
[ +- ] Nightgown
[ +- ] Suite
Apr 14, 2024 1:10 pm
"Thanks for inviting me." He takes the champagne from the bucket and, approaching her on the sofa, tops off her glass. "It was no trouble at all getting here."

He returns to the table, picks up the only empty glass sitting there, and pours himself some champagne. Then he turns to take in the city skyline, the night sky, taking a few steps toward the glass railing. The ever-present sounds of traffic in the city that never sleeps drift up to him from below.

"Quite a view," he comments, then turns to look at Seo-Ah where she lounges on the sofa. "But nothing compared to the view right here."

He smiles and approaches the sofa again.

"May I join you?" He gestures to the space beside her on the sofa.
Apr 14, 2024 6:42 pm
With lightning speed and precision, Tav loops, dupes, clips, calibrates, and re-syncs to remove any residuals of her siblings' revealing of their augmentations. She leaves in Charlie's unfortunate collision with the van for proof and insurance purposes. Not wishing stay inside the network too long, Tav bends her will through the nodes and observes the happenings in the In-Between out of curiosity about this big syndicate meet and the mystery VIP they are expecting.

At the speed of thought, Tav is tugged back out of the network with the familiar touch of Selvie's hand on her thigh. She blinks once and refocuses on the intimate gathering of the foursome in the VIP booth.
Apr 14, 2024 11:08 pm
As the scene unfolds, Jack is snapping pics, grabbing snippets of audio and sending texts with her phone. This is bad news, and she's not sure she can stop it all from going down alone. In fact, she's pretty sure she can't.

But... it's not in Jack's character to stand idly by while the powers that be, and especially Nexus, kidnaps, hurts and tortures people. It's not Nexus for certain, of course, but Jack knows Ivanova's silhouette and stance from a mile off -- it's hard to miss. And shadow woman's voice is so familiar...

To Connor, Tav, Charlie, Max, Jenn
Everyone -- listen. I think it's Nexus behind this, and they have two people in the van, sedated. We're in danger -- all of us, right now. Jenn, whatever with the cops but get your ass here! I'm going to try to stop them and you remember Erin packs a punch -- she's here!

Then, taking a few precious seconds to steel her nerves, to elevate her heartrate and get ready for this, Jack waits for just the right moment -- then she fucking moves, racing for the EMT and the back of the van before she can deliver the second injection, and while the two men are busy loading the first girl into the ambulance...
OOC:
Leaning into Jack's Den Mother Distinction. There's no way to earn a PP for that in Cortex Prime, right? Instead, when I take action, I can swap in the d4 Hinder? Seems weird, but...

Also, can Jack spend a moment psyching herself up (she's about to go 1 vs. at least 5, and one of them is a bad-ass super) before she launches herself into the fray? (Thinking of the Roll for Asset thing that can be done.)

Last question, should Jack have three PP? I think she spent one, then earned one maybe?
[ +- ] Roll Breakdown
Looks like a result of 17 with an effect die of d10. Enough for a raise or whatever it's called to fully take out the EMT, or drive her off and smash her toys?
Last edited April 16, 2024 4:39 am

Rolls

Tackle the EMT / Smash the Second Dose! - (1d4, 1d10, 1d10, 1d6, 1d8)

1d4 : (2) = 2

1d10 : (9) = 9

1d10 : (5) = 5

1d6 : (5) = 5

1d8 : (8) = 8

Apr 15, 2024 8:31 am
OOC:
EMT Opposition Total: 9, Effect d4(2). She lost, stress d10 inflicted on injury.

PP Award + 1 for Jake (Den Mother Hindered)

Post the result of your success as the winner.

We'll enter all out combat between Jack and the EMT (action vs reaction).

EMT action is next after your description.

Rolls

Distinction,Value,Attributes - (1d8, 1d6, 1d4)

1d8 : (6) = 6

1d6 : (3) = 3

1d4 : (2) = 2

Apr 16, 2024 5:44 am
"You got this Jack, you got it!" Cooper whispers quietly to herself, balancing on the balls of her feet for a few seconds as she musters the courage to try and cut this whole horrible scene off at the knees.

