Seeking Deadbeat (Baby Blue and El Cid}

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue sits down. "Easy, low risk money. I'm in good with a group of shadowrunners. The kind of folk who take dangerous jobs, risk pissing off powerful people with lots of connections, but if they pull it off right, walk away with boatloads of Nuyen. I'm offering you a cut of my take. 5%. And in exchange, when I need some legwork done as part of a job, I can tap you. See what your street kids have heard or can rustle up. See if our target or contact is known in street politics. Maybe even bring a bit of extra muscle if we need it. And even if we piss off the corps and get squashed, they're not gonna pay attention to some street gang who might have done a bit of business with the runners. Not worth their time. You get a steady income stream of solid corporate nuyen at almost zero risk, the runners get a well established network of street contacts."

Baby Blue pauses a moment. "Also, if we do piss off the wrong corporation, I don't gotta worry about them digging you out of my past, dropping you a little line, and giving you the info you need to drag me back to teach me a lesson no more."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

Deadbeat chuckles at that last. “Well, that depends a bit on 5% a what? I mean, 5% a nothin’s nothin’, neh?”

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

"We're working a job right now. A bit of a test, to see if we can be useful to this bigtime fixer. So it's a starter job, not even that lucrative in his eyes, but with the opportunity for more if we do well. And I'd be getting 10,000 with a chance for bonus if we do really well. So if we pull it off, you'd get 500, plus a cut of the bonus. And all I need from you for that 500? Answer a few questions about a couple of guys you may or may not have heard of," says Baby Blue.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

“I can ask some questions, and let ya talk ta some a the gang, see what they know. But if ya want muscle, that’s gonna cost more, neh?” Deadbeat says. “How much depends on who ’n how, a course. ’N how many ya need.”

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

"Of course, and I'm happy to discuss that if and when it comes up. But not today. Just some questions answered." Baby Blue hesitates a moment. "There is one other thing. I do think it may be best to release me of any obligations I may or may not still have to the Tuskers, outside of what we've discussed today of course. Fact is, being a Shadowrunner is unpredictable. Jobs may take several days. I may need to go to ground or undercover for weeks or even months at a time. So frankly, I can't be relied on for day-to-day stuff. Plus, the more distance there is between us, the less likely some angry Corp's gonna decide it's worth the time and effort to stomp the Tuskers. One of the Runners who pissed 'em ran with them in her childhood, but not anymore? Meh. A Tusker in good standing is part of the team that pantses the CEO during an earnings call with the dragon who owns a controlling stock in the company? Might lead to big corps-sized problems for the gang. Of course, I'd be happy to help out if you need something, and might even be able to convince the other members of my crew to exchange favors if you need some extra reconnaissance or whatever. But it'd have to be case-by-case and no guarantees."

[Tay-Dor]

[El Cid]

The large troll follows BB into the kitchen and stands behind her. El Cid schools his face to not betray his astonishment when she tells a street gang about what she's getting paid for a run. The least she could have done was lie about the pay...lowball 'em. He has to stop from shaking his head when she starts to negotiate about leaving. Wasn't that what that show with the strap was all about?

Maybe answering Headstone's call wasn't the brightest idea I've had today.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

When Baby Blue finishes, Deadbeat just chuckles. “That’s what bein’ ‘beat out' means, lil sis,” he says. “That’s what we just did. Yer done. Ya been gone a long time, Baby Blue. Now yer out.”

“Ya can do biz with the Tuskers, omae,” the gang leader says. “But ya ain’t Tuskers no more. Them ties is broke, neh? Ferever gone.”

Deadbeat snorts and shakes his head. “Well, fer us, anyway.” He gestures around to indicate the Tuskers. “I ’spect maybe less so fer ya.”

“Now, whatcha wanna know that’s worth takin' that whippin' from me and 500¥ on top a it.”

[archolewa]

Baby Blue lets out a deep breath. "You'll excuse me for making sure Deadbeat. You know as well as I do that a stray dog has a better grasp on social nuance than I do, and a misunderstanding the other way would have been...far less pleasant. The whipping was so that I don't have to run every time I see blue and orange. The 500 nuyen? I want to know if you know of, or have had any dealings with, a man named Dashielle, also known as Simpleton, or a man named Bryant O'Riordan, also known as Ace. They're both spiders, and they both seem to be jockeying for influence in Seattle."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue lets out a deep breath. "You'll excuse me for making sure Deadbeat. You know as well as I do that a stray dog has a better grasp on social nuance than I do, and a misunderstanding the other way would have been...far less pleasant. The whipping was so that I don't have to run every time I see blue and orange."

