The Alien Wars 6: Da Capo

Session 373

Session Start: Mon Apr 08 19:06:07 2019
Session Ident: #TAW-Session373
* Now talking in #TAW-Session373
* Topic is 'Act 1 | Phase 8 | Session 373: Will The Real Shapeshifter Stand Up?'
* Set by Stretch!~Stretch@104-182-159-169.lightspeed.chrlnc.sbcglobal.net on Mon Apr 08 16:05:06
* Xanatos` has joined #TAW-Session373
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<DeathStar> Alright let me set the item down
* DeathStar sets the holy grail down
* Jackieness takes the grail and uses it to try to cure her headache
* Stretch`cell sets down the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch to make a complete set
<Stretch`cell> I'll be another couple of minutes, need to walk a dog quick
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<DeathStar> 2
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* ChadWinters does the thing
<DeathStar> Okay.
<DeathStar> Let us play a game
<DeathStar> 3
<DeathStar> 2
<DeathStar> 1
<DeathStar> -0-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-639.6.7 - 4 days after last session
<DeathStar> Location: Aquarius
<DeathStar> 6* After slowly making their way deeper and deeper into Cartel systems, and learning where the players are of the Cartel leadership, the Aquarius is on it's way toward the planet they believe to be their target. Taiga arrives via the teleporter with the location earlier, having been out doing some asking, and the ship has been on it's way since.
<DeathStar> *Yuki muses in her seat, while Taiga leans back, quiet as she thinks, both mother and daugher not talking much. Taiga seems to be thinking and moving pieces in her head* <Taiga> Erica. I'm going to leave everything in your hands as we arrive.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> You can play it out as you see fit.
<DeathStar> *Sabrina and Mireille seem to be playing with something in the corner, quietly, glancing over and Yuki's ears twitch*
<Sara> <Erica> Hrm...
<Stretch`cell> *Jelly yawns, disturbing his reverie of admiration for the view from his console* So what's this? We're giving Captain Torpedo the run of things again?
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I have just noted something as we travel along.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> You might disagree, but for some reason the Cartel respond to you rather than me.
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper is partially laid over her console, chewing on a root.
<Seraphna> **Si leans over from behind Taiga an squeezes, then hops to her seat**
<Seraphna> **Cookie yawns a bit and checks over her console**
<Sara> <Erica> You know, Jelly, if you keep saying things like that, we'll go ahead and put you in a torpedo.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Captain Torpedo?"
<ChadWinters> <Cel> They may not see you as a threat, Taiga.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> *seems to barely respond, strangely, peering ahead* That is fine. My height and looks make me look like a little girl lots of time.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> 4'9 is not very menancing
<Stretch`cell> *Jelly muses* Y'know, with enough time I could make it into a personal life bouey...right? *Looks to Airym* A joke...that's all it is.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Anyway, if we are approached at any point, I will let you take the lead. If not and we are simply allowed to land. I will see how things go from there
<Seraphna> **Si pouts at the lack of response**
<Sara> <Erica> Remind me why we keep this guy around given we have bunny boy?
<Sara> * She eyes her crew
<DeathStar> *at that, the Aquarius exits hyperspace at a Cartel world that seems to be a planet - the data comes up shows it is a planet where the Council sometimes sits and is a massive trading planet of goods and is rumored to have black market materials. If one looks to find something this planet is said to have it. It is basically a planet of goods and trade*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> We could see if we could get a good price here
<DeathStar> *Yuki reads the data on the planet as it scrolls*
<Seraphna> Cookie> His tail works as a part time duster?
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Mm. He's a perv though.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> We may to pay to for someone to take him off our hands
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Gor is not always available."
<DeathStar> *the Aquarius is hailed for their credientials and business for being here*
<Seraphna> **Si leans over to Taiga, inspecting**
<DeathStar> *Taiga seems focused on the screen, though her right ear twitches as Si nears*
<Sara> <Erica> Perhaps we can at least seek a quote or two while we are here. It can't hurt. *she says as if serious*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Well if Jelly makes Airym happy we can keep him
<DeathStar> <Yuki> *she jokes*
<Seraphna> **Si opens her mouth, about to nibble on it**
<Sara> * Erica deadpans
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> They're wanting our credentials, Captain.
<Seraphna> ** Cookie peers over, blinking a bit**
<ChadWinters> <Cel> I wonder what they're game is. You'd think Shiva would've notified someone about our movements.
<DeathStar> *Mireille bounces over to do her job*
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Really? *she asks Cel, flatly*
<Sara> <Erica> Hmm. Well, I doubt they'll really stop us even if we're honest. I'll put through Hildegard Group credentials and say we're here to peruse various businesses' wares.
<Seraphna> **Si launches operation, Taiga Ear**
<Sara> <Erica> Shiva won't be so dumb as to put out a notice to stop us after that. At least I hope not.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> Depends how much she cares about what we have.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "It is probable that Shiva is now suspicious of her fellows."
<Sara> <Erica> But in the end, the Cartel always like good business. Or so it's seemed to me.
