As is standard, the first voting period will last until twenty minutes after the first vote instead of ten.

>>32204992
>“Where’s my team?”
>Other
"You'd better have a better plan than just sticking me somewhere to act as bait and hoping that Declan is dumb enough to fall for it."

>>32204992
>>“Where’s my team?”
>>“… Hardesty?”

Good to have you back Null;Fear.

>>32204992
>>“… Hardesty?”

>>32204992

>"Where's my team?"

>>32205310
>>32205690
>>32205739
>Writing.

File: Hardesty.jpg (938 KB, 872x1200)

938 KB JPG

>>32204992
“Where’s my team?” you ask groggily. You’re in a dimly-lit room with a concrete floor and brick-and-mortal walls. Everything from the filthy floor to the uncomfortable-looking cots to the steel shelves laden with unmarked cans is the same shade of slate grey. Besides “Hardesty,” there’s one other person in the room. A tall and wiry black man leans against a table, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes are covered by surgically inset eye-protectors, and his toned arms show scars from surgery.

“Don’t look at him, TRACER.” Hardesty grabs your head and turns your gaze towards her. “I’m the one talking to you. Your team’s fine, last I checked. Your troll and mage came after us like a bat out of hell while we were pulling you out of the marina, but we managed to lose them. Then again, with Declan out there, I don’t know how long they’ll be fine.” You glare at Hardesty, immediately realizing that you can’t see any AR overlay. It looks like they took your commlink. “Speaking of Declan, why don’t we talk about how you’re gonna help us find them.”

“I don’t see how much help I’ll be to you unless your plan is to stick me out in the open and hope they’re dumb enough to take your bait.” The dark-skinned man chuckles and Hardesty scowls. “It’s nice to be able to call you something besides Sniper Girl, but Hardesty’s not a very cute name.”

“He’s got you there.” The dark-skinned man quips dismissively.

“You don’t seem to understand the position you’re in, TRACER.” Hardesty growls. “I leave you here, Declan will find you eventually and kill you.”

“You’re in the same position.” You say. “And so is my team.”

“Exactly.” Hardesty nods. “Really, it’s in all of our best interests to destroy the entire Seattle Declan team.”

(cont.)

>>32206150

>“… What exactly are you asking me to do?”
>“And you couldn’t have told me this before you kidnapped me?”
>“Does Tall, Dark and Casual here want to introduce himself?”
>Other (Write-in)

>>32206167
>>“And you couldn’t have told me this before you kidnapped me?”

>>32206167

>"Does Tall, Dark and Casual here want to introduce himself?"

fucking casuals ...

Off topic, good to see you again Null;Fear, i've been jonesing for more shadowrun quests recently!

>>32206167
>“Does Tall, Dark and Casual here want to introduce himself?”
>“And you couldn’t have told me this before you kidnapped me?”

>>32206301
It's good to be back. I'd have run last week, but I took my mom and sister out for Mother's Day dinner that evening and didn't get home until late.

>>32206205
>>32206301
>>32206347

>Writing.

File: Tripwire.jpg (155 KB, 752x1063)

155 KB JPG

>>32206150
“So I know your name.” you nod towards Hardesty. “Who’s your friend?”

“Tripwire.” The guy says. “Covert-ops.” He doesn’t look it. But then, you can’t imagine a good covert-ops specialist would go around dressed like one. “Sorry about the accommodations. Hardesty forgets that not everyone’s used to living in a barracks.”

“Right now, Trip here’s my team.” Hardesty says. “My mage is dead, and my hacker and pointman are missing.” You can’t help but feel that Hardesty’s leadership style might have something to do with her team’s predicament. Naturally, you keep your mouth shut about this.

“You know, my team would have been glad to meet with your team to discuss how we were going to deal with Declan.” You grumble. “I don’t see why you had to kidnap me.”

“Your entire team is hot.” Hardesty says. “And I’m pretty sure that you have the resources to bury yourselves so deep that Declan won’t be able to find you. I have no assurance that you wouldn’t just vanish at the first possible opportunity.”

“Oh, come on. I-”

“If you were me, would you trust you not to go into hiding, even if meant leaving another team for dead?”

>Lie. “Yes, I would.” (DC 12)
>Tell the truth. “No, I wouldn’t.”
>Tell a different truth. “It might not look like it, but Declan’s way too big to hide from.”

(Also, as a result of being unconscious for at least six hours, you've regained a point of Edge.)

>>32206700

>Tell a different truth "It might not look like it, but Declan's way too big to hide from."

>>32206700
>Tell a different truth. “It might not look like it, but Declan’s way too big to hide from.”
We take out their Seattle team, the CC is not going to look the other way.

