Six's Cold Comfort

Six's Cold Comfort
Part of Arma Ex Machina Part of It's a Small Underworld After All
Date 2086-03-04 GM TidanShock Location Juneau, Athabaskan Council Status Threat Level: Extreme
Factions Involved
ShadowHaven Arma Remington Horned Bear	Saeder-Krupp
Eidolon Six of Hearts	Character1 Character2

Summary

Faced with the overwhelming odds of a Black Site. Six and Eidolon go above and beyond socially to infiltrate a black site. No matter the cost.

Background

After investigating an ongoing situation involving the Cutters, Tessen has gone missing. Whatever information she found being so dire mysterious forces decided to silence her and abduct her. Whilst looking into the matter, Bananach managed to find Tessen. As well as some information that could entice Arma into helping further than he already was. Information on one known as "Phoenix." A powerful runner that could prove invaluable to Arma's plans. Upon seeing this Arma agreed to fund a full scale operation into the area of Juneau. The two working together to find what intel they could and provide Six the backup and means to get Tessen out.

The Meet

Meeting in Tacoma, Arma informed Six, Eidolon, and Alkali of what was happening. After learning of the danger Alkali decided to leave the run. This however opened another avenue for Eidolon and Six. That being a list of individuals from a newly formed PMC named "Horned Bear." From the list of options they had. The runners chose Yellow Circuit, an incredibly potent decker and rigger. Bubbles, among the most durable and hardy soldiers there is. Diesel, an incredibly capable rigger and overall team leader. And Blackjack, a satyr mage, second to very few in Horned Bear as a whole. Their goals were simple. Find and rescue Tessen, but also find information on the whereabouts of a local fixer named Sarah. Arma wanting to arrange a personal meeting with her to further one of his own goals, telling Six to tell Sarah "I know he has risen from the ashes." Agreeing to this with a bit more pay in toe, together the 5 set off for Juneau. Renting 2 Teufelkatze's for the team. Bonding and socializing along the way and sharing stories of how they got here, why they joined the factions they did, and other miscellaneous tales.

Upon arriving they saw the city split in two. An area reserved for the Athabaskan council members and what corporate presence there was. The other half dedicated to the civilian populace and most vacation areas for those that wished to use the area to hunt wild game in the mountains. Finding a nice rental house to stay in. Primarily reserved for wealthy tourists. Which is... more or less what the runners were. After unpacking, the runners set out to do what reconnaissance they could. Checking out the Juneau equivalent of the Barrens to see what factions were in power in the general area. Some matrix and physical reconnaissance later they figured out the main 2 syndicates in power around this city were the Black Vory and White Lotus Triads. Whilst other had firm positions those 2 it seemed called most of the shots in the criminal underground.

Then it came time to investigate the more formal end of the endeavor. The runners have learnt of a Johnson for Ares, one Thomas Bettencourt. Six going in herself and striking up a conversation with the said Johnson. Who as it turns out, knows of Six and the Haven's reputation. Suspicious about what it would seem is going on that would lure Haven runners to this place. Six learning that the running scene in Juneau was relatively peaceful as a whole. Only a couple of heists from cargo ships, doing a hit for either the Vory or Triad's, hunting the occasional sinister spirit in the mountains. But apart from that, mostly peaceful. Which leads the said Johnson to be concerned as to why the ShadowHaven would get involved with the Shadows here of all places. Six informed him they were on a job and could strike a deal with him. They needed information on the whereabouts of the prison and a way to get in touch with Sarah. Six offering to get him a higher position in the company. Herself knowing a higher up at Ares that could earn him a substantial promotion and pay raise. On top of her cooking him a meal once every day for the duration of her stay in Juneau, where he would give her updates based on what he found. Thomas reluctantly agreed, informing her he would do his research on the prison. The fixer Sarah however it would seem has gone missing. Informing her the runners around the city would likely yield better results in finding her.