<DeathStar> *Taiga makes a face* Si. Be serious please. This is one reason people don't take me seriously
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Don't make me push the Gor buzzer
<Seraphna> **Si pouts and relents*
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper sits up and sends the credentials and reason once Erica forwards them on to her.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> I'm pretty sure miss cold as ice is going to sit back and see what chaos we cause so she can attempt to take advantage of it.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> If not then I'm not sure what else her game may be.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Maybe. That or she's just dead inside. She didn't react to the fact Iceheart might be dead
<Sara> <Erica> There's a lot of things that could mean. We don't know their personal lives.
<Seraphna> Cookie> Hm... is it possible she was a shapeshifer too then?
<DeathStar> *after their creds are sent the Aquarius is given a landing pad*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> I do not know anything about her to make a guess. I guess
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> I-I didn't feel anything
<Sara> <Erica> I mean, it's not impossible, but that's not the impression I got. She didn't have to let us go. If she were a shapeshifter there would be no advantage to that, I believe, except if a trap were being arranged. *she exchanges a glance with Taiga*
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I agree. IF she was a shapeshifter it would have been better to end us there at the planet
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> She noted something about Loki bringing her back to life. So Taiga may be right, she really could just be dead inside.
<Seraphna> Cookie> Oh yeah... so she's a zombie?
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Oh my god she could've ate our brains!
<DeathStar> *as the Aquarius lands in the city, nothing happens so far. Taiga makes notes* <Taiga> Okay, since no one has approached us - the Cartel is doing what it does best
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Waiting for us to make the first move
<Jackieness> <Airym> "You should be cautious."
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> So we go in guns a blazing right!?
<DeathStar> *Taiga leans back against a console, arms crossed* Since we know Loki had Shiva following us and now we're back here at their major hub world. Without Shiva.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> Paints us in a bad light, doesn't it?
<Seraphna> Cookie> Or a scary light.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I see three ways to go about it, so the Captain can decide
<Sara> <Erica> We'll be all right. I mean, don't let your guard down entirely, obviously, but I get the feeling where this goes from here is more on us until we meet with Loki. *she nods to Taiga*
<Sara> <Erica> Selling Jelly will -- quite seriously -- be one of our covers for why we're here. We've sort of looked into it before, so it looks legitimate enough.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> We can approach Loki directly. We can wander about and see if they break down. And I suggest as we wander around finding where each of the council members are. *she gives a meaningful look to Erica* Or maybe leak a bit of the information we found on the planet onto the Cartel holonet. I am sure they will lock it down fast
<DeathStar> <Taiga> *laughs* Though if you want to sell Jelly first
<DeathStar> *it seems to be her first true - though half hearted laugh*
<Seraphna> **Si lowers her ears a bit**
<DeathStar> *Yuki peers at Erica* Well wandering around we could pretend to sell Jelly. You want to do that?
<ChadWinters> <Cel> I think slavery is still frowned upon here. Unless you planning to utilize the black market
<Sara> <Erica> I say we keep to our cover story and look over the market, then we go to Loki after a bit.
<Seraphna> Cookie> How do we get Jelly to cooperate?
<DeathStar> *Taiga notes darkly* Oh I am sure we can find the Cartel black market
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I chatted with Winters about it
<Seraphna> Cookie> It's the cartel, isn't that like... the regular market?
<Sara> * Erica looks at Cookie with a raised eyebrow. "Anyway, let's get our feet on the ground."
<Jackieness> <Airym> "This course of action does not seem sound."
<ChadWinters> 6Cel's eyes dart towards Taiga, quickly hiding her surprised look
<DeathStar> *Taiga nods* Alright, while you all do that I am going to scout around. I'm going to put eyes on all the locations then meet up with you. *Taiga hands Erica a place to try*
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Just becareful
<Seraphna> Si> Fuuu, want company Taigy?
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper whistles casually as she gets up and places her smg onto a mag holder on her back.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> So you can molest me?
<DeathStar> *Deadpan*
<Sara> <Erica> Don't worry, we're always careful.
<Seraphna> Si> I promise to be good.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Fine. You can come along
<Seraphna> * Si brightens and skips over to join her*
<DeathStar> -Spinning Logo-
<DeathStar> *Sabrina peers around as they arrive at a building with strange sensors*
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> I am not sure I feel comfortable here. *Yuki has a hand on Jelly's shoulder, peering at the ordinary building*
<Jackieness> <Xeres> *has slipped herself in with the ground team*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> If Taiga is correct, this probably would for you Sabrina
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah, well, none of us really feel at ease here.
<Seraphna> **Cookie nibbles a brownie** I feel super chill.
<DeathStar> *the doorman eyes them* <Doorman> I don't think this is the place for you.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Aw come'on, the slums on Kumen were way worse than this.
<Seraphna> Cookie> **walks up and shakes the Doorman's hand, credits mysteriously falling into it** I'm sure we're fine being here. Right?
<Sara> <Erica> Name's Hildegard. *she smirks with confidence* And I am in exactly the right place.