{GM}

Deadbeat chuckles. “Fair ’nuff. Ya can breathe easy on that ’count. The matter’s handled ’n done ’n ’nuff a the boys saw it that word’s out. It’s done ’n settled,” he says with an oddly affectionate smile. “Ya still feel guilty after desertin’ me after all I done fer you, I could take ya downstairs ’n rough ya up a bit more. Let a few a the boys have a little fun.” He lets that hand a second, giving Baby Blue a moment to think about it.

Then the huge troll shakes his head. “Nah. I ain’t gonna do that. Work that guilt out on yer own. Ya fergets, lil sis, I always liked ya. ’N I were always good ta ya. That ain’t changed even if I can’t completely trust ya no more, neh?”

{Baby Blue}
"The 500 nuyen? I want to know if you know of, or have had any dealings with, a man named Dashielle, also known as Simpleton, or a man named Bryant O'Riordan, also known as Ace. They're both spiders, and they both seem to be jockeying for influence in Seattle."[/dialog]

{GM}

“I ain’t never heard the name Dashiell. Heard a Simpleton, though,” Deadbeat says. “Not much, really. All third-hand. He don’t usually stoop so low’s ta talk ta street gangers like us Tuskers, neh. But I know he’s ’sposed ta have a pretty good network a j’s ’n fixers. He can get things ’n set up runner teams. That’s ’bout all I got on him. Though, ya can ask some a the other Tuskers if they know more.” He waves vaguely towards the front room.

“Ace, though, frag yeah, just ’bout everybody in the streets knows ’bout Ace ’n a fair number a ’em knows him personal-like, ’specially the kids. Ace’s got a soft spot fer street kids ’n they all know it. People talk ’bout his connections ta the mob ’n the Yaks, ta the Seoulpa Rings ’n the Tongs, ta the Ancients, but street kids is the backbone a his network. Ya say somethin’ in the streets, some street rat’s like ta hear it ’n the next time that rat’s hungry, Ace’ll know ’bout it. He pays fer anythin’ they tells him, no matter how trivial…” He nods here.

“I ain’t never dealt with Ace myself,” the gang leader continues, “but I know he helps thems that want it ta get inta gangs if they wanna be…’n he gets out – alive – if that’s what they wants. He’s also a hard-hoop runner whose been runnin’ the streets near on ferever. 15-20 years… And he’s in his 30s, so… He started young. I can tell ya stories, but I ain’t sure how many a them’s really true. He knows how ta start rumors… I got no doubt he starts ’em ’bout hisself.”

“I do know he’s gotta crew a street kids that’re special to him. They calls themselves the Irregulars. Some say he named ’em; others say they named themselves. It’s a weird thin’. They ain’t ’zactly a gang, really. He ain’t their leader, really. He ain’t their fagin, neither. But they runs his errands sometimes ’n he pays ’em good. But they’s free ta works fer anyone. He ain’t keepin’ ’em exclusive ’r nothin’. ’N he lets ’em sleep on his floor if the weather’s bad ’r the shelters is full ’r them just needs ta lay low. There’s gotta be 5 ’r 6 there every night, ’n I heard sometimes much as 12 ta 15.”

“What kinda thin’s ya wanna know, Baby Blue?” Deadbeat asks.

[Tay-Dor]

[El Cid]

El Cid nods in confirmation of Deadbeat's info. Hearing about the kids reminds him he hasn't talked to Tangent in a few weeks. He really should check up on her.

El Cid chuckles inwardly at the thought that BB could have gotten this info from him and saved herself Y500 nuyen if she hadn't been so hung up about him being similar to Deadbeat.

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

"Oh I haven't forgotten," says Baby Blue with a small smile. "I still remember hiding nearby, listening to you tell those slavers to shove off, day they came by and offered you a tidy sum for the 'asian girl with baby blues.' First time anyone stood by me, instead of scattering like a cockroach when the light came on. One of my better right now's. Maybe one of my best."

