I take a little vacation and the cookie crumbles.

First, great character play! Seriously. Tann and Espatier set the stage and everyone has done very well playing their characters in response. 

I don't normally grant Creative Currency for play that disrupts these unity of the game but in this case, I'm giving everyone 2 CC. Now, here's the harsh truth.

Since the original run is over, you are all getting your CC renewed back to 10 anyway and you can't have more than 10, so the can't be carried with you to the next run--if there is a next run. The fun thing about it is that you can use your CC (that which is remaining from your last run plus the 2 I just gave you to affect the storyline as it stands right now.

• You can use these points to effect the storyline by altering rolls, events, etc. in the following manner:


• Add a bonus to your die roll: On Creative Currency (CC) per +1 modifier.


• Change Minor Storyline Element: This is the equivalent of changing a barely consequential detail (final say as to the consequence is reserved for the GM) – 3CC


• Change a Major Storyline Element – 6CC


• Change a life-altering Storyline Element – 9CC

There has been some talk of new characters but there hasn't been any talk of switching up leadership. That's an option as well.

Example: It's obvious that the assets in this group aren't being put to their best use and there appears to be a "pissing match" around practically every corner. So... I nominate [insert name] as the new team leader while we continue to try and save our skins and rescue Vegas.

I believe that CTP deserves the new character instead of having to continue with a character that's been passed around like second-hand clothing. So, CTP will be introducing a new character one way or the other. I've already got that figured out. Bloodbank's move even helps carry that along.

The character behavior is up to the players and while I applaud staying in character, there's only so much that can be seen through rose colored glasses before you start to see beyond the lenses. When there's too much conflict between characters too often, the other players begin to lose interest in the game. It just loses the luster it once had. We play these games for the escapism, right?

Some rolls need to be made. So far, Echo, Ghlahn and Fixer have attempted to keep Blossom around. I need Persuasion/Fast-Talk rolls from each of you. If you'd rather I take care of the rolls, let me know. 

CTP and Tann, unless Casino is going to sit there and allow Bloodbank to concuss him with a bottle of Grey Goose, I'll need an initiative roll from both Bloodbank and Casino followed by a Melee to hit roll from Bloodbank and a Dodge or Block roll from Casino.

Let me know what's what pronto, please.

Also, if everyone would rather ditch the drama altogether and make new characters for a new run, I will hear you out.

I didn't say the game was over. Blossom has had enough of the bickering. If there's no cohesion in the group, team members are going to die and she doesn't want to be dead.

I'll fill you in on how I run NPC's. I'm not a "player" playing them as my character. Based off of their dispositions, character traits, and the circumstances I roll their decisions out. They are the product of die rolls and table results mixed with a strict adherence to their dispositions and traits. So, in this case, conflict between Casino and Charlie reared its ugly head once more and a roll was made. Blossom is having no more of it. A fractured team is as good as a death certificate and she's one of those strange individuals that likes to keep breathing. 

Keeper's response with Ghlahn may have a chance of turning her around. That really depends on some skill checks. Who's to say until the actual rolls are made. Ghlahn isn't a negotiator or persuasive and he isn't trying to intimidate her, so chances are slim but what did Han Solo say? "Never tell me the odds."

Now would also make sense for the altruistic Bloodbank to cut ties as well. And not just because CTP has an idea for another character but because everything he tried to do to keep Rya alive was for naught and then the defacto leaders of the group are squabbling... well, I can completely justify him cutting bait and reeling it in.

So, there's the reasoning and the current situation. So far, Keeper has posted his actions. Before I post again I'd like to see everyone else's. 

Oh, and Tann? I promise... when I end the game, everyone will know for sure because I'll post the words...

That's it meatbags. Game over.

BB ain't the only one. The dice have spoken and Blossom has too.

It's a small update but it had to be stopped where I stopped it. 

Blossom rolls her eyes at the conflict emerging once again and huffs loudly. "Welp! It's apparent to me that you choombas can't get along even for a couple of hours, so I'm out. I'm not putting my life on the line—and especially my reputation—when you babies are willing to bicker over every little nitpicking thing."

Swiveling easily in her chair, the little netrunner quickly rises to her booted feet with a springy bounce. Turning back to the table, she leans over so she's facing Casino directly and pulls down her heart-shaped sunglasses providing a clear view of her beautiful eyes. 

