: Dom February 08, 2011, 07:57:31 AM
18:31 (AMT-8)
August 26th - AF 10
As the sun begins its descent towards the red horizon, a cool breeze snakes its way through the Noctis Labyrinthus canyon, one of the first signals of the incoming night and the freezing temperature it brings. At the bottom of the canyon, ice crystals begin forming along the shore of River Noctis and the water stream starts to slow down. At the northern and southern banks of the river two large city domes dominate the landscape, while several smaller domes and souks sprawl around the remaining areas. Along the canyon ridges come the blinding lights of the mirror arrays pointing the last sunrays of the day at the city domes before the sun sets completely.
The city itself never sleeps, but changes at the turn of the night. In the domes and souks there is a flurry of movement as the normal working shifts end and the city opens the areas of entertainment and vice for the incoming clientele. The Cut and the various skyways of the city become streams of light as aircraft and Maglev trains return to the city. The Night Train snakes around the lesser domes, moving along the Noctis Tram system.
Interlaying the city is the network that connects every facet of living, the Mesh. Information, entertainment, socialization and pornography is brought at the reach of all. But behind this flashy exterior there are shadier groups moving through this network- hundreds of illegal conversations and operations at a single time. One in particular is taking place at this moment, one which is of utmost importance to every resident of the city, though few are aware of it.
----------------------------------
Connecting to network (i-XXXXXXXXXX)
Account verification successful
Passcode verification successful
Mesh ID verification successful
Ego ID verification successful
Entering Simulspace environment (ID UNKNOWN: ENCRYPTED)
Simulspace Time Dilation: x0.04
A loud roar greets you when you enter the Simulspace environment. The first thing you see is a waterfall moving a large quantity of water, vapor and foam creating a thick and mysterious fog. You are standing inside a large hut on top of a hill to the right of the waterfall which provides a beautiful view of the stream. Through the fog kicked up by the waterfall you can see jungle stretching out as far as the eye can see. Some exotic bird chirps can be heard, most are drowned out by the powerful roar of the waterfall. The air is humid but not uncomfortably so and smells fresh, with the subtle tinge of wet soil.
The hut has a straw roofing and polished ceramic flooring. Four tasteful white leather sofas are arranged in a square around a mahogany coffee table. A woman, or at least a woman avatar, sits on one of the sofas. She is about mid 30's, of Asian descent and with well-kept black hair pulled back in a tidy bun. She wears a professional yet fashionable orange outfit with an animated golden dragon, most likely the latest in Noctis-Qianjiao's fashion industry.
She smiles and as she does so the waterfall lowers the volume to a pleasant hum. "Ni hao, Sentinels," she says, "I am glad to see you have arrived on time. We shall begin the briefing now. Please, have a seat." She gestures towards the sofas around the table. "You may call me Lien."
"As you may know, I have been assigned as your Proxy for this mission. I will serve as the link between Firewall and you. I will also answer any questions I can regarding the mission as you have my full collaboration. Do you have anything you wish to ask regarding Reb Riveira's disappearance?"
: Robot Master February 08, 2011, 09:11:28 AM
Tightening the leather gloves over his fingers as the tail of his long coat swished against the floor of the hut, he lowered himself into onto one of the sofas.
"Namaste, Lien, you may call me Oriole." Jaycob replied, pressing his hands together with a slight bow of his head. It was a traditional greeting from the culture that bore him. The slight smile that curled at the edge of his mouth seemed friendly enough despite its practiced appearance. It caused the slight bit of chin scruff that he'd stylishly decided to leave unshaven to lift with the gesture. "What is Reveira's last known location, and the location of his habitat?"
[Ripley...would you please take notes for us, but do not record faces or identities that could implicate others if we are caught?]
: Moondog February 08, 2011, 10:56:52 AM
Upon being greeted, he smiles and nods respectfully, replying "Ni hao, Lien. Name's Ace, pleased to be working with you." Without skipping a beat, he extends an open hand for shaking. If taken, his grip is firm without being crushing.