Baby Blue's smile fades, and she spends a minute turning over what Deadbeat said about Ace in her head. "He's sounding less like a spider and more like a termite queen. Guys who owe him embedded in gangs all over. Ex-gangers who owe him even more scattered everywhere else. Kids woven through the streets, who know to go running to him soon as they hear anything interesting. Being groomed into yet another generation of contacts and favors owed. Oye"

Baby Blue massages her eyes. "This is a bit outside your wheelhouse, but we've heard all about his friends. What about his enemies? You ever hear anything about corps or others whom he might have really pissed off? Folks throwing around lots of cash for any information on the guy or the like? On the one hand, can't believe he could run for two decades without making enemies. On the other, be the best way to survive two decades of it, neh?"

"Also, you got any pledges at the moment who came off the streets? Kids who might've interacted with Ace in the past year or two? I'd love to ask them some questions. If you don't mind using an ungrateful ex-member for it, could treat as a bit of a loyalty test to the Tuskers."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Baby Blue}

"Oh I haven't forgotten," says Baby Blue with a small smile. "I still remember hiding nearby, listening to you tell those slavers to shove off, day they came by and offered you a tidy sum for the 'asian girl with baby blues.' First time anyone stood by me, instead of scattering like a cockroach when the light came on. One of my better right now's. Maybe one of my best."

{GM}

Deadbeat smiles; Baby Blue knows he has gotten exactly the reaction that he aimed for.

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue's smile fades, and she spends a minute turning over what Deadbeat said about Ace in her head. "He's sounding less like a spider and more like a termite queen. Guys who owe him embedded in gangs all over. Ex-gangers who owe him even more scattered everywhere else. Kids woven through the streets, who know to go running to him soon as they hear anything interesting. Being groomed into yet another generation of contacts and favors owed. Oye"

Baby Blue massages her eyes. "This is a bit outside your wheelhouse, but we've heard all about his friends. What about his enemies? You ever hear anything about corps or others whom he might have really pissed off? Folks throwing around lots of cash for any information on the guy or the like? On the one hand, can't believe he could run for two decades without making enemies. On the other, be the best way to survive two decades of it, neh?"

{GM}

“Not many,” Deadbeat says. “In general, Ace don’t tend ta leave many potential problems alive. Ach-Mad the slaver… if he survived. Ace took his manhood’n left him fer dead in a pool a his own drek ’n blood, killed most a his local staff, stole all his product, ’n gave the Star ’nuff intel ta lock him up a fraggin’ long time. But when them went ta collect him where Ace said he’d left the fragger, Ach-Mad were gone. So, if he made it, Ace’s probably watchin’ fer reprisals from the Caribbean League.”

“Only other thin’ I can think a is that Ace don’t do biz with the Azzies. Warns all his street rats, too. Leave Aztechnology alone. Always. Ace won’t run fer ’em ’r ’gainst ’em. Ever. Only time he’ll ever break a contract – well, guess it ain’t really breakin’ it if ya told the J at the start you’d drop the job like a nuke if the Azzies were involved. So, must be some reason there. Else, why’d Ace refuse a possible source of biz, neh?”

{Baby Blue}

"Also, you got any pledges at the moment who came off the streets? Kids who might've interacted with Ace in the past year or two? I'd love to ask them some questions. If you don't mind using an ungrateful ex-member for it, could treat as a bit of a loyalty test to the Tuskers."

{GM}

Deadbeat thinks a moment and then nods. “Yeah, I got a couple a plebes that might fit… Zim ’n Silt. Them’s both on lookout right now. Secondary B.”

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue rubs her chin. "That's great. Thanks Deadbeat. El Cid do you have--oh! With all the...erm... tension earlier I don't think either of you were properly introduced. El Cid, this is Deadbeat. Leader of the Tuskers. Deadbeat, this is El Cid, he's one of the runners I'm running with these days. El Cid, you got any questions for Deadbeat? If not, we can go talk to the plebes. You got anyone you can spare to escort us Deadbeat? If they're plebes, they won't recognize me. If they got an older member keeping an eye on them, well, he might not have gotten the news yet."

