Prologue

[TuffGhost]

GM
Welcome to Antithesis! This is the prologue to the RP that will be used to get the characters in line and ready to go. Keep in mind that you can make any of your own tests (except extended tests) using invisible castle (http://invisiblecastle.com/). Happy hunting everyone!

Antithesis - Prologue

Today is a fairly standard day in the sprawl of Seattle. Business has been slow of late and your fellow runners have been quiet. Sparse conversation and the occasional meeting has been the extent of your relationships since your last run, a success. A simple commandeering of an inter-sprawl supply convoy for some nameless Johnson.

Around midday (says the clock, the sky is overcast almost eternally), the familiar chime of Inbox (1) rang across your commlink.

I have some work that you might be interested in. 7th room of The Mercury at midnight tonight.

-Johnson

No From: address. To be expected. This is as legitimate as it gets.

Back to the old grind.

[Windygo]

Raja was trying to enjoy a lunch with his daughter when the message came across.

(No matter how much he loved her, he refused to call it a tea-party. It was lunch. He was having lunch with his daughter and a teddy bear, drinking tap water from a plastic tea set and speaking in a bad British accent. Calling it lunch was the only claim on his dignity that he had.)

"Oh, I do apologize, madam." He said, properly setting the tiny plastic spoon on top of the tiny plastic cup. The fake accent was badly hurt by Raj's natural accent. "But I do believe that I've just gotten a message about late tonight, and I must rush home to plan for it."

"Well then drop the accent." Neela said, in plain Sanskrit, with some slight sarcasm... and... relief? Raja had joked that she'd outgrown these tea parties and only continued them to tourture him, but now he was seriously considering that possibility.

Neela cleaned up the table while Raja went on a frantic search for a babysitter that was willing to spend the night, and one that he could trust with his daughter and his small home.

Several hours later, one of the neighbor's older daughters agreed, and Raja spent another hour going over the house rules, most of which involved never opening the front door for any reason. (Fire? Jump out the window. No door.)

The next hour Raja spent saying goodbye to his daughter in Sanskrit and telling her to call him the second anything suspicious happened, including noises, shadows, and the babysitter attempting to cook.

When that hour was over, Neela kicked her father out the door and slammed it shut behind him.

Grumbling slightly and making many prayers to anyone and everyone under his breath, Raja made his way down the the famialiar old club. He still had some time left, so he tried to impress some nice females by pretending that he didn't know any English, but quickly discovered that one of the nice females was missing her "fe", and he made it into the seventh room as quickly as possible.

[Scoops11]

(4:00 PM) Irato is sleeping silently in his van with his goggles still on displaying both the current politcal events from his favorite underground news source, and a few high definition interactive pornographic games. He slams his hands on the console nearly spilling his synthohol as he hears the all familiar *ring* of his inbox. Still drowsy he decides to set the van to drive itself to The Mercury while he riggs up his aztech crawler with a holo projector. "No point in having to get out of my PJ's to accept this job" he says to himself.

(11:45 PM) As he arives at the club Irato mearly opens the back door of the van and lets the crawler slip out on its way into the club. As it moves to the 7th room of club it daftly maneuvers around the local clubbers and guests. Zipping around underneath skirts and around high heels, it moves faster than most guest would be able to notice in the dark club. As he gets closer to the door of the 7th room Irato parks the drone just outside and starts the holo projector up. Showing himself fully dressed in his clubbing clothes walking in towards the door.

[epiphany]

The Mitsubishi Nightsky slides smoothly up to the high-end apartment complex that Julius called home. Julius steps out of the limousine, picked up his briefcase, and walks into the building.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Samson, lovely day, isn't it?" the man at the front office smiles toothily Julius.
"Quite, any messages?"
"No sir."
"Thank you, Adam" said Julius, and made his way up the three flights to his apartment. Walking down the polished wood floors of the hall, he fished for his key in his breast pocket with his free hand, finding it just as he reached the door. Checking to see if anyone was around, he entered his room. The room was devoid of almost any furniture, save a cot, a small dinner table, two shabby chairs, and a television. Setting his shiny black leather briefcase on the table, he opened it, and took out the packages of Instant Noodles he had bought at the nearest convenience store.
"This facade is getting a little too thin, if I keep living on this shit, people are going to start asking questions. Where is a fucking job when I need one?" After a couple of hours quietly sipping his pitiful supper and channel surfing, his pocket sec rings, showing the message from the Johnson.
"Thank God." Julius says, tossing the half eaten bowl into his trash can almost ceremoniously. "Time for a real meal."

At roughly 11:00, Julius walks somewhat urgently out of the complex. "Business meeting, Adam, won't be home until late, or rather early, goodnight” He says abrubtly, then hops into his limo and heads toward the Mercury

[Empty_Chamber]

Shhhhlk--"Forgive me father, for I have sinned, again"
"Yes my son, but weren't you just here yesterday?"
"Well, It happened, again. See, heres the thing..."
Great, more adultry. Every one comes into confession, and they all say the same thing. As Padre's mind begins to wander, his eyes do the same. Can't someone at least come up with something entertaining? I mean Christ... The father thinks as his gaze falls onto the crucifix beside him. No offence...