After bringing along Bubbles and Blackjack as backup. Eidolon went to a different lodge and found the group of runners. Whilst tense negotiations followed, primarily involving Eidolon's reputation and the 100,000 nuyen bounty on his head. Eventually somehow Eidolon was able to get the runners to agree to get Six in touch with Sarah. To see if they strike a deal but nothing further than that. It was up to Six to strike that deal with Sarah personally. Mendenhall was the location given. A massive glacier and a popular tourist spot. Which as it turns out also has an immensely powerful great form spirit conjured to help protect and preserve the glacier in the uncertain times. Most likely Sarah having struck a deal with this Glacial spirit for protection from... something. This though lurking in the back of the runners minds. Regardless, the seeds had been set and now it was only a matter of patience.

The Plan

The next day Six headed over towards the Glacier with Blackjack. Unsure of what security was in place whilst Eidolon kept overwatch hidden along the mountainside. Waiting for something to go awry. Barely managing to stay hidden from drones and patrols. Said patrols also including hounds trained to detect via scent. With Eidolon's position secure Six headed down into the Glacier with Blackjack to coordinate a deal with Sarah. Accidentally however, uttering the phrase "I guess we have to hoof it." Not realizing the irony in Blackjack's metatype as a Satyr. Upon arriving, the two witnessed the figures protecting Sarah. Those being one Winterfang, a well regarded adept and the only runner in Juneau who managed to become an international street legend. And behind them, the materialized form of Mendenhall, the Great form spirit itself. Upon revealing that Six was here on behalf of Arma, the higher-end suit at Ares. Combined with her codephrase of "I know he has risen from the ashes," Sarah began to nearly have a panic attack. After managing to persuade Winterfang to step aside, Six was able to calm Sarah down. Who agreed to the deal. But only under the pretense that Arma when brought would be in restraints and blindfolded. Arma and Six would also be accompanied with Redwing when they entered, for an extra degree of protection and most likely to be a mediator between the two. With that being as far as she would go. Six agreed reluctantly.

On the way back however, Six had to prepare food for Thomas, who gave her the information he could gather on any prison. And it led him down a slight rabbit hole. There is a section of Juneau quarantined off/owned by Trans-Oceanic Mining. A subsidiary of Saeder-Krupp dedicated to extracting materials. He would look into the matter further, but for now a location was safely in hand. Six acknowledging this headed back towards the house they were staying in. Where Eidolon was being coached in how to communicate better with others. As... weird as that process was. Six informed the others of the deal, that Arma needed to be brought back in restraints and blindfolded. Their brought along companions from Horned Bear looking on in slight disbelief and informing that would most likely never happen. One call with Arma later and their words held true. Nothing Six could do would convince Arma and without the meeting with Sarah, his aid in raiding the Prison was null and void. Till Eidolon managed to turn the tables. Stating he had information that would be critically important to Arma's future plans. Arma relented asking to see it, where upon the information submitted was crucial indeed. Receiving something even more vital than what he had sent them there to get. Upon receiving the intel he agreed and would be there in two days. Giving the runners time to prepare and do further information gathering.

One night later Six was back to preparing food for Thomas where Thomas had more haunting news in regards to what may actually be going on. Where upon he was able to deliver some troubling news. He found out more information in regards to a major run that went south in Juneau. The one big instance that seemed to indicate heavy involvement from Saeder-Krupp themselves. That being a typical boat heist in the docks before realizing who was on the boat. One Hans Brackhaus. Fortunately... most of the runners were able to escape but in the midst of the aftermath Trans-Oceanic mining seemed to get a suspicious amount of extra funding, security, and overall presence afterwards. Six knowing that name fearing the worst as to what that golden scaled bastard may have prepared. There was a lead given however, a missing Ares corporate suit given a close-casket funeral incredibly quietly who gave interest in the Trans-Oceanic area. Thomas did not know much but figured Six and Eidolon could piece something together as to what may have happened.