Then she's in-motion, rushing for the van -- for the EMT and her syringe, for whoever is still in the back of the vehicle. Jack catches the woman unawares, slamming her into the side of the vehicle with what amounts to the equivalent of a bruising hockey check. She's not trying to kill the woman, but hits her hard enough to hopefully knock her out, break some bones, or at least let her know that sticking around for more isn't in her best interests.

The impact is a heavy one -- the others are sure to notice, but that's what Jack wants as she checks inside the van to see who it is that's inside...
OOC:
Have more to do -- fling the syringe into the water, rip the mask off the victim's face if there is one... but shouldn't get out over my skiis with actions.
Apr 16, 2024 11:40 am
Jack crashes into the middle-aged EMT with the force of a cannonball, sending them both tumbling in the back of the van. The impact is fierce, and the EMT gasps in pain as ribs crack and blood spurts from her mouth. She's clearly not augmented, her body unable to withstand the force of the collision.

Struggling to regain her bearings, the middle aged EMT frantically tries to extricate herself from the chaos inside the van, her panicked screams filling the air. Meanwhile, Jack's gaze falls upon the woman strapped to the stretcher—a vision of divine beauty with long, silky hair cascading around her face. It could be Anika, but Jack hasn't seen her since childhood.

Jack doesn't know where are the keys, these days those are remote that need to be in the vehicle for it to function and move.

Things happened quickly, Jack is not sure if so far the other villains outside had time to react.
OOC:
Action: EMT trying to escape and scream for help
Total: 12
Effect: d4

What does Jack decide to do as a reaction? She can for try to stop her from escaping and screaming or yield and let her be which will terminate the action/reaction.
[ +- ] THE VAN (Black)

Rolls

distinction,value,attributes - (1d8, 1d6, 1d4)

1d8 : (8) = 8

1d6 : (4) = 4

1d4 : (3) = 3

Apr 17, 2024 12:49 am
Jack’s assault has been rapid enough that that’s a chance that the goons and women outside the van didn’t notice… so she’s not about to let the EMT sound the alarm or otherwise alert her friends — at least one of whom is super-powered! Cooper is too fast for the woman, and darts to block her exit through a side door, then claps her hand on the woman's mouth, preventing her from yelling. Suddenly angry at the EMT's involvement in all this, Jack gets right in the dark-haired woman's face.

"Bitch this!" the athletically built woman in the LBD says as she then tries to deliver a short, sharp uppercut to the EMT's narrow jaw, hoping to knock her senseless…
OOC:
Reaction -- Try to prevent the woman from screaming or escaping. Superhuman Physique d8, Duty d10, Agility d10, Movement d6, EMT Complication d10. And that's a 15 with a d10 effect die.

--

Does the unconscious woman have a gas mask or whatever on her as well? How is she dressed?

For the punch, channeling Superhuman Physique d8, Duty d10, Strength d8, and Attack d6 (Mixed Martial Arts), and the EMT’s Injured Complication d10.

Miserable roll, only a 7 as a result.
Last edited April 17, 2024 5:52 am

Rolls

Punch to the Face! - (1d8, 1d10, 1d8, 1d6, 1d10)

1d8 : (4) = 4

1d10 : (3) = 3

1d8 : (3) = 3

1d6 : (1) = 1

1d10 : (2) = 2

Reaction -- Prevent the EMT from Escaping or Screaming - (1d8, 1d10, 1d10, 1d6, 1d10)

1d8 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (2) = 2

1d6 : (6) = 6

1d10 : (9) = 9

Apr 18, 2024 12:35 pm
Moonrise - Tav and Selvie
With the finesse of a digital maestro, Tav swiftly maneuvers through the virtual network with her mind, employing a series of intricate techniques to erase any traces of her siblings' inadvertent revelation of their augmentations, ensuring that no lingering evidence remains behind.