What, if anything, does Baby Blue know about Aztechnology, the Caribbean League, or Ach-Mad?

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue rubs her chin. "That's great. Thanks Deadbeat. El Cid do you have--oh! With all the...erm... tension earlier I don't think either of you were properly introduced. El Cid, this is Deadbeat. Leader of the Tuskers. Deadbeat, this is El Cid, he's one of the runners I'm running with these days."

{GM}

Deadbeat gives El Cid a nod of approval. “Ya got balls, El Cid, ’n common sense ’n street sense ta walk in here, not start nothin’, ’n sit through what had ta be without overreactin’. Ya's Tenedor, ain't ya? Nice ta meetcha.”

{Baby Blue}
" "El Cid, you got any questions for Deadbeat? If not, we can go talk to the plebes. You got anyone you can spare to escort us Deadbeat? If they're plebes, they won't recognize me. If they got an older member keeping an eye on them, well, he might not have gotten the news yet."

{GM}

“I can send Ringer ta see ya get there without no trouble,” Deadbeat says.

---

{Baby Blue}

What, if anything, does Baby Blue know about Aztechnology, the Caribbean League, or Ach-Mad?

{GM}

OOC: See your private post for the details.

[Tay-Dor]

[El Cid]

El Cid nods respectfully to Deadbeat. "Was Tenedor." El Cid says with an agreeable smile. "Got beat out a year ago or so once it seemed running the shadows became more full time than running with the homies. But I'm still on good terms with them." He gives the other troll the once over and shrugs. "I wasn't going to interfere with a beat out, not unless it looked like you was about to kill her. Then I would have had to try something."

El Cid smiles widely, "Really glad I didn't have to try anything. Chip truth. I prefer to make more friends than enemies. Maybe we can be friends. You ever need anything, give me a call. I can handle a gun or a medkit with ease." El Cid gives Deadbeat his contact info.

He responds to BB, "No disrespect intended for Deadbeat," He nods to the other troll, "But I don't need to ask him about Ace. I know Ace personally."

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue grunts. "Somehow I missed that. Knew you'd run a few jobs for him. Didn't know it was to the level of 'know him personally.' Ah well. 500 nuyen is well worth the peace of mind of getting the info from a source I trust. No offense El Cid. We just ain't known each other long as I'd like before going on a run together. Plus, sometimes leaders got perspectives that gangers and runners lack."

Baby Blue pushes herself to her feet. "Thanks for the info Deadbeat. I'll get you your 500 soon as I got it. I'd still like to talk to Zim and Silt. They might got a different perspective on Ace than El Cid. Always good getting multiple points of view."

[Charybdis Richelle]

[El Cid]

El Cid nods respectfully to Deadbeat. "Was Tenedor." El Cid says with an agreeable smile. "Got beat out a year ago or so once it seemed running the shadows became more full time than running with the homies. But I'm still on good terms with them." He gives the other troll the once over and shrugs. "I wasn't going to interfere with a beat out, not unless it looked like you was about to kill her. Then I would have had to try something."

El Cid smiles widely, "Really glad I didn't have to try anything. Chip truth. I prefer to make more friends than enemies. Maybe we can be friends. You ever need anything, give me a call. I can handle a gun or a medkit with ease." El Cid gives Deadbeat his contact info.

{GM}

Deadbeat nods and quickly puts El Cid’s information into his phone. Then he sends a quick text, so Cid gets his.

“Ain’t SOP ta go cryin’ fer extra help outside a the Tuskers, but ya never know.’N if nothin’ else, I knows ya can keep yer head under pressure,” Deadbeat says.

[El Cid]

He responds to BB, "No disrespect intended for Deadbeat," He nods to the other troll, "But I don't need to ask him about Ace. I know Ace personally."

{GM}

Deadbeat stares at Cid a few seconds then turn and does the same to Baby Blue. Then he shakes his head. “I ain’t even gonna ask,” he says, mostly to himself.

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue grunts. "Somehow I missed that. Knew you'd run a few jobs for him. Didn't know it was to the level of 'know him personally.' Ah well. 500 nuyen is well worth the peace of mind of getting the info from a source I trust. No offense El Cid. We just ain't known each other long as I'd like before going on a run together. Plus, sometimes leaders got perspectives that gangers and runners lack."