Upon returning, the pair left it up to Yellow Circuit to do some matrix delving to figure out what he could find. And after a very lengthy process he managed to pull up something horrifying. Being scrubbed INTENSELY by someone in the matrix he was able to uncover horrifying photos of the corpse of the Ares suit. The body being bloated, mutilated, and experimented on. Bioware of some variety forcefully installed into him and causing his body to react the way it did. The runners now even more concerned for Tessen's safety were now even more desperate to see her free ASAP.

The day afterwards came time for the negotiation to transpire. Arma showing up and allowing Six to restrain and blindfold him, Eidolon this time however heading alongside the pair with Redwing in toe. Arma eventually was led towards the Glacier, where upon heading down the tension was palpable. Most likely some plan conducted by both sides in case something went south and nearly south it went. Six able to calm down Sarah once again and strangely Eidolon able to broker some degree of calmness and peace. Arma and Sarah agreed to a share of personal information. Afterwards the pair seemed to part amicably given the tension. Arma in the aftermath of all this thanking Six and Eidolon for their efforts. Informing them the recruits of Horned Bear will stay with them and their payment will be substantially increased given the information that was provided to him. Also that Thomas would be receiving a promotion whilst he was here.

With the first half of their mission successful, now came the tricky part as to how to get into the Trans-Oceanic owned area. Six, Eidolon, Blackjack, and Yellow Circuit all heading out. And with Six's honeyed words were able to skirt past the border security and do more physical reconnaissance. This however led to a horrifying revelation. Out of the corned of Eidolon's eyes, he noticed a particular cave/clearing near the top of one of the mountains. Claw marks, dug deep into the sides of it. Something large lived in that cave, the runners for now not wishing to acknowledge it investigated the coast as best they could. Looking down and noticing boats going into and out of what seemed to be physical walls. With no better angle in sight and some further research to do they headed back. Hoping to do further research of their own.

The research they conducted only revealed the truth they didn't want to face, stationed here not long after the failed run against Hans Brackhaus, a dragon was appointed to the site. Likely to be its overseer. They needed further information. So Six waited till night, hoping that Thomas would be able to throw the group a bone and fortunately, he was able to. Indicating there was a Saeder-Krupp suit they could take to about this, the head of astral security at the site. Beyond that Thomas enjoyed the food and sent Six along her way.

Yellow Circuit as usual doing a bit of digging was able to find out the individual was a collector of strange magical tomes, artifacts, and other memorabilia. The prize of his collection however being a strange original print of Gulliver's Travels. That was stolen in the midst of a run conducted by the Black Vory. With that book, they may be able to trade for information in regards to the site itself to fill in the gaps they were sorely missing. So a meeting was arranged with the Tsar of the local Black Vory at a local sushi restaurant. The Black Vory leader seemed very reluctant to give Six the book at all. Wary of how she even found out about it. Though agreeing to a chip, and a potential alliance with the Ancients in whatever was to come in Seattle. The Black Vory Tsar agreed, knowing that this may be a worthwhile investment, the price of one book for power they had no chance to acquire otherwise. Agreeing to this, the book was to be delivered towards their door. And with it, they may strike a deal with the Saeder-Krupp suit.

The book was delivered to their address not too long after. The runners also however realizing that given the size of the base, whatever lie in wait... especially given the presence of a dragon, is worth further backup. So, using the book as leverage and payment, Six summoned Naomi Bloodwoven. A Draco Foundation spirit who took great interest in the book after realizing it was written in Enochian and may possess hidden knowledge of the 4th world. Reading what she could she asked what the runners wanted. And truth be told they needed a magical distraction, enough to throw the astral security into disarray. So they needed a manastorm. A smaller one, but still a storm all the same. Naomi agreed, citing that she may want to take the book for the foundation at a later time. But, the runners had use for it in the here and now.

