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[BerkaZerka]

Crew of The Dandy Desperado; Capital City, Europa

Everyone is just finishing a rather somber meal together at the exclusive Jade Palace Japanese Restaurant in the European Capital of (aptly named) Capital City. After nearly six months without any profitable runs and spending an inordinate amount of time trying to help DarkTech discover a cure for the Pale Horse Virus, this feels like it could very well be the last meal of the crew.

All the money is gone and unless something comes up soon, this is the end - the collection agency is after everyone for ship payments and the repo-men are not far behind!

When a round of fortune cookies are set down at the table by the server with the check, it feels like a moment of truth - as if these fortunes actually held some real sway on the fate of the Desperado.

As each one is opened and read, they reveal a series of inane and mildly amusing fortunes, until the last – which is opened to reveal only a bloody scrap of fortuneless paper with the hastily scrawled name “A.C. Morrison” written on one side...

[BerkaZerka]

Bounty: 7,500,000w for A.C. Morrison
Wanted For: Illegal Drug Trafficking 
Bounty Posted By: Jovian SSPB

A.C. Morrison is one of the central figures in the criminal drug trade that plagues the Jovian System, wanted for the manufacture and trafficking of a variety of illegal drugs.  Currently he is the subject of an undercover sting operation being conducted by the European SSPB Special Task Force, but to date continues to elude (or supplicate) the authorities, while maintaining ‘business as usual’.

A long-standing bounty, in the amount of 7,500,000 writ, has been posted on A.C. Morrison by the SSPB, but has largely been seen nothing more than a political move to make the people of the JPC feel as though the government is actually doing something about their drug trade problems.  In reality, everyone knows that A.C. Morrison is too powerful, influential, and important to the wallets of too many corrupted officials to ever be caught.

But still, the call of the 7,500,000 writ bounty continues to sing its siren song across the solar system – drawing rookie and veteran cowboys alike to a silent and hidden death…

If this scrap of paper is on the level however, it may somehow hold the key to finally collaring the slimy bastard and collecting the huge reward.

But it will take some caution and subtlety on the part of the team to avoid tipping their hand to those helping A.C Morrison – which very likely includes the Jovian SSPB itself. No, there won’t be any going to the police on this one, except to collect the bounty once A.C. is in hand.

So what to do now?  All there is to go on is a bloody scrap of paper from a fortune cookie.

[Aeon_spiral]

"Didn't see that coming" Samuel states as he reaches for a cigarette, not really caring if he can smoke in here or not. He lights up and continues.

"Where is that waitress?"

[Sethaniel]

Cillian tries his forensic abilities on the fortune, checking if there's anything he can determine about the blood, the paper, or anything else that might give some sort of clue.

[Forge]

Montoya smiles and nods to himself in a blatant manner, the underground resistance to the secret society was clearly making their move. Of course it took time to set up but heros of justice wouldn't be left to fail as the Society blocked them from jobs.

"Time for us to get moving! We'll bring him in fast and get on another roll of justice adventures!" He poses dramatically with his chopsticks pointed out across the table.

[Aeon_spiral]

'That's great captain, but..." his cigarette dangles from his mouth daring to fall out

"Don't you think the waitress on purposely delivered that particular cookie to our table? We should find her and question her."

[Not Aman]

"Let's just order our check. I think we're gonna want to give our thanks to the chef, yeah?" Butch says, eyeing the bloody cookie

[BerkaZerka]

Cillian tries his forensic abilities on the fortune, checking if there's anything he can determine about the blood, the paper, or anything else that might give some sort of clue.

Cillian sees that the strip of blank paper is the same as that of the other fortunes.

The fact that is has no fortune on it, suggests that it came from the place the fortune cookies were made, only that it did not go through the full process. Someone intentionally placed it among the finished batch.

The blood and hurried writing suggest that whoever did it, was doing so as they were dying, desperately trying to get the message out so that their death would not be for vain.

While the cookies themselves are of a high quality, they are obviously not made here in the restaurant. that means that the restaurant is ordering them from somewhere else and removing the individual packaging before bringing the fortune cookies to the table.

[Drakilian]

Crystal briefly considers taking the waitress out back and beating her with an electric stick until she confesses where the cookies are from, but realizes that that's a horrible overreaction to something that she would easily get if she just asked (probably).

"Hey Gilbert, can you check out if there have been any murders in fortune cookie factories recently?"