Pleasantries exchanged, he takes a seat on the sofa across from the bird-named fellow, and crosses his legs at the knees, the right slung over the left. Leaning forward to listen, he remains quiet. Oriole's already asked what he was about to, and as his father always said, 'Shut up and listen'.
: csr556 February 08, 2011, 06:00:52 PM
He takes a quick glance around the room, bows to the host, "Ni hao, Lien", nods to the others in the room, "Ni hao, I'm Reaver."
He then takes a seat on an abandoned sofa. After the dialogue has started, he waits for an answer to Oriole's question. After a sufficient amount of time, he asks "Any known associates or enemies?"
: Mckma February 08, 2011, 07:33:18 PM
: Robot Master February 08, 2011, 08:58:09 PM
"Hello as well." Oriole replies with his English accent, lifting his right hand in a light, informal wave that reaches upwards towards his brow. He turns his head, nodding to the rest of the room with a slight shake of his waving hand before returning it to rest against his knee.
: DancingWarPanda February 08, 2011, 10:07:22 PM
He can’t remember the last mission he was on with any of them but they are familiar faces. “I hope no one has had to be restored from backup lately” the humor can be heard in his voice but the silver skin of his avatar shows no detail. Khalil bows to the Proxie and finds a corner to stand in while waiting for the briefing to continue. “Don’t let my tardiness interrupt the proceedings, please continue.” With that last statement he listens intently to what will be said.
: Dom February 09, 2011, 11:48:35 AM
Lien gives a slight nod to greet Khalil before answering Jaycob’s question.
“Riveira’s last transmitted message was tracked down to his apartment, which is located in Pembroke Gardens, Noctis City. It is not the best area to live in but apparently the operations of the Tharsis Terraforming Office have shifted to other areas. This might have affected his salary in some way. ”
She looks at Jaycob for a second before continuing.
“But, there is a discrepancy. At the time the message was sent he should have still been in the TTO offices in the Tito neighborhood. A small investigation on this revealed that he had indeed gone to work that day, but had excused himself later that day. From what we were able to gather, he said he had a ‘pressing appointment with someone.’ The real reason is, I’m afraid, something you will have to look into.”
Lien then responds to Dmitri’s question.
“Riveira was known to have a few friends with the TTO and the ecologists. However, it seems like he had an alter-ego called Shango which he used to deal with various Barsoomian groups. What these dealings were about, we do not know.”
Over the mahogany coffee table, a hologram appears with three profiles. The first shows Riveira’s profile, with a C-Rep of 41 and an E-Rep of 26. Underneath it, a profile for “Shango”, with an @-Rep of 53. The third profile is that of “Jakuta”, with an I-Rep of 58.
“Regarding any enemies, there are none that we are aware of.”
: DancingWarPanda February 09, 2011, 02:23:25 PM
: Moondog February 09, 2011, 02:32:39 PM
"Joe. Jot this down for me, will ya? Riviera lived in a less than great area, possibly forced by shifting office environment hitting payroll. Possible grudge against employers. Went to work, but left early, claiming appointment - current reason unknown. Friends with ecologists and TTO. Possible barsoomian connection. Look into Ecologist angle, my friends should be able to help with that. No known enemies. Key words: Shango, Anarchist. Oh, and remind me to wash my socks when I get home. Thanks. " Good 'ol silent mental communication. The world would be so inconvenient without it.
Still content to listen rather than question, Ace takes a moment to look around.
Reaver, Oriole, Zeeb, Friction. He hasn't really gotten the chance to get a read off 'em yet, but on the past mission(s), they all performed as they should. No complaints there, but. . .
Something about Oriole just rubs him the wrong way. That fake, corporate smile. Like a doll's smile, all appearances but with no soul behind it. No need to sour a new meeting with a fresh proxy by frowning at appearances, though.
"Barsoomian connection, unknown quantity via alter ego, huh? Sounds like the best starting point." He says, stroking a hand across his chin thoughtfully.
: Mckma February 09, 2011, 03:50:18 PM
: csr556 February 09, 2011, 04:18:53 PM
"Lien, do you have an address for the apartment?"