"You need to be on some kinda medication. Honestly, I don't know how you're still alive with all your blistering anger and the shade you throw nearly everyone around you." Now turning to Charlie, she shakes her head. "And you... for a smooth-talker, you sure do like to puff out your chest a lot. It's a wonder you've got any business at all."

Straightening up, she pulls out the agents that Casino had confiscated from the dead bodyguards and sets them on the table, sliding them across to the solo. 

"Have a nice life, and don't call me if you ever need anything."

Okay. I'll postpone my post until Monday.

I'm interested in moving the story along no later than Friday. FYI.

X00054:8.Y00030:12.Z00032:25, Undercity, Waterside | South Night City Integrate | Midcity | UrbanZone - March 10th, Day 4 (Monday), 09:08 AM PST

Weather Conditions: High City (Very Windy, 25 mph winds from the West.) | Midcity (Windy, 13mph winds from the West.) | Undercity (Slight Wind, 5mph gusts from the West.)

Air Quality Index: High City = 0 | Midcity = 35 | Undercity = 65 (masks required)

Finding a bar open at this time of day is no small task. Add in Echo's unfamiliarity with the area and she's entirely reliant on technology and her teammates. At Casino's request, she pulls out her agent and makes the inquiry using the parameters of "near me" and "open now" in her search. Not surprisingly, there's only one, and it is fifteen minutes away.

The Marlin's Ghost is one of those rare structures along the water's edge that has nothing above it or below it. The flat rectangular building is set on steel stilts that keep it approximately four meters above the lapping Pacific Ocean waves. Parking requires the use of a meter and the lot is strangely full.

Ground vehicles take up nearly every space. Most are rusted or in well-used condition and the ones that aren't are older. 

The ramp leading inside is in two parts with a small landing between and a long porch running along the north side of the building to the doors. A drab gray color, the vertical siding is broken up by far too few windows which are filled with holographic and neon signs of what's on tap.

As you draw close to the two beat-up black metal doors, the upbeat sounds of Mexican rock n' roll permeate the air. Stepping inside, you're met by an open floor plan with the lengthy bar right in the middle, tables filling the open floor, and the walls lined with booths.

Air conditioning units hum overhead where the ceiling is open to the industrial grade rafters, ductwork, and wiring. The lighting is dim and originates from the few single bulb lamps hanging a meter or so from the rafters.

The decor is a mix of Mexican and modern and includes a mechanical bull, a jukebox, and a stage for live music. Of the three, only the jukebox is in use. The tables, bar, and a good portion of the booths are all filled with dock workers judging by their clothing and gear. Some are lively in their conversations adding to the noise pollution while others are nursing bears and meals with the look of the walking dead. A few look your way as you enter but no one's gaze lingers.

By pushing two of the small, square tables together, you are able to make enough room for everyone to sit together. When settled, an honest to goodness human being approaches, if somewhat hesitantly. 

She's young, maybe in her early twenties, and attractive with Latina coloring and features. Wearing a colorful western blouse and Jean's with cowgirl boots, she stops between Echo's and Casino's seats and hooks her thumbs in her belt loops. 

"Welcome to the Marlin's Ghost," she says with a lilting accent. "You want grill menus or just drinks? We got breakfast available but nothing fresh. With the Union strike there's not been a shipment of Fresh in a couple of weeks."

(OOC: March 10th, Day 4 - Monday, Time is 09:30 AM PST - Undercity, Waterside, The Marlin's Ghost X00000:2.Y00430:08.Z00000:00, South Night City Integrate.)

I obviously didn't get to this today. I spent the afternoon and evening driving to Las Vegas. So I will do my best to get a post up tomorrow.

Posted! 

Not dead... just been really busy. Okay, so you guys just want me to write you to a bar? That's easy. I can have that done tomorrow. 

Giri is "Favor" within an altcult. Every time you ask for anything from the enclave it costs you cash, credit, and/or Giri. Your character began the creation process with 150 Giri. We used up 80 to get the NuCybe Casino has. This leaves him with 70 Giri with the Edgerunners Altcult. 

As illustrated by Mischief, every character has a Life Path tab on your Google Sheet that you can look through to see what options you have. Every character also has membership to an Enclave. The thing to remember is that there are biases. Edgerunners are basically accepted everywhere with a neutral demeanor. Rolling State hates CEE-Metal, and vice versa. You have members of each.

I'd like to know where the team is going before I post again. 

I mean that you are almost through with this Run and ready to move onto the next.

As promised, the post is up. I'm looking forward to your next posts. These may very well be the last of this game. We'll see...