<DeathStar> *he eyes the credits, then them, then steps aside - though will perhaps contract those running it to keep an eye on such a large group. As they enter it is set up much like the one the TAW6 group broke up and found the clones. Various rooms with a sheet of what is being bid on and there is an area you can set up your own auctions*
<Jackieness> <Xeres> *walks in through the door and then moves a bit away because the group is too big together*
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper looks around curiously, looking over the sheet of items up for bid.
<Sara> * Erica also takes in the list of auctions. "Interesting place. Even if, if you've seen one, you've seen 'em all."
<ChadWinters> 6Cel peers around, taking the area in then moves over to the item lists, glancing them over
<DeathStar> *Sabrina looks uneasy in here* I feel bad vibes
<DeathStar> <Yuki> You been to black market vibes before?
<DeathStar> *er
<DeathStar> *auctions
<Seraphna> **Cookie smiles** You felt good vibes anywhere here? Or just worse vibes in here?
<Sara> <Erica> Kumen's a shady place.
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> *just looks visually ill being in this place*
<Sara> <Erica> Legally speaking, I bought Saoirse, you know.
<Sara> <Erica> Cookie, could you keep an eye on Sabrina?
<ChadWinters> <Cel> Perhaps you should stay outside for now, Sabrina?
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<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Want me to sit outside with her? I don't mind!
<DeathStar> <Yuki> True. But doesn't Geyze, at least, have it were the person isn't a slave? It's more like the person who buys them buys their contract and if they even dare hurt them they are in a world of trouble? And have to pay the person they buy
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah, that would be fine, Pepper.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> This place is just... gross
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper offers out an arm to Sabrina to lead her back outside.
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah, it's gross. It's seedy as fuck. But it's our cover story. *she looks to see if there's any interesting weapons on the auction list, though*
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> No no. I have to... *She stops Pepper I have to be stronger
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper blinks and nods once.
<DeathStar> *the girl stands straighter* <Sabrina> I have to face the evils of the world
<Jackieness> <Xeres> *goes over the current auction list*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Don't push yourself too hard. But let's show them how strong we are. 6* She flexes and winks at Sabrina.
<Seraphna> **Cookie musses Sabrina's hair and winks** Later I can try and show you how to filter things.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> So Erica, is there anything you actually want to look for while we're here?
<DeathStar> *the auction lists are just your basic things. Nothing stand out today. Men, women a few teenagers.*
<DeathStar> *some items as well*
<DeathStar> *a sword, some Earth and Tsivrixsh items, an orb of darkness, a Dragoon weapon, a piece of an Angel Ship*
<Jackieness> <Xeres> *turns and moves back to the group, saying in a low voice* "This place is barbaric."
<Sara> <Erica> Anything that might potentially be used against us were we not to get ahold of it. Other than that, I wouldn't mind freeing a couple people if we can afford to. It's... kind of a personal thing for me, you understand. I hate slavery, really.
<Sara> * She eyes Jelly
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Oooo there's some cool stuff here. People notwithstanding. What's an angel ship?
<Sara> <Erica> Hmm... Maybe we should check out that ship piece. I mean, we do have to make it look like we belong.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> Most of these look collectors items. Rarities.
<Sara> <Erica> And that sounds kinda interesting.
<DeathStar> *Yuki muses* I think those are pieces of those doomsday angelic ships the Erusians had.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> If I get an orb of darkness can I put it on some jewelry and start dressing all goth?
<DeathStar> <Yuki> They spread those wings out
<Sara> <Erica> So let's buy a couple of the items on sell, free a slave or two, then we go to Loki having given ourselves a good alibi for being here.
<DeathStar> *a man walks by Sabrina and turns to Pepper and Erusian* How much for the girl?
<Seraphna> Cookie> Mmm... **she blinks and peers up at the man**
<DeathStar> *Sabrina turns, blinking*
<Sara> * Erica side-eyes the man, watching to see what happens
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper eyes instantly narrow and she leans in slowly.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Keep moving, jackass.
<DeathStar> *the man narrows his eyes - did he recognize Sabrina is a maka, or is it the silver hair and red eyes that simply drew him in. He moves on, peering back at them and moves to a group of people - retainers*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> We should get moving, then
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> I'd be totally fine with casually making him disappear.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "I am greatly displeased."
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> ... That was ... unpleasant. *she peers at Pepper* We should not answer with violence
<DeathStar> *though there is something in her eyes that almost looks a bit like Zayne*
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah. Yeah, it was. These people are the cream of the crap, but that's how it is. *she moves to look into buying the angel ship piece*
<Seraphna> **Cookie gives Sabrina a hug and gives her some positive feelings.**
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<DeathStar> *Sabrina blinks, then smiles*; Erica would find the auction for the ship piece is surprisingly not that high. It only goes up to 5 million. Seems the Erusians are not that in demand in anymore*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Anyway, one angel piece and one orb of darkness! 6* She smiles and moves after Erica.
<Sara> * Erica nods to Pepper. "Hey, no one stay alone though. Buddy system, got it? So if you're getting the orb, make sure you take Sabrina with you."
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<Jackieness> <Xeres> "A fragment from a Type-III Black Angel. I'd say a tip of one of the deploying weapon arrays."