: Robot Master February 09, 2011, 08:39:13 PM
[Ripley: Thank you, you are always very kind to help me. I think that with my r-Rep score we may be able to find a way into TTO's labs. Do we know any former Trigo Nanoproducts employees that terminated their employment to seek opportunities with Tharsis Terraforming?]
Only a millisecond has passed. The smile fades.
"Barsoomians are known for their desire for an independent Mars, and many terraforming operations have been met with distaste by Martian nationalists and the ecologists in the n-blogs and editorial feeds." Oriole says flatly, glancing across their collective faces before stopping to view Ace. "I agree with Ace. The Barsoomian connection may provide us with information and any confidants. His TTO employee identity and his ecologist identity are diametrically opposed. This could have placed him in danger. His contacts with the Barsoomians may be able to provide key information." He then turns his general attention towards Lien as he continues speaking. "I may have the ability to access the TTO lab site, but security is likely to be high. Do you have a datafile or any of his credentials so that I may examine them?"
Oriole's eyes lower to the space between the couches and his mouth flattens slightly. It is the image of a hardened face, prepared for an extended period of silence so that Lien may answer the other Sentinels' questions.
: Dom February 10, 2011, 10:18:31 AM
“That is correct, your mission is to find him. If this is not possible, then you will need to find out what the information he had was.”
“Reb Riveira was a Fall evacuee. He used to work with a small ecologist branch based in Brazil, working to stabilize the Amazon rainforest… or what was left of it after the severe climate changes in Pre-Fall Earth. After the evacuation he was able to get a job on Mars with the TTO. He still has several contacts with the ecologists as he was well-known within those circles, but that was ten years ago and we all know how memories are so short-lived nowadays. His e-rep still stands but it has been in constant decline. He has occasionally pacified ecologist groups with regards to TTO activities, but even that seems to strain his rep even more.”
She gracefully takes a sip from the cup.
“Of his family, he was married but never had children. He and his wife were both candidates for evacuation, but they were assigned to different ships. Reb Riveira’s made it out fine, but his wife…”
Lien shakes her head sadly.
“Her ship was destroyed as it was undocking from the launch pad. There were no survivors. “
“This is only a guess, but that may be one of the reasons Riveira joined Firewall. I never knew him personally but he was one of the most focused members I knew when it came to researching information on TITAN technology. I would not take his warning to Firewall regarding TITAN activity lightly. He knows more about this than many of us, and he is not one to exaggerate.”
“I will send the addresses of his home and office to your muses, as well as his credentials. It is true that security inside the TTO offices is severe, but I trust that you will be able to find a way inside. Firewall expects sentinels to be able to function without our direct help. The less Firewall has to interfere directly, the better.”
: DancingWarPanda February 10, 2011, 12:11:46 PM
[Coza send my new contact info to everyone]
[A please would be appreciated]
[So would you doing your job]
[You’re such a beam of sunshine, what would I do without you]
Khalil ignores the sarcasm while waiting for the input of the others. While he wasn’t the biggest fan of working on a team it had its advantages. Mainly the skills brought to the table that he himself lacked. Perhaps, he thought to himself, he would look into forming a more permanent arrangement with the others, perhaps he would also became a TITAN apologist. There was an equal chance for both.
: csr556 February 10, 2011, 03:44:23 PM
Jeeves, make some preparations to travel to Pembroke Gardens. Also notify me when our Barsoomian contact can meet us. Let her know the sooner the better. Thanks.
"So, who wants to join me?"
: Moondog February 10, 2011, 09:19:54 PM
The Earth in flames (and worse), people screaming. The smell of fear and despair on the cramped shuttle off the planet. The knot in his stomach as he looked through the crowd, hoping, just maybe, that he'd see his kid, hell, even the ex-wife would have been a welcome sight.
"Lock it down. That's in the past. "
He stares into the green tea, as if looking for answers in the pale liquid. To clear his mind, he clears his throat and raises a hand. "Office sounds more my style. Never cared for rooting through people's homes."
: Robot Master February 10, 2011, 10:42:13 PM
Both of his eyebrows raise as he lifts his head and pans across the room once more. His eyebrows lower as his vision settles on Lien. As he does so, he prepares a datapacket including his contact information to the other Sentinels and sends it.