[Aeon_spiral]

"Now theres an interesting thought, i bet the staff know which factory they get thwir cookies from. That would narrow it down quite a bit. May even have a ledger or something we could peek at."

[Forge]

Montoya nods along with the others "Let's ask politly, and check their website too!"

Montoya flicks open his computer to try and hack the resteraunts computer and locate their supply logs.

[killa_robot]

Gilbert debates doing the search here, in the restaurant, before his yellow-bellied nature overpowered him.

"Maybe... we should wait", he replies in a hush whisper.

[BerkaZerka]

Montoya Computers 17+2X 1d20 : 8, total 8

As Montoya starts looking at the restaurant over the web, the waitress comes back to pick up the check.

"Thank you again for dining with us!" she says with a smile, apparently not noticing the unusual fortune among all the rest.

[Aeon_spiral]

"Miss, uhm. Do you know, or could you find out for us. Where your cookies come from? They were most delicious and we were just sort of ...curious?"

[Sethaniel]

While that's going on, Cillian wanders off to see if he maybe he can just go look in the kitchen.  The cookies must come in boxes, maybe the boxes say where they came from.

[BerkaZerka]

“Oh, yes,” the waitress replies, “We get our cookies from Wong’s. I can get you some in the wrapper if you like. They have their info on them; if you ever want to order some.”

Hearing this, Montoya cross-references ‘Wong’s’ with his search. He quickly finds that the Restaurant does indeed order their fortune cookies from a company called ‘Wong’s Fortune Cookie Works’ on Ganymede.

Bringing up Wong’s Fortune Cookie Works reveals nothing unusual, but does show that Wong’s is situated on the floating city of Uliga Island – an industrial heavy district – not too far from Ganymede’s more densely populated regions. Nothing on the Net indicates anything unusual about Wong’s, but there is an address, should the team wish to go and take a look for themselves.

Not satisfied, Captain Montoya lets his finger fly across the keys a little more, massaging the data, until it yields a little more than it normally would. It seems that the net chatter about Uliga Island suggests that the entire district is one of Ganymede’s biggest ‘crack towns’, where just about any illegal drug can be obtained for the right price. In addition, it is also known to be the home of a brutal gang called the Chinese Hell Hounds – known for their penchant of burning enemies alive with gasoline-filled tires around their necks.

Cillian meanwhile, wanders into the kitchen and finds a stack of boxes labeled ‘Wong’s Fortune Cookie Works’. One of the open boxes is half filled with fortune cookies in plastic wrappers, all labeled the same. One of the trash cans nearby has discarded wrappers in it, where servers arrange the cookies on trays before bringing them out to the tables.

[Forge]

Montoya flourishes a bow to the waitress "Thankyou my fine lady, that would be wonderful!"

Then he quickly forwards all the info he found to the other's devices "We have our lead gentlemen! And lady!" He says as the waitress leaves "Also where is Cilian?" He asks as he looks around "We can't dramatically rush to the ship with 'Adventure begins' track two playing if we aren't all here..."

[Aeon_spiral]

Sam just looks at his flamboyant captain as he uses his curent cigarette to light another cigarette.

[Forge]

Montoya calls through the crew comms "We have our lead ladies and gentlemen, to the ship! Adventure and swashbuckling await!"

He then flourishes a bow in the direction of the establishment owner and leaps towards the door.

[Sethaniel]

Cil takes a wrapper and goes back to the table.

[Aeon_spiral]

Sam eyes the check and sighs, the new guy always gets stuck with the bill.

he lays down the appropriate change and tip and walks after the Captain.

[Drakilian]

Crystal follows the captain out to the Dandy

[Not Aman]

Butch shrugs, following the captain

[killa_robot]

Gilbert follows everyone out, nervously looking at the other patrons and staff to make sure they didn't catch anyone's attention.

[BerkaZerka]

The crew heads back to the Desperado, to find that Jacob will be staying on Europa, to track down his stolen ship. As no one offers to help, he simple says 'not to worry, he can handle it by himself,' and leaves.

With that settled, the ship takes off - engines roaring - lifting off Europa for Ganymede!

It seems that the crew cannot afford to take the Mini Gate however, and will have to travel through conventional space.

Twelve hours later, they set down in the waters off the ports of Uliga Island - which is more of a large floating industrial and manufacturing complex than a city per se, but for all of its narrow alleys and chain-link enclosed factories, the place is quite clean and well kept.

It’s actually hard to believe, judging from the surface, that it could have any drug or gang related problems at all – but that’s the Jovian Peoples Confederacy for you – all about outward appearances…

[Aeon_spiral]

Sam looks around through a puff of smoke and takes in the sights.