The meet with the Saeder-Krupp suit went as straight forward as it could. The book in exchange for information on the site. The book was received, the information was received in turn, and the runners had a more concrete layout of the place. Which as it turned out was a lot larger than they anticipated and regarded as being a Seader-Krupp official blacksite in everything but name. The only way into and out of it being a nearby island with all other entrances blocked by anti-air security or a massive wall that extended upwards from the ocean. Eidolon realizing they needed more help called upon one Asahiro Kunitoshi. After explaining their plight, Asahiro did not ask for any further payment and had a solution. The only stipulation being that Eidolon had to contact Hextech to fix something for Asahiro. One DNI call later, Hextech was easily on board with this endeavor. Eidolon realizing slowly that this was an emitter. An emitter used by the Monolith that may cause intense radiation and attract the attention of similar spirits and brainwash all to serving one known as the Wish Granter. Though this emitter was set to have an off switch. A degree of security so that the runners would not be affected as they got closer towards that island. Six weighed her options. However, willing to do anything for those she loved, Six agreed. Now, all Asahiro had to wait for was the queue to launch the emitter at the Blacksite. And analyze the pending results.

All that was left was to have an escape vehicle. Six knowing just the chopper girl for the endeavor. One Cascade, however knowing that this was destined to be a dangerous job. Looked into what payment could be given. And struck up a deal with Sarah and Mendenhall. Knowing that this would likely draw the ire of Saeder-Krupp Six had to promise to stay behind and help deal with the aftermath of her assault. Help protect and conceal the shadow from Trans-Oceanic, Athabaskan, and Saeder-Krupp official forces. She agreed, and in turn received a highly expensive and rare gemstone formed from the spirit. Cold to the touch and worth 160,000 nuyen. Also, whilst the runners were on sight. The runners Eidolon met would agree to stay and watch Yellow Circuit, ensuring his safety and rushing him away from the house once the job was over to hide him from Saeder-Krupp.

Before they finally headed out however, Six had one more dinner to make for Thomas. The two asking where'd they be if they took different paths. Six most likely a dedicated chef or Ancient's member while Thomas simply stated he'd still be mopping floors, looking up at spaceships taking off into the stars. A slightly poetic ending for their conversations as Six bid him farewell. Now with every piece ready, and everyone as armed and prepared as they could, Six headed off to save Tessen.

The Run

It happened at the beginning of night. As the moon rose Eidolon sent the signal for Asahiro to launch the emitter after the Manastorm. And once vehicles began to lift, balls of lightning began to surge. The emitter was launched. Six, Eidolon, Bubbles, Blackjack, Diesel, and Yellow Circuit all ready for whatever dangers may await. They were nearly caught in the commotion. The loud alarm and balls of lightning masking their approach as they saw the boats. However... realizing they needed to get through. They had Yellow Circuit perform an intensive maneuver. Edit the capabilities of their RPC cloaks to mimic those of Saeder-Krupp high ups and more prevalent forces. And through the skin of their teeth they managed to convince the on site guards and commandeer a boat for themselves. Diesel immediately rigging in and bracing to face the storm ahead.

As the runners charged forward. Wells of gravity began to surround them. Even destroying one of the other vessels as they too approached the site of the storm and island needed to get to where they needed to go. The area polluted by radiation, and another horrifying realization struck them. They could not turn off the emitter as they drew closer. The storm having grown larger in size than they anticipated and affecting the emitter. Unable to shut it off thanks to the storm's influence. Now having to face the force of the Wish Granter's will on top of whatever Saeder-Krupp forces lie in wait inside the island.

Upon arriving at the island the call of the Monolith sang to the runners and for now at least they held their ground. Entering the Blacksite alongside 2 other boats. As it turns out, several SK personnel had already been taken over. With a large force of them blocking the way forward. The fight was tense. Eidolon able to clear out some of the possessed SK-Prime with clean headshots. Six alongside Bubbles tanking hits and returning fire. Blackjack doing what he could to resist the aura and magically fight back with what little force remained of his power. Diesel simply driving forward the boat and Yellow Circuit provided what little speed and defense he could in the midst of the chaos. The fight seemed to go chaotically. The two boats getting destroyed whilst the SK soldiers on them managed to effectively somehow return fire even after boarding Six's boat. Unknowing about the occupants. The runners managed to escape... however not without a cost as Bubbles was taken over by the Wish Granter. The runners and SK forces forced to restrain and knock him out. Tying Bubbles below deck as the runners pressed forwards with the SK forces on board now hostages, having them agree to fight with them. The two soldiers on board agreed. Knowing their careers were basically over the second this alarm went down and having no family to go back to.