"Jakuta's I-rep stands, and per your warning then it would be best if we expected highly the possibility of finding Titan activity. I thank you for the warning, Lien. Let us hope that there is no such threat, or that our involvement will set TITAN activity back many steps."
: Mckma February 11, 2011, 01:49:35 AM
[OOC] If there is ever a period of several seconds of silence, Alex will reach forward and give a tentative sip of the tea. This is basically only out of boredom during what others might consider an "awkward silence." If conversation proceeds at a "normal" clip, however the tea will be ignored.
: Dom February 11, 2011, 11:48:31 AM
She then stands up.
“If there are no more questions, then you should begin the investigation immediately. I’m afraid that I will not be available to meet through Simulspace, so if you need to contact me you will have to message me. Have your muses send me situation reports every hour or if there is something that requires immediate attention. I wish you good luck in this undertaking.”
: csr556 February 11, 2011, 12:34:26 PM
Jeeves, send our contact info to everyone. Also update the TACNet with theirs as they send them in.
Already in pending mode awaiting your wishes. Your Barsoomian contact has not replied yet, but it's only been a few moments. Oh, your bike is ready to go. I even pumped up the tires and fluffed the seat for you.
Networking:Anarchists <img src="http://slangdesign.com/forums/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 1d100: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(92): Total = 92 </div>
You know, Sarah probably won't call you, not after last time.........
That was a while ago, maybe she forgot.
And maybe I'll turn into a giant fluffy Teddy Bear.
: DancingWarPanda February 11, 2011, 01:55:47 PM
Khalil sends an order to his bike making sure it’s ready for the trip while quickly sending a stream of messages to his contacts. He’s going to be careful about this one because the last thing he needs is everyone knowing they are investigating Reb. The buzz of information streaming in front of him is distracting but even more so is the thought that his dreams seem to be coming true.
Edit: Forgot my rolls.
Networking: Hypercorps (55+20 for taking extra time) [75]
Rolling 1d100: (18): Total = 18
: Moondog February 11, 2011, 02:53:48 PM
"Police detective, bit of forensics, bit of profiling. I can tell you how someone died, what they were offed with, how to keep a scene uncontaminated, and so forth." He lists off. There's a definite measure of pride in his voice, painting him as a man who truly enjoys what he does.
"'Course, I'd be a poor excuse for a man if I was nothing but a Cop. Disguises, impersonations, getting into places I shouldn't be, chatting people up, that sort of thing. " The good detective flashes a grin. "...And it's been said I could sell an eskimo ice cubes. Not that kids these days know what an Eskimo is anymore without consulting a wiki."
Naturally, that last bit is muttered and accompanied with a sigh.
"You heard the good lady, Joe. Update every hour, on the dot. Also, patch me through to Vinny, you remember the guy, weasel-like fellow, greasy hair, was busted for grand plagiarism. Ask 'em if he's heard anything on the streets. Oh, and ask Fatimah if she knows anything special 'bout Reb, yeah? 'Preciate it, Joe."
"Naturally, sir. Your earlier request for note-taking has been completed. Oh, and I believe you'll be pleased to hear this. I scan news feeds regularly, and it appears they've recovered a small cache of music storage devices from Earth. I believe the artist's name is Calloway. I've forwarded the data to your storage.
Networking: Criminal (50 + 20 for taking extra time) [70]
Rolling 1d100: (37): Total = 37
Rolling 1d100: (3): Total = 3
Networking: Ecologist (60 + 20 for taking extra time) [80]
: Robot Master February 11, 2011, 06:13:40 PM
With that, Oriole slowly disintegrates into digital dust and leaves the Simulspace construct. Immediately patching networked communications requests to their muses, he rises from the beat up couch in the hourly hotel room that he's rented. Brushing off his coat, he frowns softly at a series of loud, continuous thuds coming through the wall.
["I suppose that's our queue to leave..."]
[Yes, she is definitely getting her exercise, isn't she? I've been ready for minutes.]