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper nods and takes Cookie and Sabrina to scope out this orb of darkness thing.
<Sara> <Erica> Neat! Well, it's going to be ours shortly, whatever it is. I bet Chelsea would have a field day with it when we're at Geyze next.
<DeathStar> *a pretty big piece of the wing end is brought to Erica. Taller than her for certain*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> .... *she eyes it*
<ChadWinters> 6Cel glances at something and moves off to the side.
<Sara> * Erica appears satisfied and gives the original owner an insincere compliment about their collection
<DeathStar> *Sabrina eyes the orb on the platform* That thing feels dark. I do not think you should play with it. It is like the shapeshifters, only more pure. *the bidding has begun, going up*
<Seraphna> Cookie> Like... the same energy?
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "No wonder its a bargain though. The more itneresting components were in the core of the Black Angel."
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> *shrugs* I would stay away. *she looks like she'd attack. The bidding has gone up to 10 million*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Better us to have something like that instead of one of these people, right? 6* She looks to Sabrina.
<Sara> * Erica lugs the ship part behind her on a cart. "Now I'm going to buy some freedom for some unfortunate people."
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> ... i suppose*
<Seraphna> Cookie> Well if it's the same as them then that might be Dark One tech...
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Oooh, maybe one of those nerdy boys could use this to make something to fight this energy!
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> Dark One tech?
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Lemme know if you need to borrow money Erica
<Seraphna> Cookie> The Shifters were created by the Dark Ones. A near extinct species that was the opposition of the Progenitors.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "If you insist on giving this fragment to Chelsea, then I inists on being there for any examination she may make."
<Sara> <Erica> Heh, I mean, as one rich person to another, I can appreciate that. You're welcome to pitch in.
<DeathStar> *a man seems intent on bidding on it; he looks to be a man in a suit, likely bidding on it for someone. He bids 20 million*
<Sara> <Erica> Oh? *she looks over her shoulder at Xeres* Is it a matter of personal interest or is there anything I should worry about?
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> Can you afford to out bid that man, Pepper?
<DeathStar> *the others back down it seems and the man sits back to wait as the countdown begins*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> Erusians are not fond of revealing how they're weapons of mass destruction operate. 6She steps back to Erica's group
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Uh, Cookie, Erica didn't tell us how much to bid.
<DeathStar> <Aunction Man> Going once.
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<DeathStar> <Auction Man> Going twice
<Seraphna> **Cookie bids**
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> 20 million and 1 penny! 6* She goes white
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "Well... that is one way to put my concern."
<DeathStar> <Auction Man> You have to bid at least 25 million. *He pauses*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Oh. That. Yeah.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Thirty
<DeathStar> *The suited man peers* 40
<DeathStar> *the crows murmurs*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> 55
<DeathStar> *the man studies them* 150 million. Let us end this game
<kalonZombee> <Gor> 200 then
<Sara> * Erica meanwhile is eyeing the list of people that are up for bid
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper looks confused at Cookie.
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<DeathStar> *Erica would see a list of a 4 young people around 13-16, 2 20 year olds, and several older. 3 of them girls*
<Seraphna> **Cookie shrugs herself**
<Sara> * Erica points out the teenagers in the list to Yuki, frowning. "I think these are the ones."
<DeathStar> <Auction Man> Going once
<DeathStar> *Yuki nods* Let us bid then
<DeathStar> *The suited man rises* 500 million
<DeathStar> *the crowd definitely murmurs now
<Seraphna> **Cookie looks over at the suited man since surely many others are and uses this chance to try and get a focused read of his surface thoughts**
<DeathStar> *the man seems nervous about losing this bid for his boss*
<Sara> * Erica nods to Yuki, checking her funds and grinning. "Time to do a little good in this nasty place."
<Seraphna> **Cookie tilts her head and talks in her link to the team. <<He's bidding on behalf of another and desperate.>>
<DeathStar> <Auction Man> Going once
<kalonZombee> <Gor> 750
<DeathStar> <Suit Man> 1 billion
<kalonZombee> <Gor> 1.5
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Whoaaaaaaaa. WHOA.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Maybe we should calm down Gor. 6* She whispers.
<Seraphna> Cookie> <<Yikes man, might be easier just to steal it at this point.>>
<Seraphna> Cookie> <<Hold off there.>>
<DeathStar> *The man gives up*
<DeathStar> *he seems to give up*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> OH my god that's tooo much. Take it back! Roll it back!
<Seraphna> Cookie> <<He's given up.>>
<DeathStar> <Auction Man> Going once. Going twice
<kalonZombee> <Gor> ...Actually it seems I was a bit too zealous.
<DeathStar> <Auction Man> SOLD
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Welp.
<DeathStar> *the orb is put in a box*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Oh my god I hope this wasn't dumbbbb. 6* She grabs her face, then Cookie's, then her own again.
<DeathStar> *the man clenches his fist*
<DeathStar> *eyeing Gor*
<Seraphna> Cookie> Well it's the bunny's money. But... generally if someone turns up empty they take the next best bid... or we could try and offer it to the man.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> I don't need to a psychic to know he wants to kill you.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> I've withdrawn. He can have it.