All that was left was to infiltrate the lab itself that was testing the bioware. Six, Blackhjack, Eidolon, Diesel's drones, and now their two new SK pals readied themselves for the fight ahead. Managing to barely sneak onto the site where an intense firefight followed. The 2 soldiers they brought staying as far away from it all as they could. Using what tactics they could to stay alive. At the end of it all Six and Eidolon emerged triumphant but injured. Knowing they had very limited time before at least one ship of SK-Prime arrived at their door. Accompanied by one mage it seems that was able to escape the chaos of their attack at this research facility.

After Yellow-Circuit disabled some of the Matrix security, the runners headed further in. Six looked in abject horror as she saw the plethora of mangled and experimented on bodies stared back at her, most of them dead or barely clinging to life. Eventually she was able to find Tessen. Her eye swollen, skin bloated and covered in scale-like protrusions. Only barely able to speak, still uttering "Anita... Anita..." desperately in relief and fear as Six finally approached her. Six realized that when disconnected from life support Tessen would only have at maximum 2 minutes to live. So she scrambled and found a makeshift battery to keep her alive. However, her troubles were far from over.

Approaching the Blacksite far sooner than anticipated was the SK-Prime reinforcements. However, whilst Six was in the midst of her research Eidolon devised a... plan, for lack of a better term. Where he managed to hide a massive chunk of his directional explosive stockpile. Waiting for the moment SK-Prime arrived. Six was convinced to help, a spirit commanded to protect Tessen with its life while she and the others fended off the SK-Prime now here and on site. Which... was 4, now 3 as one of them was dismembered and launched from Eidolon's explosive. The other 3 separated and scattered to avoid the blast while still being gravely injured. Another tense firefight later and the runners managed to succeed yet again given their injuries and Eidolon's plan. Taking the mage hostage as well as the 2 other SK soldiers convinced them to come with given their current state.

Cascade landed her helicopter quickly after Yellow Circuit was able to disable the air defenses. Aboard said chopper was further Horned Bear reinforcements and Ashen Hand who answered the call after realizing what kind of bullshit his soldiers were getting up to here and demanded to help. After loading everybody onboard they took off. Diesel aiding Cascade as a co-pilot. Six and Ashen Hand doing all they could to keep Tessen alive and stabilize her aboard the flight. Whilst that was happening however, Eidolon noticed something approaching rapidly. Something off in the wind. Which as it turns out was the dragon they were warned about. A dragon attuned to Ice and cold named "Tenh Wing." And the chase was on.

Eidolon performed every shot he could with the aid of Blackjack who pointed out where the dragon is despite the improved invisibility it wore. The dragon however tanked every shot with little damage as it drew closer. The soldiers doing what they could to help but the dragon only got closer to the helicopter. Two of the soldiers taking over as Ashen Hand, Six, Eidolon, and Blackjack opened fire upon the dragon to little avail. In the midst of this chaos, Diesel and Cascade were barely able to fly out of the range of the dragon's breath every time it belched forth. Time was short, and Eidolon leapt into action somewhat literally as he used the hooks on his legs to grapple onto the dragon to get a more direct shot. Which unfortunately failed as he was immediately thrown off the dragon's back. His life only saved to a grapple gun and Blackjack catching it. Six lined up a devastating shot at the Dragons maw. And with one last trigger pull the tooth of the dragon shattered off as the bullet hit the back of the dragon's throat knocking it unconscious. Eidolon catching the tooth mid air as he stay dangling from the hook.

After being pulled up the helicopter sped up as much as it could and despite the chaos of it all barely managed to escape. Yellow Circuit also taken somewhere safe in the aftermath of the chaos. Tessen secured, the run was a success.