Opening the door, Jaycob steps out into the dim, blue lighting of the hallway. Stepping over a small pile of garbage, he proceeds towards a thin, winding stairwell that takes him down one floor. Pressing the flat of his palm on a soundproofed door, he shoves it open and makes his way into the lobby. Reaching into his pocket, he collects the key for the door to the hotel room and tosses it to the Ruster morphed male behind the caged counter.
"Keep the change..." Jaycob mutters quietly, which is quite easy to hear in the gloom of the run down habitat.
"Yeah whatever, man. Hey Pudge!" The manager calls over his shoulder. "Get up there and make sure one-twelve's ready for the next client."
[Client...]
[Almost makes it sound professional, doesn't it?]
[Jaycob, I'd really prefer it if you found different places to make private meetings in.]
[I'll find one. I know these places upset you. I don't know of many other places that don't ask for names.]
[Perhaps a data-library? They have private booths. So do some tea houses.]
[We will try that next time, my love.]
The silence is broken by a blast of stale, habitat air and the din of the nightlife in one of Noctis' more shady districts when Jaycob exits the motel. Without looking, Jaycob turns to the right and proceeds past a pair of sylph morphed prostitues. Their suggestive catcalls and the exposure of that little bit extra of thigh are entirely ignored. His destination is the rail line less than one block away.
[Jaycob I've prepared that list of contacts for you...]
In the corner of his vision, an opaque list of names starts to scan down the edge of his vision, as another window opens, making contact with the other four Firewall agents. He begins an encryption program on the communication feed while looking for the right contact for the job.
Infosec (61) <img src="http://slangdesign.com/forums/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 1d100: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(54): Total = 54 </div>
Networking Scientists (40) <img src="http://slangdesign.com/forums/Themes/default/images/dice.gif" alt="" />Rolling 1d100: <div style="background-color: #919191;">(97): Total = 97 </div>
[Alright, let's see who is available...]
--edit--
(((fixed typos and some grammar. Let's hope this doesn't F up my rolls. Got a 54 for Infosec and 97 for Networking)))
: Moondog February 12, 2011, 07:49:18 PM
The detective blinks back to real-world awareness, taking stock of his surroundings. He hadn't expected them to change in the short time he was 'out', but a healthy dose of paranoia never hurt. The hotel room he'd taken up residence in for the time being was, depressingly, the same as he left it. Small, smelling of cigarette smoke no matter how hard the nanoscrubbers tried to clean it (funny how that worked) and with a soulless, sterile grey carpet, the place was, at best, a place to crash for a day or two. The bed was lumpy, the pillows either too firm or not quite substantial enough (what, they couldn't spring for memory foam?), and the chair+desk combo was too low, so that when you pulled the chair up to write without hunching over like a neanderthal, your knees hit the underside.
"Get what you pay for, huh Joe?" He says aloud, shaking his head. Rising from his chair, formed of some nearly indestructible material and, according to the plaque 'shaped with inspiration from Pavonis Mons', which he took to mean 'fucking pointy in places a chair had no right to be', Ace reaches into his pocket and withdraws a smoke. Nasty habit, really. But with modern technology, he could smoke for centuries and never have a problem.
Lighting up and walking out the door, key firmly in pocket, he leaves the room behind him like he'd left so many cheap hotels rooms. Intact, and without a dead hooker under the bed.
No hookers, waited outside to solicit him, no pushers with their bags of chemicals and promises of 'sweet trips' and other cheap ways to take a break from the cold reality of an uncaring universe.
There is, however, a totally sweet 'cycle parked right where it should be. The anti-theft device, a (doubtless illegal) high powered taser set to go off if the vehicle has doubtless deterred any would be theft. After going through the series of interface commands necessary to disable the security
(↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← →) he climbs aboard and starts 'er up, the rumble of the machine underneath him comforting in its familiarity as he waits for results.
: csr556 February 14, 2011, 08:52:29 AM
Jeeves, have you mapped out a route?
Of course, would you prefer speed or scenery?
Speed, please. Double check any photos we may have. I want to have it on hand in case we need to start asking around.
With that, he checks his pack one last time, makes sure his pistol is loaded and concealed, checks his ego to make sure all licenses are still valid and heads out the door.