Baby Blue pushes herself to her feet. "Thanks for the info Deadbeat. I'll get you your 500 soon as I got it. I'd still like to talk to Zim and Silt. They might got a different perspective on Ace than El Cid. Always good getting multiple points of view."

{GM}

“Don’t be a stranger, Baby Blue,” Deadbeat says. “I always liked ya. I’d like ta give ya a chance ta re-earn my trust, neh?” He heaves himself out of his chair and walks to the archway and says something to one of the guards who was tasked with keeping everyone out.

In a few seconds, a young, African American ork pops his head in the door. “Ya wanted me, Deadbeat?”

Deadbeat nods. “Ya, Ringer. This here’s Baby Blue ’n El Cid. I need ya ta run ’em down ta Secondary B. Bring two plebes with ya ta take Zim ’n Silt’s position. Tell Zim ’n Silt ta them’s associates a the Tuskers ’n ta answer any questions they got ’bout a chummer named Ace. Remind’em them ain’t ta be blabbin’ ’bout nothin’ else, neh? ’N let the ganger keepin’ an eye on the plebes that Baby Blue here’s been beat out. The matter’s settled. Got all that?”

Ringer nods. “Got it, Deadbeat.” He turns to Baby Blue and El Cid. “We can go when yas is ready.”

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue leans on the table for a moment, and takes a few deep breaths. She straightens. "Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

Deadbeat nods. “Watch your back, Baby Blue,” he says as a farewell. Then he flashes a hand sign to Ringer who flashes on in return.

“This way,” Ringer says. He taps two plebes and orders them to follow before he leads the way down a few blocks to the run down apartment building where the Tuskers have set up a secondary lookout location. The group hikes up to the roof of the building using the stairs. Standing on opposite sites of the building two tweens – a Caucasian dwarf boy and a Native American human girl – keep watch.

“Zim, Silt, ya come ’n talk ta Baby Blue ’n El Cid here, Deadbeat’s orders,” Ringer says, flashing a gang sign to confirm that’s true. “Babble ’n Roomba here’ll take over yer watch.” Once two tween plebes come into normal conversation range, he adds, “Deadbeat says them’s associates a the Tuskers ’n ta answer any questions they got ’bout a chummer named Ace. But, ya ain't ’sposed ta be blabbin’ ’bout nothin’ else, neh. Them ain’t paid fer more, got it?”

Zim and Silt nod, eyeing El Cid and Baby Blue with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Ringer says, “Ya can take it somewhere private if ya want ’r just talk here. Despite Babble’s name, Deadbeat learned him good ’bout when ta talk ’n when ta keep his mouth shut, ’n Roomba ain’t never needed no education ’bout such thin’s. I’m gonna leave ya here. Gotta tell a few people the situation ’bout Baby Blue. Remember yer Tuskers first.” With that, he disappears down the ladder into the building.

[archolewa]

{Baby Blue}

Baby Blue waves for Zim and Silt to follow. She will lead them to the center of the roof. She takes a moment to scan the rooftop for anything, and cocks her head, listening with her chrome ears. If she hears and sees nothing, she will lean in close to El Cid. "Do me a favor, and take up on the opposite side of these kids. Watch the roof behind me, I'll do the same for you. I don't want any street kids roaming up here unnoticed."

She will also glance at any neighboring rooftops, to see if she can spy anyone who may be up there watching.

Assuming she sees and hears nothing suspicious, she turns to Zim and Silt. "You two got a prime opportunity here. You got a chance to prove to Deadbeat you got the loyalty of full fledged Tuskers. That you won't let any old, stale loyalties get in the way. Do this right, answer my questions, and you'll have earned that much more of Deadbeat's trust. Do this wrong, dissemble, omit anything, lie, and, well..."

Baby Blue turns her back and shows them her bloody shirt. "You get me?"

Assuming they assent, Baby Blue will say the following "Good. Now, Deadbeat tells me that back when you two were a couple of street kids scrounging through dumpsters and slipping fingers in pockets for your next meal, you two got some help from Ace, also known Bryant O'Riordan. Tell me about your relationship with him. What he did for you, what you did for him, the whole shebang."