Despite her skill and efficiency, Tav is wary of lingering too long within the network. With a sense of caution, she bends her will through the nodes, navigating the digital landscape with a blend of curiosity and vigilance. Observing the unfolding events in the In-Between, she is intrigued by the convergence of the big syndicate meeting and the mysterious VIP they are expecting, prompting her to delve deeper into the digital depths in search of answers.

Exploring virtually the In-Between, Tav's research lead her to a particular spot—a wide hall leading to a large conference room entrance. Though the main conference room lacks surveillance cameras, Tav observes in front of it is a tense standoff among the army of bodyguards representing different factions. Since it's not her desired focus, Tav rewinds, retracing the gangsters steps through time.

As she revisits pivotal moments, Tav's digital gaze fixes upon a series of entrances made by crime lords, each entering the room alone, leaving behind in the hall their bodyguards. Tav recognizes some leaders from major Italian families that she saw before in the media, renowned for their dominance in the drug trade across the country, alongside representatives from other powerful syndicates in NYC. Yet, amidst the criminals faces, one figure stands out that entered last—an enigmatic woman, clad in a sharp suit, her identity concealed beneath the brim of a fedora and a mask. At her left wrist she wears an unusual electronic bracer, it look like a computer of some kind but very advanced.
[ +- ] Masked Female
Apr 18, 2024 12:53 pm
Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - JackJack uppercut missed, but her second strike with her left punch connects solidly with the EMT's jaw, sending shockwaves of pain through the woman's body. Stunned by the force of the blow, the EMT staggers backward, her hands instinctively reaching to grasp the sides of the van for support.

Seizing the opportunity, Jack presses her advantage, moving in swiftly to deliver a series of rapid, precise strikes aimed at incapacitating her opponent. With each blow, Jack channels her strength and agility, landing calculated hits to vulnerable points on the EMT's body.

Despite her training and experience, the EMT struggles to defend herself against Jack's relentless assault. Her attempts to block the incoming strikes are feeble and ineffective, her movements growing increasingly sluggish as the pain mounts.

With a final, decisive blow, Jack delivers a swift, decisive punch under the woman's chin, sending her crashing to the floor of the van in a dazed heap.

Breathing heavily, Jack stands over her fallen adversary. With a sense of grim satisfaction, she watches as the EMT lies motionless on the floor, the fight drained from her battered body.

Jack swiftly turns her attention to the victim lying on the stretcher. The young woman is wearing a bodycon dress, and there's an oxygen mask on her face to help her breath, the oxygen bottle is attached to the van's wall.

Outside, a robust male voice booms in Russian. "Hey, are you alright? Can't handle a little girl, haha..." One of the goons jests, his tone laced with mocking amusement. A female voice that is not Erin interject with authority. " Stop fooling around fool, go help her, we are on a tight schedule. "
Apr 18, 2024 1:01 pm
Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - Charlie and ConnorFollowing instructions, the taxi drops them off near a dimly lit park known as Honey Locus Park. It's situated right next to where they spotted the broken-down van parked beside a running ambulance and a fancy Mercedes sedan. After settling the fare, the yellow vehicle departs in the opposite direction. Amidst the distant rumble of the nearby bridge, the faint murmur of Russian voices drifts through the air, signaling that they're headed in the right direction.

Useful Links(NYC Players' map) (Van's location)
Apr 18, 2024 9:04 pm
Tav backtracks the masked female's progress through the eyes of the club's cameras looking for her entrance and the vehicle used to transport her to the Electric Labyrinth. Her mind flickers through the images seeking make, model, and possibly the license plate number, as she sweeps her digital trail through the virtual corridors to elude anyone trying to follow her progress or origin point.

Tav grins as she feels the bare skin of someone's bottom against her thighs. She glances through her physical eyes to find Penelope performing an amazing lap dance to an energetic and seductive tune...
Last edited April 18, 2024 9:07 pm
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