<Seraphna> Cookie> He's actually probably going to cry in a moment.
<Sara> * Erica looks over at Yuki, getting the strangest feeling that something bad happened in the other room
<kalonZombee> 6*He whispers "We'll just steal it like you guys said"
<DeathStar> *Sabrina peers at Gor* Stealing is bad
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> I refuse
<Seraphna> Cookie> I get the feeling his boss is the neck break variety.
<DeathStar> *the auction man comes over and after talking to Gor* If you are certain you withdraw. *He makes Gor sign some stuff and moves to give it away*
<DeathStar> *to the man*
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor signs
<DeathStar> *the man seems relieved and does a thumb print to give the money away and the box is moved off*
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> *after Erica finishes her stuff with the slaves, which is much cheaper, the team is out of the black market*
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> *eyes Gor to make sure he does not sneak back in to steal the orb*
<Sara> * Erica smiles satisfied. "Well, next thing is Loki."
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> I think that was the closest I've ever come to a panic attack. My bidding-adjacent days are over.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Something happen?
<Sara> * Erica looks over, Yuki already having asked the question
<DeathStar> *Yuki shrugs, focused on helping the girls out*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Anyway, do you think Loki will even meet with us?
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Gor got into a bidding war and the number billion came up and I almost died.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> *glances back* "You take your wealth for granted."
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> Wealth is in your heart
<DeathStar> *Sabrina smiles*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> You seriously bid that much?! 6She stares dumb founded at Gor
<Sara> <Erica> Y'know what? I like that sentiment.
<DeathStar> *Sabrina gives Gor a hug*
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> You are worth more than your money. Remember that
<Sara> <Erica> As for that, I don't know. *she neglects to mention that she isn't even worried about whether he actually accepts to meet or not*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> I could, in theory, afford it
<Seraphna> Cookie> Gor does a LOT of porn, I hear.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> ...Suzu would get pissed I spent that much
<DeathStar> *Sabrina slowly lets Gor go*
<DeathStar> *As if he might give her something, eyeing him*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Hey! That's not where most of my wealth comes from
<Seraphna> Cookie> O-Oh.
<Sara> <Erica> He's had all his shots. *she jokes nonchalant*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I feel like we lost Jelly... *she comments as they leave*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> WELP time to go find the top cat.
<Sara> <Erica> You think Taiga's okay?
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Mom will show up I'm sure
<Sara> * Erica hmms
<Sara> <Erica> She seemed a little weird since she got back, so I really hope you're right
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Yes. She's definitely seems tired like her heart isn't in it. I feel like she's letting you take over more and more. Which isn't fair. But then Geyze is in danger from the shifters
<DeathStar> <Yuki> But we should be home in that case ... *she sighs*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Or should we be out here..
<Sara> <Erica> I don't mind taking charge for the rest of the mission if I need to, but I really hope she's all right. And that she's... herself. *she notes darkly*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Most of my wealth is inherited but I have done a few tech startups and big hacking contracts from several governments to find weaknesses in their firewalls and let them know
<Seraphna> Cookie> She's probably fine. Si would have let Gor know if there was a problem.
<DeathStar> *as they near Loki's place, they find Taiga there, as if waiting on them, peering at nothing, hand on Si's face - keeping her from molesting her*
<Seraphna> **Si fuuus**
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Oh my.
<Sara> <Erica> Oh... hey, you two.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> ... *her right ear twitches as if she is thinking about something but seems to be staring at nothing. She turns* Hello. How'd it go?
<Seraphna> Si> I'm just trying to reignite your fighting spirit. *she pouts*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> We spent lots of money.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> It was..interesting
<Sara> <Erica> I think it was fine, but I don't feel like anyone's noticed. *she half-lies, knowing they must have gotten some attention*
<Seraphna> Cookie> We found out that Gor is dummy thicc rich.
<DeathStar> *Taiga stands there, looking a lot like Cheryl when she thinks - the youngest of her daughter's. The fox tail shifting in thought and her fox ear twitching as she thinks. She blinks at the money comment and seems to muse, Taiga musing on that. She does the classic Cheryl frown, musing on that.* I did some recon
<Sara> <Erica> Are you okay, though? You seem a mile away.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> You think I'm dummy thicc rich? Just look at my mom's bank accounts
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Loki has all the council members on the planet. Except two.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Heh, dummy thicc.
<Sara> <Erica> Two, huh? Who would those be?
<DeathStar> <Taiga> It seems he is keeping them close by for some reason. *she notes* Shiva, who is no one seems to know where she is at. And Medivh. It seems he slipped away before the call to come here after that tournament thing.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "Interesting..."
<DeathStar> <Taiga> 2 points credit if you remember who Medivh is - though I doubt he's the shifter
<DeathStar> *Taiga crosses her arms, peering at Loki's building*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> It's easier to keep tabs on people that way.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Isn't he the one that the kids messed with?
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Yes. Valen screwed him up pretty bad.