X00054:8.Y00030:12.Z00032:25, Undercity, Waterside | South Night City Integrate | Midcity | UrbanZone - March 10th, Day 4 (Monday), 09:04 AM PST

Weather Conditions: High City (Very Windy, 25 mph winds from the West.) | Midcity (Windy, 13mph winds from the West.) | Undercity (Slight Wind, 5mph gusts from the West.)

Air Quality Index: High City = 0 | Midcity = 35 | Undercity = 65 (masks required)

Hairtech looks past Charlie and Ghlahn with a stone-faced gaze. Then, in a matter-of-fact tone, he addresses the answer directly to Cred Stick Charlie. "A precautionary measure. I'm sure you understand. Now... let's put this contract to bed, shall we? The boy, please."

"Yes,” Luther readily accepts the explanation, “apologies to you and your staff. I wish no ill to you or to disrespect your corporation with any delay. As her subordinate, I will honor your wishes and not waste your credits nor time. We are not looking for a conflict of any type even though other’s actions might be construed in a different fashion. It’s just business and I understand this Suit Life. I hope that you will take these words into consideration if our paths ever are to cross again."

No smile this time... Luther understands that the suit is being very nice. We cut a deal and we are not honoring it. His patience was wearing thin with these games, the fixer concludes.

‘It’s just business.’ This isn’t the first time that he has used that phrase. Luther had hoped to be able to say, ‘It’s good business," but that didn't happen. Hairtech and his team are here for the boy, and whatever happens next depends on how the team puts this mess to bed. For some, emotions are very high. Those that want to make a mark in this shadowy world who are on the team will have to run under the radar. All present are likely some form of criminals even if they had no marks. This is why people come together to make a stand like in those old-time westerns. They’re forced into the life. It’s time to cowboy up. It is now or never, and the latter was the bad part. 

Suit types always have deep pockets, the best tools, toys, and tech. But despite all the luxuries, to Luther they are colder than any CEE-Metal. ‘It's just business…’ This is the part when the cavalry usually comes charging in, but there’s no cavalry here, no silver or gold spurs. Just the cold biting wind of reality.

A quick look behind him after catching Charlie’s words and Casino meets Bloodbank’s eye, "Ok, bring them out."

As Ghlahn stands watching, he hopes that they will indeed ‘put the exchange to bed’ quickly and before emotions get involved. He is never really good at judging emotions but experience tells him that on many occasions they turn a simple task into a complex one. The next few moments will likely decide who lives or dies, and he is hoping that the entire team falls into the latter category. As for the package, what happens to the boy and the lady is not his concern, but he hopes Hairtec is smart enough to at least wait until the meet is over and the teams go their separate ways before doing anything harmful.

Fixer watches Rya's arm not move, and not move, and not move, and not move. It is odd. The only reason he can see for it is if she is holding something. What can it be? He does not want to start anything. But he really doesn’t want her to start anything. 

Attempting to get a look at her hand, he tries to get a sense of what she might have (OOC: Awareness/Notice Check: 1d10+12=21).

At Casion's beckoning, Bloodbank nods to Jase and Rya, the latter stoically squaring her shoulders and calmly pushing Jase towards the door.

"Time to go," the medtech intones.

He exits first, offering a hand to the woman and boy as they move to get out. Shifting across the bench seat, Rya is forced to pull her hand out of her pocket and place it on the back of the seat where Fixer takes a good look at the emptiness it contains. Being ever vigilant, however, he does notice the slight, barely perceptible bulge approximately seven to eight centimeters in length and maybe a little more than half a centimeter in width in her pocket.

“Hold on,” the techie interrupts their exit before Rya can get out. Putting a hand on the woman’s forearm, Fixer looks her square in her wide eyes. “They only want the boy. He’s going back to a better life. You don’t have to do this.”

“I’m not going to be separated from mi hijo ever again,” Rya says firmly though Fixer can hear her heart rate elevating. 

Staring at her a moment longer, he dips his head in a resigned nod. “Then tell me what’s in your pocket.”

Rya Mendez darts a gaze at Bloodbank before quickly looking back at James. “Nothing.”

“Give it to me,” Fixer holds out his hand.

Again, looking to the medic, she reluctantly fishes a Swiss Army Knife from her pants and places it in the techie’s hand. Pocketing the knife, James gives Bloodbank the all-clear.

Putting himself to the side and in front of Rya, Colin hopes that a body blocking their sights will discourage any sniper shots, and also that Rya won't take her chances on any of Bloodbank's teammates. Though it is holstered now, the combat medic keeps a steady hand at the ready as near his pistol as he can without being overt about it.