"well this maybe a little more complicated than I had imagined. Luckily I know a guy. Let me give him a ring and see what we can scrounge up."

Sam heads to the long range coms and dials in his information broker to see what he knows about their target. Or at least where they should look for some information on him.

[Not Aman]

"Lets go check out Wong's." Butch says. "Shouldn't be too hard to find something."

[Forge]

"Indeed, to action!" Montoya adds "prepare for combat and take everything needed for a dramatic swashbuckling escape, the society will likely try and interfere with our bounty!"

He then ensures he has his full pirate ensemble on including a couple of concealed stun grenades and military pistol.

[Aeon_spiral]

Sam shakes his head, and his cigarette ashes onto his lap. He brushes it off and dials his info broker anyways. Even if the rest leave him here, he can get on the comms and meet up with them outside. "One sec Captain, just let me finish this call."

[killa_robot]

Curious about the gang activity, and terrified of confronting them, Gilbert searches for online information about the local gangs and their affiliations.

[BerkaZerka]

Sam shakes his head, and his cigarette ashes onto his lap. He brushes it off and dials his info broker anyways. Even if the rest leave him here, he can get on the comms and meet up with them outside. "One sec Captain, just let me finish this call."

Samuel gets a hold of his contact and laughing can be heard on the line, followed by the explination that "nobody has information on A.C. Morrison, or he'd have been brought in by now."

Curious about the gang activity, and terrified of confronting them, Gilbert searches for online information about the local gangs and their affiliations.

Computers 20+3X 1d20 : 15, total 15

[BerkaZerka]

Gilbert's computer search brings up the Chinese Hell Hounds and reveals that they are the primary distributors of illegal drugs on Uliga Island and the regions round about, as well as being involved in every other kind of underworld goings-on. One thing that sets the Chinese Hell Hounds apart from other gangs is their apparent fascination (or theme) of fire related crime – arson and murder, by burning victims alive, being the standard mode of operation.

Gilbert then stumbles upon a stray piece of information related to the Chinese Hell hounds – apparently the remains of a top secret SSPB file leaked onto the Net, but later purged. The information is pretty hacked up, but does indicate that Wong’s Fortune Cookie Works was on a list of suspected Chinese Hell Hound drug trafficking fronts slated for SSPB Sting Operations.

Doing his best to recover the rest of the file, Gilbert is able to put together that the Boss of the Wong’s front is thought to be Teresa Cong – a dangerous psychic with Pyrokinetic ability. Further, the file indicates that a secret SSPB in-house bounty is set on Teresa Cong in the amount of 800,000 writ. Checking the public files confirms this; as ‘officially’, there is no bounty on Teresa Cong.

[Forge]

Montoya begins stretching and practice posing with his sword to ensure he is ready to swashbuckle once they set out.

[killa_robot]

Gilbert starts to feel sick to his stomach, almost sure that they're about to get in well over their head. He relays the information he's learned (by whispering to each member of the group) then speaks.

"So... hahaha... We should start by checking into the fortune cookie factory, all while making sure to avoid the Chinese Hell Hounds. Asking around too much will probably draw the wrong kind of attention... Maybe we should try having someone go undercover to pose as a potential new member."

He suggests, hoping that knowing Chinese will not be a prerequisite, as he would be the only one qualified in that case...

[Drakilian]

"Hey, think we could convince some SSPB officers to help us out or split the bounty if we give them that Chinese hell hound leader?"

[Not Aman]

"I think bringing in the SPD would be a bad idea, considering that this Psych's bounty is same as mine." Butch says.

"I like Gil's idea though. Can't hurt if someone tries to get in and get some info."

[Aeon_spiral]

Sam shrugs. "I kinda look the part. Flame sword and wverything. Plus im packing other fire and explosives. Shouldnt be too hard for me to get in."

[Sethaniel]

" . . . um . . ." Cillian says quietly ". . . if they're a Chinese gang. . . well. . . um . . . do you speak Chinese?"

[Aeon_spiral]

"Chinky Chang chong wing wugugong?"
Sam says laughing

[BerkaZerka]

Moonkit laughs out loud at Samuel's improve.

Tubbs meanwhile, replies to Butch, "I know a little Chinese; The Red Jacks got some of their goods from the Triad."

"But you don't got to infiltrate them," he continues, "You just got to be a buyer. That's their business. If you're buying, it's all good."

