Shadowrun - Chapter FIve - Welcome to the Sprawl

[Honcho]

August 15th 5:10 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch

Inspecting the pattern the troll grunts slightly.

"Pattern is good, slightly high and right" he approaches pulling a tool from his pocket "Ve adjust a little and try again"

He tweaks the sight and then returns the tool his pocket while stepping back "You may fire ven ready"

[Maxx]

August 15th 5:10-5:30 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Rainbow Anarchist

Over the next twenty minutes, the pair repeated the same steps several times.  The Rainbow Anarchist would fire, Patch would examine the grouping and adjust the sight before returning the weapon to the elf for another series of shots.  By the time they were both satisfied, a blue haze of cordite smoke was floating in the room.

The Rainbow Anarchist watched as Patch cleaned the weapon.  "You do good work,"  he said.  From behind his back he pulled an enormous revolver.  "I'll be back to pick this up at the end of the week.  I'm not going to tell you what, if anything is wrong with it.  Let's just call it your final test.  If it works the way I expect it to when I come to pick it up, I'll be putting the word out on the street that you're even better than your rep says you are."

He set the .44 magnum down on Patch's work bench, using it to hold down the wad of cash that looked to be double their agreed upon fee. 

[Honcho]

August 15th 5:30 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch

Ignoring the money Patch immediately picks up the revolver. He gets a look of awe on his face like a 5 year old in a candy store. The look painted on the disfigured troll facade is so disturbing that it makes one want to squint as the uncontrollable shiver runs up their spine.

"Oh! Dis beautiful piece. I take good care of dis treasure." he reaches up and pulls down a small metal case. He opens it to reveal that it's lined with foam packing. He gently places the weapon in the case and secures the lid.

He turns back to the elf, the business look returning to his face (Thank God). "How I reach you ven ready? Or do you need back by certain time?"

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:00 pm 2058 Stalker's Crash Pad

Stalker took a last look at his notes, locked his place up and headed out to the Snake Pit. He should get there in time to find a place, have a beer and relax for a bit before getting down to business, giving him a a chance to mull things over in his mind.

[Maxx]

August 15th 5:30 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Rainbow Anarchist

The elf held up five fingers.  "Five days, almost to the minute.  I'll knock on your door."  He smiled, his eyes lighting up.  "See you later, sailor."  He winked at the troll and closed the door gently behind him as he left.

[Honcho]

August 15th 5:30 - 7:00 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch

After the elf leaves Patch just shakes his head and moves to the back room. He pulls a duffle out from under his bed and begins to fill it with various things that he might need, clothes, throwing knifes, wet stone, gun cleaning tools, blade arm, vice arm, hook arm, small tool set, etc. After filling the bag he moves back to the bench checks the time. Hmm, 5 to 6 still have some time.

He pulls down the 44 and opens the case. What a beaut'! He begins by dry firing the weapon to feel the action and watch the hammer. Then pulls the cylinder gives it a spin and inspects all the ports. Then from the side he investigates the hammer position in the closed position to see if it's striking through far enough. He continues to investigate the details of the weapon, even fires the weapon on a spent casing to check the strike location of the hammer. He plays and tinkers with the weapon until nearly 7. Hmm, should probably get going. He returns the weapon to the case and takes it with him to the back room.

He places the case in the duffle bag and goes to his special brick and reaches in and pulls out his sawed off shotgun wrapped in what looks like an old table cloth. He places it still wrapped onto the bed. After replacing the brick he then reaches under his matress to pull out a sheathed claymore. He straps the large blade to his back. After packing some shells for the shotgun he closes his bag, checks to make sure his hunting knife is where it's suppose to be, puts on his coat and hat, throws the wrapped gun on top of the daffle, and grabs both together. He heads for the door and out to Whiskey Girl. A few minutes later a clattery bang rumble cloud of blue black smoke heads off to the Snake Pit.

[Maxx]

August 15th 8:00 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit

The Snake Pit had begun its existence as nothing more than an warehouse.  The original owner had made a few unwise decisions, resulting in an overwhelming unpaid debt.  His business collapsed, the stock he had in the warehouse was seized to cover his debts and the building itself languished, empty and forgotten for almost five years.  Then it was discovered by a young university student looking for a place to hold a rave.  He quickly realized the building's potential and, using money from sources best left unexamined, bought the building for nothing more than the back taxes.  He dubbed it The Snake Pit and kept holding raves there.  More money went into bringing the building if not up to code, then to a point where it wasn't entirely dangerous to step inside.