As Casino watches Bloodbank and Fixer start to remove Jase and his 'Mother' from the van, the big solo is given a small shock as the memory of something that they had already done once but should do again, before handing the package over gives him a mental jolt.

"Fixer,” Keith says softly through the vehicle, “give them both a quick pat-down. Make sure they did not pick up something that can be used as a weapon from the motel till here. No need for the other side to think us sloppy."

Things could go very badly if one or the other of the two 'packages' tried to attack Hairtech and his people with a weapon the group has missed and could be blamed for. No need to add yet more enemies to an already growing list.

Fixer quietly proceeds to follow the orders, coming up empty. Flanking Rya and Jase, the medtech and the techie walk the two up to where Ghlahn and Charlie stand.

“Come here, Jase,” Hairtech commands, his left hand held out to the boy.

“No,” the child throws back. “I want to be with my mom.”

Santa’s Ambassador devours Rya with a flat stare. “All right. Come with me and we’ll make arrangements for your mother.”

“No harm is to come to my boy,” Rya demands in a bold but shaky voice.

Hairtech remains unemotional. “Of course.”

Hesitating just a little, Rya pulls Jase in front of her and holds him by the shoulders. “Go with him. I’ll be along in a minute. Vamos, now.”

“But I don’t wa—”

“Jase, listen,” Rya pulls him into a tight hug. “I’m never leaving you again. You don’t need to worry. I’ll be with you always. I promise.

“Now,” she puts him at arm's length again and presses her lips together, water welling up in her eyes. “Go with the man. I’ve got to finish something up with these people here and then I’ll be right along.”

“You promise?” Jase is crying now but doing his best to maintain some decency. 

“I promise,” she squeezes his small frame again in a tight hug and then pushes him towards Hairtech. 

With a couple of glances back at the Latina woman, the boy, the object of the team’s whole mission, walks to Santa’s Ambassador’s side. 

“The money will be wired to your employer as soon as we are safely away from here,” Hairtech says to Charlie. “Your work is done.”

Turning away from the exchange, the man walks Jase back towards the limo. The ten-year-old boy continues to cast furtive looks back at Rya where she stands wringing her hands beneath her chin but he causes no trouble. Once he’s inside the stretch aerodyne and the doors are closed, the vehicle’s fans start up blowing dust everywhere as it lifts off.

Twisting about, the limo flies overhead and makes its way out of the enclosed warehouse block leaving the two ground cars and the team of executive security behind. Once the limo is out of sight, a sturdily-built black man steps up to Rya and puts his hand on her forehead.

She sobs once before the bullet from the man’s cybernetic gun ends her life.

(OOC: March 10th, Day 4 - Monday, Time is 09:08 AM PST - Undercity, Waterside X00054:8.Y00030:12.Z00032:25, South Night City Integrate.)

Pain! Agony! Say it ain't so!

_{I understand.} 

CTP is correct. Rya will not be separated from Jase. I'll have a post up tomorrow. I've been without my home internet since Sunday and am getting a new internet service tomorrow.

I've posted a quick reply to Casino's question. Go!

Hairtech looks past Charlie and Ghlahn with a stone-faced gaze. Then, in a matter-of-fact tone, he addresses the answer directly to Cred Stick Charlie. "A precautionary measure. I'm sure you understand. Now... let's put this contract to bed, shall we? The boy, please."

Thank you for your posts. I'd like to point out that Charlie has called for the captives.

Luther plays it off with a smile. " Okay... a win for your team ". without turning around Luther asks calmly  " Can you bring the package up, please". Luther begins to play with the Zippo lighter again..... 

Thank you. I have given you your answers. 

Yup. What Keeper said.

Does anyone have any questions I can answer to facilitate your posting?

Congratulations, Ody!!!

I have posted! Some things are going well, others are not. As promised, I've included the rolls made so you can all get used to using your skills more. In this case, I've even awarded Echo 2 IP in Awareness/Notice because... well, she rolled two exploding tens and her result revealed something game-changing.

Please keep in mind the distance between you and the other side of this deal when you post. Anything you say out loud in more than a whisper can be easily picked up by any unaugmented hearing. If they have cyberaudio, they'll be able to pick up even a whisper.

Only two minutes have gone by with Charlie taking up most of the time talking. I did take the liberty of disclosing some additional information that your characters would know in the post so read carefully.

I look forward to your actions!