Rolled 10

>>32206700
>>Lie. “Yes, I would.” (DC 12)

>>32206792
>>32206845
>Writing

>>32206932
I like to save dice rolls until after a vote to avoid having a bunch of rolls going unused.

>>32206700
“Whether or not I’d trust myself not to vanish is irrelevant.” You say. “Declan’s way too big to hide from.”

“Come off it.” Hardesty scoffs. “An investment firm isn’t going to put the kind of heat needed to root out a shadowrunner over a leaked company secret.”

“No, but a SCIF team for the Corporate Court probably will. They also probably won’t be happy about you killing a city’s worth of agents.” You hold your breath and wait for Hardesty to start laughing. The sound of her rough and hoarse laughing fills you with the kind of grim satisfaction that only comes with being right about something unpleasant.

“You must admit that it sounds far-fetched.” Tripwire says. It doesn’t seem like he believes you, but at least he’s not being a nuisance about it.

“I don’t have any physical proof, but everything I’ve seen and heard on this job confirms that it’s true.”

>Let Hardesty believe whatever she wants. You can at least play along long enough to get away from her.
>Give her the whole truth. If she’s smart enough to track you down, she’s smart enough to know a set-up when she sees it.
>Sigh ruefully and negotiate for a commlink. (DC 12)

>>32207403
>>Let Hardesty believe whatever she wants. You can at least play along long enough to get away from her.

>>32207403
>>Sigh ruefully and negotiate for a commlink. (DC 12)

Rolled 1

>>32207583
>>32207735

Okay, time for the roll-off.

1. Play along with Hardesty's disbelief.
2. Tell Hardesty that you want your damn commcall.

>>32207891
Also,

>Writing.

>>32207403
“You know what? Never mind. Tell me what we’re doing so I can get back to my team.”

“Good of you to ask.” Hardesty wipes a tear from her eye. “Declan just took on a new client and is putting on a little event to celebrate. I’m willing to bet that the folks Emerald City Graphics aren’t aware that Declan will be using their money to fund suicide runs and pissing off half the ‘runner community in town.”

“I’m guessing you want me to inform them.” Emerald City Graphics hires out more hackers than virtually any other corp in the Seattle metro. If the word on the street about Declan’s suspicious hiring tactics reaches ECG, they would probably back out of any deal they might make with them if only to avoid getting blacklisted by the city’s hacker community.

“It’ll be a good start.” Hardesty flashes a cruel smile. “Unfortunately, the hotel where they’re having this little event is pretty well-known for competent digital security, so physical access will be a must for this one. I’ll be able to cover your escape when things get hot, but getting in will be up to you and Trip.”

>“I’m listening, but the specifics had better be more impressive than what I’m hearing.”
>“I think this plan will work a lot better if I can call in a bit of help.” (DC 12)
>“This is a load of bullshit. You’re going to get us all killed.”

(Going to eat food. Will be back in 20-30 minutes.)

>>32208244
>“I’m listening, but the specifics had better be more impressive than what I’m hearing.”
>“I think this plan will work a lot better if I can call in a bit of help.” (DC 12)

A little extra help goes a long long way.

>>32208244
>>“I think this plan will work a lot better if I can call in a bit of help.” (DC 12)

>>32208244
>“I’m listening, but the specifics had better be more impressive than what I’m hearing.”
>“I think this plan will work a lot better if I can call in a bit of help.” (DC 12)

>>32208385
>>32208392
>>32208701
Back. Also,

>writing.

>>32208244
>“I’m listening, but the specifics had better be more impressive than what I’m hearing.”
>“I think this plan will work a lot better if I can call in a bit of help.” (DC 12)
We should talk to their infil specialist when we can.

>>32208754
Sorry for the delay, folks. Something in my kitchen was burning and I had to deal with it before it required more serious intervention. I'll only be another couple of minutes.

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>>32208244
“I’m listening, but I can’t say I’m impressed yet. Give me the specifics.” You don’t know the statistics, but there aren’t that many runner teams that go pro without some kind of matrix support. Given that plenty of pro runner teams do security consultation at just this sort of event, having Declan’s unethical hiring practices exposed to the local runner community in a big way will do a number on their shadow-ops business.

“Glad to see you’re interested.” Hardesty nods contentedly. “The location is The Gates Casino.” You inwardly groan. Not only was The Gates in Bellevue, but it was built by a hacker who worked in the shadows. The only saving grace is that the Gates family has close ties to the Irish mob, so you at least know who to consult to help smuggle you in. “Unfortunately, our timeframe is tight. We need to do this run tomorrow night. Once we’re in, we’ll need to duck Declan’s security until that bitch Rockwell does the announcement of ECG’s deal with Declan. That’s when we stream my team’s tacnet recording of Declan’s dirty secrets in action to everyone in the room.”