<ChadWinters> <Cel> Which means he's probably trying to find the kids and Valen specifically.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Most likely. It is why I do not think he's the shifter.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> If you disagree you can say so
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Sounds like a pretty solid line of logic to me
<ChadWinters> <Cel> I'd agree. Being petty for revenge seems counter intuitive to the shapeshifters plans
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Yeah nah, let's go say hi to that council.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "The council probably contains more than one shifter."
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah, I say the council is our best bet to look into now.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I checked on each of the coucil members. They seem to be doing their normal stuff and I could not learn too much. If you could learn anything that would be useful. *to Xeres* Probably. The coucil member likely already gave away the stuff to another shifter so we need to wrap this up fast. But while the shifter is on the coucil he can do shady business
<DeathStar> <Taiga> So keep your eyes out - if we can take a look at any transactions that might look off that might be our person
<DeathStar> *Taiga nods* Alright it's all yours
<Sara> <Erica> Shapeshifters are more likely to do their best to blend most of the time, rather than being 'rogue' anyway.
<Sara> * Erica looks over at Yuki, wondering what she thinks
<Seraphna> Cookie> So do we go in there, point Selena at each of then like a divining rod and attack the shifter?
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Point her at Loki because we know he's a bad boy.
<Sara> <Erica> I mean, that's kinda conspicuous, but at this point I'm not that concerned about subtlety.
<Sara> * She glances at Pepper
<Seraphna> Si> That's Loki's default state though.
<DeathStar> *Yuki muses* Well. *she looks at Erica*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Only shady thing I can think of is the Pepper thing
<DeathStar> <Yuki> So after we meet Loki we might want to find out who was trying to buy that?
<Sara> <Erica> The orb? Sure, we can look into that. That's good with me.
<Sara> <Erica> It's a fair point too.
<Sara> <Erica> Anyway. Time to see if Loki will even meet with us.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Let's hope.
<DeathStar> *as they approach the building, the people at the desk at Erica and company*
<Sara> * Erica gives a polite, all-business smile. "Good evening."
<DeathStar> <Woman> Loki has been waiting for you
<DeathStar> <Woman> Please enter the elevator
<DeathStar> *the elevator opens to the side*
<DeathStar> *As if on cue*
<Sara> <Erica> Wonderful. *she smiles and leads everyone along, keeping her cool*
<Sara> <Erica> Oh, and have a good rest of your night!
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor walks in as well, trying not to look nervous
<ChadWinters> 6Cel moves on to the elevator with the grou
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "We seem to be expected." *steps in* "Watch out for long drops."
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper look amused at that as she moves to get on the elevator.
<DeathStar> *Taiga right ear ticks but enters and Sabrina and Yuki follows*
<DeathStar> <Taiga> He has a flair.
<Seraphna> **Cookie and Si get on.
<Sara> <Erica> It is a bit theatric, I'll give it that, whether it's some sort of trap or not.
<DeathStar> *the elevator soon arrives at Loki's floor and opens*
<Sara> * Erica steps out
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper glances out the door, then slides out.
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor follows them
<Seraphna> **Cookie slides out with Pepper while Si bounces along with the rest.
<ChadWinters> 6Loki sits before them at his desk, terminals with camera views line the wall behind him as he taps his datapad on his desk. 1"I hope that you were able to make it planet side without any problems?
<ChadWinters> 6Cel steps off, glancing around
<DeathStar> *Yuki steps out with Erica and glances around and Sabrina muses, peering about the room. Taiga crosses her arms as she studies Loki and Sabrina studies him but feels nothing*
<Sara> <Erica> Yes. Thank you for the warm reception. How are you?
<Sara> * Erica is all business
<DeathStar> <Yuki> *nods her head*
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Between just us? Sober, annoyed. A slight bit of anxiety on some issues along one of our border planets. Typical headache from intermember squabbles. The usual
<ChadWinters> 6He let's out a loud sigh. 1"So what do I owe the pleasure of you seeking me out a second time?"
<Sara> <Erica> Sorry to hear that. I may not be managing any planets, but my Group has had its disputes in the past, so I can still empathize. *she offers the basic pleasantries* Unfortunately, we are here to report that there has been a large-scale theft from a weapons cache in Cartel territory, and we believe everyone may be at risk. *half-truth to probe for his reaction*
<ChadWinters> 6Loki perks up a bit, his attention grabbed. 1"Oh? And you have proof of this?"
<Sara> <Erica> Pepper, could you show him a couple of the pictures? *she specifically means pictures of the missing weapon spots, rather than any other data they took*
<ChadWinters> <Loki> I haven't heard of anything, yet, so if this is true. That could spell trouble indeed
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper steps over and holds out her datapad, 4 or 5 pictures of the missing items and one cute picture of her and cookie.
<Sara> * Erica is oblivious to Pepper showing a cute picture amidst them
<Seraphna> * Cookie emotes to let people know it's lethal levels of cute.
<ChadWinters> 6Loki eyes the pictures, Pepper being as close as she is to do so, would see for a quick moment, a very dangerous look on his face, one that immediately fades into an amused look, a slight curl to his lips now as he looks over to Erica. 1"And if I may ask, where did you get these pictures?"