"None Taken." Squawks a gostly bird as it materializes perched atop the cross. "You know you have a message..." Yeah, but it's on my other pocket sec, I can't get to it until this guy finishes telling me "how sorry he is for snogging his secretary" the third time this week. "Just be sure to check it. Could be important." The dark bird once again squawks into his mind, before departing with only one whispy feather left in it's stead.

"Yeah, yeah, She was the evil temptress, you were completely innocent, just cought up in her web of lies. Right, I get it. Do ten hail Mary's for your sin, and another ten for when you do the same thing on Thursday. Now I must be getting on." The father says as he exits the booth. After gathering his posessions and reading his message, the priest Hails a cab.

The feeling of being out of place in such a location wearing his vestments dulled down long ago. Time, however, could not prevent his style of dress to be a buzzkill to everyone else on the dance floor. After a very uncomfortable stroll around the room, Padre hops over the drone and into the Seventh room of the Mercury.

[TuffGhost]

Everything about The Mercury is fast, from the countless people to the droning music. As you walk by the bouncer you are greeted by heavy bass, pulsing lights, and the smell of (meta)humanity. Your AR display immediately begins filling with messages from promiscuous clubbers, runner wanna-bes, and the like.

You are shoulder to shoulder with those who live the nightlife of the Seattle sprawl. Exotic clothing, rediculous hair styles, glowing tattoos, and designer drugs, but none of it is new to you. These people are only the surface. The pretty face that the underworld hides behind. As long as you don't forget that you'll be ok.

Room 7 has a heavy door, to block sound. The room is pretty bare, just a dark table and chairs, but at least its quiet. A single, dim fixture is the only illumination. Sitting in the back of the room is the shadowed figure of a slender, confident, human woman. She leaned forward and put her elbows on the table, hands clasped before her face. The light bounced off rimless glasses and into your eyes. Her red hair was cut short and professionally. A broad shouldered orc in a black suit and tie stood behind her, in the shadows.

"Good evening everyone, my name is Ms. Johnson and I have a proposal for you." Her voice was curt and definite, but not at all masculine. "There is a certain testing facility that contains three things I would like you to acquire for me." She retrieved a datachip from the breast pocket of her fashionable, pin-stripped business jacket and slid it across the table. "All of the information on the complex, the items, and where to bring them once acquired is on this chip. You will be payed 6000 nuyen, one half on acceptance of the job and one half on completion. Any questions?" She leaned back in her chair and began cooly observing, waiting for a response.

[Empty_Chamber]

The older-looking gentleman starts in without breaking his calm, comforting Irish accent. "Well, actually, I do have a few small questions before I agree to the price. My father always tought me to read all the fine print before signing. Sounds rather quaint today, but what he meant was: know what you're getting into while you may still refuse. So what, by the grace of the good lord, are we getting into? Namely, defenses and security detail." The priest inquires with a serene smile.

(I have 8 dice for all of my influence skill's, I say this incase you feel I the character's actions warrent a roll)

[Scoops11]

The hologram of Irato fidgets in its seat in a reptitve loop as the real dwarf is chowing down on cold ramen and donuts, half naked in the comfort of his van.

"6000 nuyen... not a bad chunk of change... I think we could hold out for more though" Irato thought. Swiftly he sent a message to Jack with his advise on the payment.

[Etheriel]

Suddenly, the door bursts open. The flashing lights of the Mercury make the figure standing in the entrance appear as some godly silhouette. He steps forward in harmony with the thumping beats behind him and closes the door in a single swift motion.

Turning toward the group, he announces, boisterously but with an air of sophistication, feigned or otherwise, "My sincerests regarding the tardiness. Until a mere forty minutes ago I was completing a rather high-priority run. Afterward, I searched through the many proposals in my inbox and found this particular venture most appropriate for my unique tastes. It would seem that I am in high demand this evening.

"I would speak more regarding my earlier escapades, but humility is my middle name. Leonard Humility Killingsworth, but you may call me Adonis. And you," he says, leaning in toward the woman sitting in the rear, "may call me any time you'd like." After a moment of silence, he gives a quick wink and returns to a more erect posture.

"But let us cut to the proverbial chase, shall we? What form of adventure shall we be undertaking?"

[epiphany]

Jack smiles good-naturedly at the stranger, picking up the datachip. "We shall soon see. He looks at the chip, then at the Johnson. There really any reason to suspect viruses or other digital nasties, no point in killing the employment, right? Still, the thought of introducing foreign programs into a very essential and non-replaceable organ made him more than a little nervous.

Fuck it, what’s the point of running the shadows if you can't take a risk.

"Lets see what we have to deal with here."

Softly closing his eyes, he slid the chip into the port behind his ear.