Aftermath

In the aftermath the helicopter landed where once again Bananach and Arma awaited them at a remote cabin a decent ways away from the events of the site. Though with an insane Bubbles Eidolon offered the aid of the West Coast Monolith. Stating they could deprogram him. Thankful for this they agreed that even while unnecessary, Horned Bear would return the favor somehow. Ashen Hand in particular grateful for the two's efforts. Arma in particular impressed with Six and Eidolon given the tension of the situation and still managing to pull through. Stating he would be in touch before departing. Bananach however stayed behind, indicating that he would be able to relieve some of the burdens that Six was willing to put herself under. In particular the Black Vory and securing them a more official alliance with allies of his. Whilst at this point Eidolon left home for Seattle there was one more stop for Six before she fully departed.

After seeing Tessen taken to a medical treatment center in Tarislar, Six sighed. Knowing she had brought upon intense destruction and the ire of Saeder-Krupp itself, she once again approached Sarah, Mendenhall, Thomas, and Winterfang. Who all now shared very equal gripes with hers. The shadows would not be safe for months at the bare minimum. Saeder-Krupp would hunt down anyone even remotely responsible. Mendenhall also in particular enraged she had brought "the tainted one" to his domain. Six was ready to accept whatever fate they had for her. But... through her rebuilding Sarah's confidence. Sarah stepped forward. Stating that Six will help protect them, repair some of the damages they had received, and that would be all. Six now crying in her arms as Sarah comforted her. Six had work to do, but for now she needed to rest.

Rewards

Extreme 310 RVP (25 x 12.4 overtime multiplier) 73 HOURS, 25 MINUTES

• 100k nuyen (50 RVP)

+25k nuyen (Reward for a secret shared and loyalty sworn.) As soon as Eidolon returned home, everything in his secret stash is he left it but atop is a credstick that lay in wait with a "thank you" written atop it. +6k nuyen (Negotiations)

• 200k nuyen in gear rates for cyber/bioware up to avail 24, R and F included, up to Delta grade. Remainder can be taken as liquid nuyen. (50 RVP)
• 120k nuyen in gear rates for weapons/armor/accessories/ammunition up to avail 24, R and F included. Remainder can be taken as liquid nuyen. (30 RVP)
• 75 Karma (75 RVP)
• 208 CDP (104 RVP)

+2 base CDP

• Six of Hearts and Eidolon can increase Arma Remington's loyalty by 1. (1 RVP)
• All Chips owed by Eidolon towards Arma are paid off.
• Arma Remington owes Eidolon and Six 3 favors/chips.

+15 Horned Bear reputation -50 Saeder-Krupp reputation for Six of Hearts

• Counts as Mundane Ascension for both.
• Eidolon can buy off "Thousand-Yard Stare" at chargen rates.
• Six of Hearts can buy off "Signature" at chargen rates.
• Six of Hearts pays off 1 chip owed to Tessen.

OPTIONAL REWARDS

• Magic Resistance for Six of Hearts (6 RVP per rank)
• Natural Leader for Six of Hearts (5 RVP)
• Trustworthy for Eidolon (15 RVP)
• Six of Hearts can raise Tessen's loyalty to 6 with CDP

OPTIONAL CONTACTS

• Ashen Hand C5/L4 (8 RVP)
• Sarah Fixer C5/L3 (7 RVP)
• Thomas Bettencourt C7/L2 (8 RVP) (To be ran through thematics.)

Game Quotes

6: "Well... looks like we're gonna have to just hoof it." 6 looks at her mission partner. 6 looks at their hooves. They're a Satyr. 6 looks back up at their face. 6 looks away. 6: "Fuck."

"Eidolon has been van sam'd so much in this run he is practically a transformer."

"What would he transform into? A chicken nugget."

"Would it be a daring action to rodeo the dragon after jumping out of a helicopter?"

This isn't a quote but rather a thank you to Point 9 and Azworai. Who allowed me to tell an epic tail that unintentionally became a small campaign and one of my favorite tabletop experiences of all time. This adventure meant a lot to me. And I eagerly await whatever long-winded social adventures we all get up to next.