[Aeon_spiral]

"Buying is easier with credit though. What are we going to do? Offer the Dandy as collateral? Ive still got my guy on the line he could give us info that would help us pose as proper buyers. Seeing as how we are broke as hell..."

He trails off wondering where they're going to get collateral. Its possible they could sell their ships?

"Ive got an idea. I could say i want to use The Raven and random cargo as a disguise. You know Han Solo type deal. You've heard of star wars right? Trust me. This will work. Its perfect! I can offer to transport large shipments. What do you think?"

"Hmm then again it would be nice to have some backup... Butch? What do ya say?"

[Forge]

Montoya cuts in "Hmm busting in the front door might not work so well, fire can be pesky to deal with!" he poses for effect "Why don't we all just head in on the Raven and pose as potential buyers, don't need to put money down if we are just discussing a future sale! Some false IDs and disguises would be in order!" he seems overly thrilled at the idea of disguises

[Drakilian]

"I don't want to put the Dandy up as collateral either, seems risky, all things considered."

[Not Aman]

"Can't Gil just do some fake bank hacking? Like to make it seem we actually have cash?"

[BerkaZerka]

"Uhm... you can't just not buy..." Tubbs says to Montoya.

"You 'buy or you die'; that's how it works in the business. Not saying you need to buy the whole store, but you never leave without a transaction, even if it's just a sample."

"In fact, they're likely to only sell you something small at first, just to make sure it isn't a set up or sting."

[Aeon_spiral]

"Alright lets figure out how much a sample is. Surely we have enough left over? We'll give them our comms channel and say to contact us the bext day or something to set up a bigger deal? Honestly im just flying by the seat of my pants here. Scrap is easier to deal with out on the rim than this core politics stuff."

[Forge]

Montoya pauses "Well, we can't bring in a bounty for now but let's check our assets, should have enough for a same left! Then onward to adventure!"

[killa_robot]

Gilbert rotates looking at each member of the crew, wondering if any of these plans will work. If they cant successfully pose as a buyer, or worse, if they get caught, then this ordeal will not end well for them.

At least his captain didn't sign him up to be the potential buyer.

[Aeon_spiral]

"Alright. One sec" sam turns and gets back on the comms with his "inside guy" and tells him the details of what they want to accomplish. He gives the go ahead to have them setup as potential buyers and waits for further details.

[BerkaZerka]

It doesn’t take long for Samuel’s contact to set up a meeting with the Chinese Hell Hounds – which will take place (after dark) on South Furnace Street, at some rundown row-houses across the street from an active steel mill.

The contact goes on to say that the streets of Uliga Island are relatively safe and normal during daylight hours, but at night, the Chinese Hell Hounds take over. If you’re going to be out on the streets after dark, you’d better be buying drugs or looking for good time – all of which the Chinese Hell Hounds are glad provide for the right price. Cross them however, and all that will be left of you is a charred corpse.

He also mentions that the Leaders and Bosses of the Chinese Hell Hounds are all easy to identify, by their black pinstriped suits with red ties and black hats. Lower ranking ‘Hounds’ wear dark colored suit pants with wife-beater tank tops and black hats. On occasion when they do wear suit jackets and a tie, the tie is anything but red. A lower ranking Hell Hound caught wearing a red tie is in for a world of hurt.

All and all, the Chinese Hell Hounds seem to operate more like a smalltime syndicate than a street gang – and Samuel’s contact surmises that they are more than likely, underlings of the Chinese Triads.

As for the local SSPB, Samuel’s contact indicates that they are satisfied with ruling the day and keeping the place spick and span – “At least they ain’t got no vandalism or graffiti – what other major city can say that?”

Finally, he warns Samuel that what goes on at night is not really the SSPB’s concern, unless it involves important public officials or those rich enough to have purchased ‘Extra Security Protection Services’ from the SSPB. Both the SSPB and Chinese Hell Hounds respect their “understanding of one another” – and neither wants to start a war in what has proven to be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

As for what the Chinese Hell Hounds are selling, the team can get a large variety of harmful drugs – those common to the dregs of society – which can be purchased On Hand, as well as Pain Killer, Stimdose, and Tranquilizer.

The gang also deals in the following (but under the 1/2 the normal timeframe as outlined in Availability - or 1/4 for a Rush Order):  Black Hole, Gamma Green, Lightspeed, Oblivion, Poison Liquid (Ingested & Injected), Poison Powder (Ingested), Recall 13, Snapdragon, and X-88.