Eventually, around the time he graduated, the old building had been completely revamped.  Seeing far more money coming in from the club than was likely possible from his degree, Connor MacGee stuck with the bar.  It was a venue for new bands and fresh raw talent, some of whom actually found there way onto a label, thanks to Connor's help.  It is a safe haven and located practically on the border of four gang turfs.  Nobody wants the trouble of trying to hang onto it, so Connor and his Snake Pit get left, for the most part, alone.

There are rumours about what happen when he isn't left alone.  They involve secret meetings and heavy firepower, both magical and mundane.  Connor has friends in low places and isn't afraid to call in a few favours.  About a year ago, a new gang calling themselves the Head Peelers tried to muscle in on The Snake Pit.  They were backed by powerful and unusual magic and walked into the club on a crowded night.  Connor stood and took a berating from a troll without flinching, to save his customers from harm.  Then he closed the bar, swearing to burn it to the ground rather than give the Head Peelers the satisfaction.

The next night, the Head Peeler's recruitment centre was the site of a massacre.  Rumour was that Connor and a few other 'concerned individuals' had arranged for an accident to happen to the mage who was behind the whole thing.  Without their ace in the hole, the gang found itself stretched far too thin and A few nights later,  vanished completely as quickly as they had come.

The Snake Pit was still open for business and it looked like business was booming.

[LadyJallyn]

August 15th 8:00 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit

Connor MacGee was one of those people Raven loved to spend time around. He was older than her by about eight years but was a very charismatic and caring person, at least she thought so.

He wasn't an intimidating guy. Unlike most of her male friends that loomed over her at six feet or more, Conner was maybe half a head taller than her. She without a doubt could peg him to be no taller than five seven or five eight. He was one of those guys that stayed in shape but wasn't the gym jock type or the burly mountaineer style of man, but more athletic like a gymnast or dancer.

The red headed manager always had a smile or a joke on hand when the times called for it. At times Raven felt mildly shy and overwhelmed by his flirty remarks, but over the yeah and a half of knowing Connor he had been very supportive of her music and she considered tha man a friend.

True to Ravens word after the meeting she had gone hope to change into a pair of leather pants and a black halter top. She slid on her armored jacket and put on a small amount of makeup before she called him.

Connor must have sensed the need or desire to see him because the invite to come over before the club opened had been delivered while She was still in the small talk process. With a soft laugh she agreed that she did indeed need to see him and went to do so.

A fresh pot of coffee awaited her as she entered the club and she chatted to Connor doing her best not to spell out the entails of her jobs but to use him as a sounding board as she helped unturn chairs off tables with him.

However after an hour of set up she soon found herself upstairs in his office on his computer looking up and printing out Dennis's team roster and explaining her plight to him. Conner was one of those people that bartered with information no matter how minor it might seem he was wanting to know.

After her search and brainstorming session the two made their way back down to the bar where Raven finished her pot of coffee and waited as the bar was opened to the public.  She would discuss what she had learned with them and introduce Connor to them since he seemed interested in meeting her new friends.

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit

Stalker arrived at the Snake Pit a little after seven. It was early and the real crowd wouldn't get there for a while. He knew that the place had a reputation for being a place to avoid trouble and that Raven was known so he made sure not to be flagrant about displaying his weapons although he still went armed. He was willing to play nice and check them at the door if needed. He took his time, making his way casually to the door, getting a feel for the place, first with his physical senses and then with his Sight. He should have a few minutes at least to get relaxed and comfortable with the place.

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit

It was clear that Stalker had arrived before the place was truly fully open for business. It certainly wasn't time for the crowd to roll in to say the least. He strolled up to the door and checked to see if it was open. It opened without resistance to his tug so he walked inside and looked around. As soon as he walked in he spotted the metal detector and checked to see if there was someone waiting at the door already and not immediately seeing anyone, called out, "Excuse me!" He had discovered that the odds of the staff looking at you favorably in a place that bothered to check weapons was almost always improved if you volunteered to give them up without being prodded and although it galled him to give up his blades, he did respect the reputation the place had and if it was a potential spot for new contacts, information and meets he wanted to make a good impression.
Clearly the place wasn't ready for customer's yet as chairs were still on tables and he took a moment to assense the place while he waited for a response.

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor

"Friend of yours?"  Connor asked, moving towards the door.  "We aren't quite open yet,"  he called out to Stalker.  "Unless you're here on business."

The comment was deliberately ambiguous.  'Business' could have meant exactly that, a liquor salesman or a musician looking for a gig.  It could also have been referring to 'biz' the regular rattle and hum of the street runners.  His aura didn't show signs of distress or annoyance.  It was open and friendly.