<DeathStar> *Yuki pats Cookie*
<DeathStar> *Taiga studies Loki's reaction*
<Sara> <Erica> Shiva. *she answers simply first*
<Sara> * It's a lie, but it's still kinda almost true?
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper steps back, metnally letting Cookie know the expression she noticed.
<Sara> * Erica puts her hand on Yuki's shoulder to take over for a moment while she confers with Sabrina
<ChadWinters> <Loki> So that's what she's been up to when she ran off. 6He leans back, tapping his datapad a bit. 1"And she, of all people, chose to give you this information to bring to me? Instead of herself?
<DeathStar> *Yuki steps forward* She's not happy it seems. A shell of her former self. I think she has little interest in what happens next. It's why we determined she is not a shapeshifter. She has no ball in what happens here. Personally - I think if all this was destroyed she'd be fine. Or if it all stood and she took over she'd be fine
<DeathStar> <Yuki> She just doesn't care
<Sara> * Erica whispers to Sabrina
<DeathStar> *Sabrina leans in*
<ChadWinters> <Loki> She's been like that for years now. 6He stands up, placing his hands behind his back as he glances up at his screens. 1"I tried to give her purpose again, instead of living while contemplating ending it all. But every since she came back she hasn't been the same. But I imagine for her to choose your group. She must've been in close contact."
<Sara> <Erica> *looking back at him for a moment* I believe it's the contrary -- we are an outside group. The Cartel is most likely...
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Oh right, the shapeshifter thing that Taiga contacted me about. 6He turns around, waving at her.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I know that Ruby Carter still has close ties to the Cartel - even as close as 5 years ago. And still does jobs for you all. But we don't know what happened to her.
<DeathStar> *Sabrina studies Loki and tilts her head*
<DeathStar> *whispers back*
<ChadWinters> <Loki> And please, I know Shiva's tactics. If these pictures are what you claim them to be, she wouldn't contact you to be the middleman.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Crazier things have happened.
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<ChadWinters> <Loki> Excellent point. 6He sits back down, tossing his legs up on to his desk. 1"So let's cut down to brass tacks. What are you intentions with these pictures? Going to hunt down the weapons for me and return them for a suitable award? Threaten to blackmail me for something you want?"
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<Sara> * Erica moves over and stands at attention. "I mean, I could do those things. That would be an expected course of action. But I believe what we should really do is , well... I request that you gather the Council. We don't have to make this personal."
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Maybe you want to become official members of the Cartel and this is your way of proving your worth? OFfering to hunt down these shapeshifters for me and free the Cartel from it's grasp?
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Oooh? Avoiding blackmail. 6He smiles a bit. 1"Smart choice. That doesn't work out for anyone that doesn't have any leverage. 6He points at her.
<DeathStar> *Yuki's datapad beeps with a strange message and begins from a garbled sender and acts like it has a virus*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> ...?
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor blinks, then offers his hand to take it
<ChadWinters> 6Loki peers past Erica and Gor and Yuki. 1"Sorry about that. Shielding and all that, can't trust people in my office incase you know, they try something shadey."
<Seraphna> **Cookie tilts her head** You act like we didn't make backups.
<DeathStar> *the datapad begins to hand it when other's datapad's begin to get the same message*
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I think this is something else...
<Seraphna> **Cookie peers at it**
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah. Loki. Take a look at this. *she shows hers* What do YOU make of it?
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "Now this has become more interesting."
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor starts working to try and ungarble his using his Master Hacker
<ChadWinters> 6Loki seems to get that smile again as he peers at Cookie. 1"Backups eh?" 6He glances at everyone's datapad doing the same thing. 1"That's definetly not a coincidence. 6He stands up.
<DeathStar> *the datapad's overload function begins to activate from whatever was in the message - all of them* <Taiga> Tell me. What happens when in a small room when all the datapad's explode. Gor begin to see a virus is running rampant to make the datapad's functions activate self-destruct to delete informatin and overload things*
<ChadWinters> <Cel> I imagine a lot of bad things.
<Sara> * Erica turns to Taiga
<ChadWinters> 6Cel moves to open the elevator door. 1"Throw them in"
<DeathStar> *the overload begins to hit critical in a few seconds*
<Sara> * Erica throws hers and then grabs Taiga
<Seraphna> Cookie> I'd imagine not everyone here can handle that.
<Seraphna> **Cookie tosses hers**
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor tosses his
<DeathStar> *2*
<Seraphna> **Si pouts and tosses hers**
<DeathStar> *Yuki throws*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Dammit I liked that one.
<ChadWinters> 6Cel and Loki toss theres
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper tosses hers, looking sad about the pictures on it.
<DeathStar> *1*
<ChadWinters> 6Loki also hides under his desk a bit
<ChadWinters> 6Cel moves to close the door
<DeathStar> *Sabrina fumbles and tosses her's while Taiga tackles Erica and Yuki*
<DeathStar> *the elevator shakes and is heard falling*
<Sara> * Erica rolls with her. "I knew something was wrong."