[TuffGhost]

The information contained in the datachip flows into your system like cool water. It moves onto your team's wireless network, as per you settings, so everyone can access it through AR display. The trid files (nothing hostile) on the datachip are mostly floor plans and building specs, all for a large horseshoe-shaped testing complex. The eye logo in the upper right of all the images makes it obvious that this is a facility owned and operated by Evo Corporation. It is located in the Seattle Downtown area, in the center of the sprawl. The specific part of downtown is on a small Evo campus, probably under surveillance.

One file, called 'objectives', contains the details on the three things Ms. Johnson is interested in. The first is an experimental pharmaceutical still in the testing phase. The second is a heavily encrypted bit of pay-data, probably details on the drugs. The third, and most interesting, is a metallic cylinder about five feet in length and two feet deep.

All three objects are in an inner sanctum of the horseshoe, underground, not reachable by wireless or astral means. A pair of lifts are the only way to descend to the sanctum. Evo does not want anyone messing with what's in there^.

A file called 'Security' gives some vague details on the corporate sec force. Standard stuff, spiders, sec squads, and a small drone task/support force. All together, the run is daunting but far from impossible.

Comprehensive stuff.

The other files are contact information and location for the completion of the run. All of it is anonymous and well thought-out, as usual.

"I don't want to risk speaking this aloud^ or engaging in direct data transfer," says Mrs. Johnson "Too many people that could be listening."

[Scoops11]

Irato speed reads through the data as it scrolls by his eyes. "Everything seems simple and legit so far". Irato then finishes up his food and begins to get dressed in his fashionable feedback clothing similar to that of which his holo projection is wearing.

During this time he sends a message to all the other runners in the room instructing them to meet in the black van outside the club.

[Windygo]

"Well then." Raja sighs, agreeing with Irato. "Thank you..." he narrows his eyes, "Ms. Johnson..." he says cautiously, still smarting from the transvestite out in the club. "I'll do what I can."

He starts to slip out of his chair and saunter outside, but Jack stops him.

[epiphany]

"One moment, sir” Jack says as the tattooed man makes for the door, then turns to the Johnson with a good natured smile. "I believe we have some more things to discuss with our honored employer. Now, Ms Johnson, this does not appear to be your average snatch and grab run, nor do we seem like everyday gofer's ourselves. 6000 new yen seems a bit low for such a dangerous, and, as I gather from the security and discretion used in both parties, sensitive matter. Now, should we renegotiate the payment to, say, 8000, I would believe we would be more than inclined to agree to the terms and conditions of this run."

(I have 9 dice to any influence skill should you want any roll for etiquette or anything like that. If the 8000 seems high, I plan to talk down to 7500)

GM: Keep in mind you do know the other people in the room. They are the members of the team you have been a part of for awhile now. also, you can make your own rolls. negotiation is an active skill.

To keep things moving ill take care of this instance.

[TuffGhost]

Ms. Johnson listens intently to Moretti ((Negotiation + Charisma (3 hits) opposed test vs Ms. Johnson)) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=584647).

"Duely noted. I suppose I would be willing to give 7000 nuyen for such a job, but no more than this. If I'm not mistaken, you are in dire need of a new job, and there are plenty of runners who would take this one out from under you in a second." she said, coldly.

[Etheriel]

"It is but a trifling value. If the run promises thrills, my demands will properly have been met," Adonis touts, hiding his excitement regarding the upcoming capital increase.

"I am ready at the notice of only a moment, but if you, my comrades, have any preparations to complete before tackling our little quest, might I suggest that you get on them immediately?"

[epiphany]

"I've got a few calls to make, but I don't see any problems in getting right to it." Jack speaks to his fellow team mates. "If no one has any pressing or extended matters to attend to, like sleep, we should reconviene, if at least via comlink, in three hours. Sound good?"

[Empty_Chamber]

(Over Sub-voc) "Agreed. Three hours shall be wonderful."
(Out Loud) "The price is fair, the mission isn't terrifying, The work is appreciated. I myself agree to the terms, as I'm sure most of my collegues do as well. As soon as I get confirmation of the three and a half thousand yen, I'll be on my way to fetching your prescription." The father calmly states, wearing an expectant expression.

[TuffGhost]

A slight smirk crossed her face as she waved the orc forward. The bodyguard reached into his breast pocket, revealing a credstick. After a few adjustments to the total nuyen he reaches across the table, offering it to O'leary.

Ms. Johnson stood and bid you goodnight. "Thank you for the assistance, I look forward to our next meeting." Her glasses darkened significantly as she strode past Raja and out the door, the bodyguard close behind.

End Prologue

GM
This concludes the prologue of Antithesis. Chapter 1 will be up in the next 24 hours so play will continue smoothly. For any players that weren't able to post in the prologue (mOoEyThEcAt) feel free to jump in on Chapter 1.

Chapter 1 will begin the planning phase of the run. This chapter will be pretty free-form, the events will be determined mostly by the players. The game will get a little more rail-roady when the actual run begins.