It was also entwined with a large boa constrictor.  Connor MacGee was quite obviously proud of his association with the Snake totem and made no attempt to hide it.  He also made no attempt to hide his interest in the newcomer.  Snake was a healer but also a seeker of secrets and Connor seemed quite adept at reading people although he didn't seem to have the ability to assense.

"What's your pleasure?"

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit

Stalker nodded to the gentleman that responded to his call, "I'm meeting a couple of friends here , Raven and Patch. I didn't realize that you guys wouldn't be open yet. Any chance I could wait inside? I promise I won't make a nuisance of myself", he said, grinning.

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:16 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit

Connor's aura register something that might have been a satisfied mental check mark but there was no change in his expression except perhaps a slight widening of his smile.  "As long as you don't mind me working around you,"  he said.  "Raven!  One of your friends is here!"

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:16 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit

Stalker grinned at him, "I think I can live with that." He held out his right hand to the man, "People call me Stalker."

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:17 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit

"Connor MacGee."  His grip was firm but not crushing and he held it long enough to get a measure of Stalker's strength.  "Can I assume that is Stalker as in hunter, not Stocker as in grocery shelves?"

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:17 pm 2058 - Stalker - The Snake Pit

He chuckled slightly, "You may. It's sort of a translated childhood nickname but it serves well enough on the streets. Pleased to meet you. BTW, do I need to check these?", he pulled back his duster slightly to show the predator and large, bone handled knife that were strapped to his thighs.

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:18 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit

"Hopefully it was something impressive, like 'Stalks Like a Wolf' rather than 'Stalks Like a Weasel' or 'Stalks the Cookies,"  Connor said.  "I'd prefer if you would check the gun.  I'll trust you with the knife but if something happens, I'm going to swear you snuck it by me.  Do you mind if I ask how long you were in the NAN before you came back to the city?"  Connor's aura, especially those portions closest to Snake were swirling with excitement.  Stalker was new and unknown quantity and therefore a mystery worthy of investigation, a puzzle to which Connor had some but not all of the pieces.

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:18 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit

Stalker laughed, drawing and clearing his pistol in a couple of smooth rapid motions while he spoke. "They called me, 'Ihakob wanasa pi iwan yong', There isn't a very direct translation, it can mean several things. The one I go by loosely means, 'Stalks with Care'. It was sort of combination of compliment, warning and joke, all at the same time. My uncle's had interesting senses of humor. I was born and raised half my life there", handing clip and cleared weapon to Conner, he slipped the round from the chamber into his pocket and said, "Thanks for letting me hang onto the blades. They're one of the few things I'm sentimental about and I promise if something happens, I was just that sneaky. How about you? How did you wind up working in a bar in the barrens?" He glanced around the room, as if in emphasis and let his Sight drop so he could focus his senses more closely on the physical world, returning his attention to Conner.

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:18 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor

Connor shrugged.  "Right place at the right time with the right money,"  he said.  "It was just a quick cash grab at first but the money was too good to let it just drop.  So here I am, owner, manager, chief cook, dishwasher and bartender.  Many hats.  One head.  Can I get you something on the house?"

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:19 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit

"A draft of whatever you have, pilamayaye. Thank you, that is." He walked to the nearest table with chairs still on it and began taking them down. "Well, you've definitely done well with the place. Your reputation is pretty solid with enough street talk to make people leery of starting trouble here."

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:20 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor

"I'm stubborn that way,"  Connor said, starting at a different table.  "I'm not willing to see someone else profit off my hard work.  Of course, I'm willing to profit off the hard work of others, as long as I've gotten my hands dirty as well.  I don't want a free ride and I don't want to give somebody else one either.  Speaking of free rides....  Raven!  Come give us a hand or at least grab Stalker a beer."

[Trellin]

August 15th 7:20 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit

"Makes perfect sense to me. I've been known to have my moments. So how did you meet Raven?"

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:21 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor

"She played in one of my battle of the bands,"  Connor answered.  "After she played, she stayed around to lend a hand with things.  Twisted Sisters would be the house band, if her drummer was more reliable.  Are you a busking pick-up or did you happen upon a bad situation at the same time?  That seems to be how she meets people usually."

[LadyJallyn]

August 15th 7:21 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Raven

Raven made a face at Connors comment but went and got Stalker a beer. She returned to the table. "They aren't strays they're friends." she replied. "I just happen to have a lot of friends. That shouldnt be a bad thing. Sheesh always picking on me..."

[Maxx]

August 15th 7:22 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor

"You're the one who used the word strays, Raven,"  Connor said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender.  "I was asking about the meeting, not the collecting."  He chuckled.  "She has a good heart but has a tendency to get a little grumpy.  Not mean grumpy, just slightly offended grumpy."