<Sara> <Erica> It was YOU, wasn't it.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Hey Loki, you need a new elevator.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> .... me what?
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "That was an assassination attempt."
<ChadWinters> 6Loki pops his head up fully. 1"...Did you just accuse me of trying to kill you all in my room, with me in it?
<ChadWinters> <Loki> I take it back, maybe you aren't that smart.
<Sara> <Erica> No, we didn't.
<DeathStar> *Yuki eyes Loki*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> We were accusing someone else, Loki.
<Seraphna> Si> He's got a point, Loki... at least the real one... would wait till he's off world and on the other side of the Galaxy first.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "Human expression... two birds... one stone."
<Sara> <Erica> Taiga, you knew it was going to explode, but you told us seconds before.
<Seraphna> Si> So he was obviously the target.
<Sara> <Erica> Sabrina, come here.
<Sara> <Erica> Guys, help me out here.
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper moves over to help Erica.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> The datapads were overloading.
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor moves over to Erica
<Seraphna> *Si blinks and looks between everyone.
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Pffft. Ooh wait, intrigue. 6He watches Erica accusing Taiga
<DeathStar> <Taiga> But yes scan me, Sabrina
<Sara> <Erica> Look, if you really are Taiga and you really are acting of your own volition, then I'm very sorry. But you've been acting off since you got back.
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Taiga. What was the code you used to contact me with?
<Xanatos`> 6* Pepper reaches out to grab Taiga in a bear hug, just in case she tries to run.
<ChadWinters> 6Cel, reaches her hand to her hip, waiting
<DeathStar> *Sabrina moves over* <Taiga> *winces* It can be found on the Aquarius' systems. *she lets Pepper, looking tired* I used one of Ruby's old codes and ticked Loki into answering
<Sara> <Erica> Sabrina, give her a thorough once-over. We have to be safe.
<ChadWinters> <Loki> She did. 6He sighs. 1"But boy is this going to cause trust issues between your group."
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Nah, we aint the cartel.
<Seraphna> Cookie> Eh, it'll probably fix more trust issues than cause all things considered.
<Seraphna> **Cookie feels Taiga's mind gently, it's the tiredness she's concerned about**
<DeathStar> *Sabrina studies and looks her over* Unless she is a Hunter she is fine. She has a lot of negative energy which makes it hard to tell 100%. But I say 95%
<ChadWinters> <Loki> That's cute. 6He chuckles a bit to himself. 1"Some wounds cut deeper than others kids."
<Sara> <Erica> Loki, are there cameras on us right now that anyone else has access to?
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "Regardless of the outcome, someone clearly is ready to remove you from the gameboard, Loki."
<DeathStar> <Taiga> I say they were ready to do something else
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Not that should be accessible, but that's clearly not true now.
<DeathStar> <Taiga> That overload was rather easy to overcome. Or just kill some of us
<ChadWinters> <Loki> I'm used to it, Erusian.
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> WOW. Racist much?
<Sara> <Erica> Well, it was either a cheap attempt on our lives our an attempt to buy time. Pepper, let her go.
<ChadWinters> <Loki> No, I just honestly don't know her name. 6He shrugs
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Erica, what do you think of this theory - when you get your council gathering, they'll say we tried to kill Loki. OR the shifter will
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> Dickhead. Sorry Tai. 6* She lets her go, patting her shoulder.
<DeathStar> *Taiga stanfs up*
<Sara> <Erica> You know what? That's great. In fact, Loki, put us on trial for attempted assassination.
<Seraphna> Si> It'd certainly work for causing infighting.
<Jackieness> <Xeres> "its true, he doesn't. And I bear no ill will... this moment, everyone, is Loki's entire life."
<Sara> * Erica looks at Loki
<ChadWinters> <Loki> To think I could use so many other things if I needed to, but I'll humor you with this...6He finger quotes. 1"Attempted Assassination."
<DeathStar> *Yuki studies her mother, then blinks at Erica*
<Seraphna> **Cookie moves over and hugs Taiga.**
<Sara> <Erica> We'll have the council interrogate us, that'll get us nice and close.
<Sara> * Erica smiles
<DeathStar> *Taiga pauses, then laughs a bit*
<DeathStar> <Taiga> Yuki married the right person, Erica. Now if only Ren could find someone
<DeathStar> *she pauses and pats Cookie*
<Seraphna> Cookie> Auntie? I'
<DeathStar> *Sabrina muses on something*
<Xanatos`> <Pepper> ...oh I'm going to go off in jail.
<Seraphna> Cookie> I'm glad you came along with us.
<Sara> * Erica notices Sabrina's expression
<DeathStar> *Sabrina seems to be watching Loki a bit*
<ChadWinters> <Loki> Well I suppose I should do this right? 6He looks at them as he reaches under his desk and guns drop down. 1"Stay very still."
<Seraphna> Cookie> Oh my.
<DeathStar> <Sabrina> I don't do well in small places.... sigh. *Taiga peers up* <Taiga> I hope the food is good...
<DeathStar> -END-
Session Close: Mon Apr 08 22:29:07 2019