“Okay.” You suppress a sigh. This was possibly the roughest plan you had ever worked with. Even assuming that any part of this death-wish of a plan works, Declan would be sufficiently-pissed to make any exit strategy a crapshoot at best. “You said you could handle an exit. Tell me how.”

“Once you’ve shown off the evidence, head for the upper floors. Extraction will be in the form of an unmarked VTOL I’ve got stashed where no one else will find it.” Okay, that’s certainly a surprise. A bird would definitely make getting out and away easier than getting in. Of course, the skeleton-crew you were expected to work with would even out the difficulty something fierce. “You have something to say?” Apparently, your displeasure showed on your face. You take a deep breath and…

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 3

>>32209315

Rolled 7

>>32209315
Here we go.

Rolled 17

>>32209315
Rollin thunder

>>32209325
>>32209369
>>32209385

Thou hast scored a hit. I kind of feel like I already know the answer, but spend Edge to make this hit a critical hit? (Current Edge: 1)

>Y
>N

I'll count up in a maximum of five minutes.

>>32209419
>N
Save for later

>>32209485
>Writing

>>32209419
>N

Would rather save this for the job at hand.

>>32209419
N

>>32209315
“Hardesty, this plan is rough. I mean, it’s super-rough. We’ve got three people, and I’d never do a run like this with less than five.” Given that this run is more social than physical infiltration, I’d want even more people on hand just for redundancy’s sake.

“You want me to get more people?” Hardesty asks incredulously. “If I had anyone else to help out, they would be here already.”

“Then let me get more people. Hardesty, my payment for the Declan run was supposed to be seven grand higher than what I got out of it. I want to get back at them, too, and I think I have a good idea of how I might be able to. But you need to get me a commlink. Please.” Hardesty paces the floor for a few moments, pondering your suggestion, before jerking her head towards Tripwire. Trip reaches into his pocket and tosses Hardesty a commlink. She plugs a fiber optic cable into the commlink’s port and plugs the other end into your datajack. You feel immediate relief as your digital connection is reestablished. You access your datajack’s memory for your list of emergency commcodes and make a call.

>Dreadnought will know what to do.
>Jabir will know what to do.
>Neurophage will know what to do.
>Summer will know what to do.
>Someone else will know what to do (Write in)

>>32209896
Whatever we do, we need to be CAREFUL. Declan will most likely be watching for us.

>>32209896
>Jabir will know what to do.
>Neurophage will know what to do.
Jabir I know she was a bitch to you but I settle it for you if can help make sure everyone doesn't get shafted 'cause of Declan.
'Phage I'm going to need eyes and ears outside of mine to make sure this works, you in?

I'll give the vote about five more minutes while I grab something for my headache

>>32209896
>Dreadnought will know what to do.

>>32210036
>>32210260
You know what? I'll just do all of these.

>Writing

>>32210328
That's why we love you Null always looking out for us.

>>32209896

The first person you call is Neurophage. You have a couple of other people to call, but Phage can do something that the others can’t.

“Hello?” Phage’s heavily-synthesized voice answers.

“Phage, it’s Echo.” You think to him. “I need you to help me with something, but I’ve got to keep it quick.”

“Very well. Tell me how I can help.” You will never stop enjoying how quickly Neurophage accepts unusual situations.

“The first thing I need you to do is trace this call. I got captured by another team and I don’t know where I am.”

“Understood. Beginning trace.” Phage’s voice distorts for a moment. “While I’m locating you, I’m assuming that you have more to say to me.”

“I do. The team I’m working with is having me help them with a run, and this one’s gonna be trouble. I’ll need you to be an extra set of eyes and ears out there to keep this gig from going pear-shaped.”

“Acknowledged. I’m assuming that this new job means that you’re work involving ‘Harriet’ is complete?”

“Thankfully, yes. There wasn’t much ceremony, but it’s done. This time, I’m breaking into The Gates in Bellevue.”

“That’s a rather hard target. I’ll do anything I can to help. The trace has finished. You’re stationed at a self-storage facility Puyallup’s Loveland district. Would you like me to inform anyone of your predicament?”

“Yeah. The same person as last time. I’ll call you when I know more.”

“Be at peace, friend.”

“And you as well.” You hang up. One down, two to go.

(cont.)

>>32210617

Next on your list is Jabir. The fixer has had previous experience with Hardesty and her team, and he’ll probably be happy to hear that the mage who mind-probed him is dead.

“This is Jabir.” The fixer says as the call connects.

“And this is Echo_TRACER. Good to hear your voice again, Jabir.”

“Echo?! My god! Where have you been? After last night I thought you were a goner.”

“I’m guessing Dreadnought told you that I was kidnapped.”

“Yes, by the very sniper who threatened your life. How did you manage to escape?”

“I didn’t.” you sigh inwardly. “I’m kind of tied up right now. I wanted to tell you that I’m probably going to be doing a job with her, and I could use a little intel to make sure we don’t all get shafted by Declan.”

“Anything I can do.”

“Okay. Is there anything you can tell me about a ‘runner named Hardesty?”

“Indeed there is. Hardesty is managed by an associate of mine. She was a child soldier with an Ares black-ops unit before she became a private contractor. She’s never worked solo, and it seems that she has issues with attachment to team members.”

“You don’t say.” You barely resist rolling your eyes. “If you haven’t already figured it out, Hardesty was the sniper after me. Next, I need you to work your magic and get me an in with the Finnigan family. I might have to break into The Gates Casino and some people on the inside would be great.”

“I’ll have it within the hour.”

“Good. Lastly, there’s an event at The Gates tomorrow night. It’s some corporate shindig about a business deal between Declan and Emerald City Graphics. I need to know what runners are working security there. There will probably be enough of them that I’ll know at least one.”

(cont.)

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182 KB JPG

>>32210863

“It shall be done. Is that all?”

“Yeah. I think I’ll be able to call you tonight. I know it’ll be a time crunch, but-”

“Don’t worry about it, my friend. If I couldn’t handle even this much, I would not be much of a fixer. Just remember to pay me back.”

“Absolutely. Keep in touch.”

“Peace be upon you, my friend.” The line goes dead, and you immediately dial Dreadnought. You can already imagine the look on his face when he gets the call.

“Hello? Echo?” Dreadnought says frantically.

“Good to hear your voice again, Dread. Hope I didn’t worry you.” You smile involuntarily.

“I did not think that you would still be alive. Where are you?”

“A storage facility in Loveland. The only people here are the sniper and her ghost.”

“Do you want me to come and get you?”

>Absolutely.
>You’ve got this covered.
>Other (write-in)

>>32211029
>You’ve got this covered.

>>32211029
>You’ve got this covered.
But stay ready for anything tomorrow. Give him an outline of what's going to happen, 'cause ya never know.

>>32211146
>>32211154

>Writing

>>32211029
“No, I’ve got this covered. Just be ready for tomorrow. I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, but it’ll be messy.”

“Very well. Keep yourself alive, Echo.”

“My luck hasn’t run out yet, Dread.” Dreadnought hangs up and you look back at Hardesty. “Go ahead and take your ‘link back.” Hardesty approaches and unplugs the fiber optic cable from your head. You take the opportunity to glance into her pocket and spot what are undoubtedly both of your commlinks. Well, that certainly explains where some of your stuff is.

“Took you long enough.” Hardesty scoffs.

“What do you think our chances are?” Tripwire asks.

“I wouldn’t know. It’s still very iffy.” You hear and feel a slight rumbling in the ground. “I’m still weighing my options. I’m thinking that I might have an alternative.”

“And that would be?” Hardesty gives you a cross glare.

“That’d be me.” A loud impact sounds and the door is forced open. You involuntarily squint against the light, but your eyes quickly adjust. A young woman wearing a leather jacket is standing a doorway. Her long black braid sways slightly in the breeze. The scars on her face stretch when she flashes a wicked grin. “Hey, Echo. Phage told me you were a little tied up.”

“Very funny.” You scoff. You hear the whine of a motor as your stolen Steel Lynx rolls in behind Fury. “You brought Walter?”

“The mutt showed up along with the girl. Little bitch wouldn’t shut up about rescuing you from someone named Hardesty. You seriously need better friends.”

“Wait. What girl?” The only girl you know who has any reason to know you were here is Harriet, and she should be on her way to Hong Kong by-

“Freeze, Hardesty!” A familiar figure appears from behind Fury and aims an assault rifle directly at Hardesty. “Echo_TRACER’s coming with us!” You get the feeling that this is about to get a lot more complicated.

[THREAD 11 END]

That's all for tonight, Chummers. Shadowrun Hacker Quest will return next Sunday at 1800 EST. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for schedule updates and be the first to know when the next thread goes live.

https://twitter.com/NullFearQuests

As usual, I'll be hanging around the thread for the next hour or so for the postmortem. I'll likely be archiving in short order.

>>32211756
It's our girlfriend isn't it

Goddammit

>>32211781
So how fast and hard is this gonna escalate now that the tsundere and this slightly unstable FWB showed up?

>>32211781
Thanks for running.

>>32211929
Echo predicts that this will probably escalate about as fast and hard as Mexican standoffs typically do.

>>32212163
Sounds like a good time come next week then. Thanks Null, you're pretty swell if I do say so myself. Take care man