To turn a tide
| To turn a tide | |||||||||
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| ShadowHaven | Major Corp | ||||||||
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Blue Jay Iron Phototaxis Shy Thunder |
Character1 Character2 | ||||||||
Summary
Background
In the aftermath of A new path forward, Shy and the N-51 now are intrigued by the Ksatria territory and the prospect of potentially gaining a new supply route to their main base on the Western front. Realizing they had too few resources to engage in this endeavor, a group of runners would be required to undergo this task. And find a group of runners they did.
The Meet
Arriving at the N-51 Seattle base in Redmond, a small group of runners were confronted by one Le Bourguinion, the current leader of the N-51 operations in Seattle. After brief introductions Bourguinion informed the runners their efforts in Indonesia had been going south for the most part and that Shy may have found a way forward. Unaware of every detail the runners were offered a pay of 40 thousand nuyen. With brief negotiations and the N-51 unable to provide more monetary funds, they agreed to give donations of various weapons and armor in exchange for a job well done. After finding little else to bargain for the runners hopped aboard the transport aircraft with Blue Jay's Roadmaster given two parachutes for when they need to land. Tension however lingering between Phototaxis and Iron for comments hurled at each other all too frequently. With Blue Jay, Thunder, and the other N-51 personnel on the plane feeling it too. But thankfully professionalism won out before any major conflict could arise.
Eventually the aircraft hovered relatively close to the FOB where Shy was located. The runners diving out via their own chute or inside Blue Jay's roadmaster into the abandoned city streets, the sound of gunfire lining the air nearly non-stop. As they snuck around the city Shy was able to greet the runners and acted as their escort to the FOB the N-51 was stationed at, managing to avoid any Rebel detection along the way. Upon arriving at the barely held together base, the runners and Shy walked towards the commanders office that was lined in countless piles of paper with the tiniest hint of a background count tied to stress. Regardless the commander kept his composure before informing the runners of the situation the N-51 was losing bad and they needed a new supply route to stand a chance at succeeding on their goal. Said supply route was through a now noticed third faction known as the Ksatria who had claimed nearly all of the northern portion of the island for their own. Recently, the leader of the Ksatria, one known as Hantu had agreed to meet with Shy in exchange for a hostage they held. The hostage being a potent Ksatria adept. Iron during this time began searching the Matrix for information on Hantu and the Ksatria as a whole. The Ksatria were rumored to have ties with the Dayak Council, another nearby Indonesian superpower with ties to Renraku. Hantu however having a bounty of 500,000 nuyen on her head from Saeder-Krupp for killing an upper suit in the corporation, who also happened to be a dragon. Some theories Iron could ascertain being that Saeder-Krupp was rumoured to be supporting the rebels. With all the information gathered in mind their goal was made clear. Strike a deal with the Ksatria to secure a supply route through their territory. With little else other than that the runners agreed given their payment had already been arranged in Seattle.
Outside they saw the prisoner being handled by the N-51 interrogator. The prisoner trapped by both mage cuffs and plasteel restraints. Following up on this Iron managed to devise a collar bomb and strapped it to his neck, stating if he did anything even remotely out of line his life was forfeit. Seeing as this threat was made fluently in his native language the prisoner seemed to nod and what little rebellion remained in him was snuffed out. Accompanying the runners was a squadron of 4 Etrius members and Hank, the lot of them likely also being used as a show of force for when the negotiations began. With their hostage aboard Blue Jay's roadmaster and the N-51 not too far behind, the group headed off, hopefully ready to turn the tide of this war.
The Journey
Able to find an alternative route thanks to Iron and Blue Jay's handiwork and local N-51 maps, the runners headed westward towards a road that would lead them straight into the Ksatria territory. However, as they drove along the way various runners heard rumbling from up ahead. Through their skills of observation, the runners were able to see it to be an armored convoy of AMVs housing rebel soldiers. Unfortunately with no way to hide their tracks a fight seemed inevitable. However they would not be unprepared. Thunder and Phototaxis quickly summoned their spirits ready for a fight. Shy hiding amidst the trees to get a clean shot. Iron readying a rocket launcher for when they were to arrive. And with a brief hack and launch the battle commenced. The first vehicle stopped dead in its tracks as Shy scored a clean shot center mass at the engine block, the second being blown sky high thanks to Iron's rocket. The battle waged on with Phototaxis' spirit charging and disrupting the last remaining turret atop the AMVs causing its operator to die with Iron only sustaining mild damage as the giant approached the front lines. Afterwards the bug like spirit proceeded to tear apart any rebel soldier that it could in its wake. Thunder's arrows and spirit all the while managing to find their mark. The fighting raged on. Shy able to pick apart various soldiers 1 by 1. Blue Jay keeping up suppressing fire on the remaining soldiers and mark them for death. Eventually however through the efforts of the runners the Rebel soldiers were defeated with one final stabbing from Hank leaving the remainder of the rebels surrendering to the runners mercy. However Iron chose to leave one more present for whoever would arrive at the scene before the group departed.
Aboard the vehicle the Rebel soldier relayed all he knew after a brief interrogation courtesy of the runners. Granted not much need be done given the massive bug woman, Ksatria captive, and the legendary Shy all being in the same vehicle. The Rebel choosing to give them enough information to piece together their general strategies in the area. The information also including the name of their commanding officer and the 3 individuals in charge of the 3 AMVs. With this intel now in hand Iron gave the only mercy that could be provided. A swift and painless death, leaving their body along the side of the road before peeling off northwards. Iron however was resourceful, researching one of the vehicle leaders socials to be able to imitate their voice, managing to do so after finding them singing for their sons birthday. Through an edit of their voice Iron was able to direct the local commanding officer to send "backup" to the ambush site saying the convoy was intercepted by N-51 personnel. Which granted, it was. Unaware as to how successful their trap was the runners continued on.
However, further complications would arise as ahead of their path would be an active warzone between the N-51 and Rebels, the road they were traveling being DIRECTLY in the crossfire. Thinking quickly Blue Jay observed ahead to find a secret path through the western portion of the conflict, while this was on the Rebels side it would be the most efficient route ahead. Agreeing to this the runners headed on through, Blue Jay's stealth based drive being immaculate once more. However Iron and the Iron Warriors peering through the matrix where able to see ahead that 2 military styled vehicles laid in wait, their makeup heavily resembling tanks. Using this to his advantage Iron was able to cause a chain fire along their ammo reserves. Everyone in the surrounding area hearing a VERY potent explosion and as the runners drove by all they saw was two ashen craters where the tanks once stood. With that behind them and the border dead ahead, they carried on, ready for whatever the Ksatria may have in wait.
The Negotiations
Arriving within the Ksatria borders, their hostage stated the group mainly contacts each other through secure radio channels. After giving the appropriate frequency the Ksatria told the runners to step outside their vehicles. With Iron agreeing to be the bait should something go wrong. The Etrius squad and Hank not too far behind him. But no sniper shots nor spells were thrown his way making room for the other runners made themselves seen. The rain now pouring heavily upon them. Wishing Blue Jay to remain dry Thunder summoned a water spirit to assist in this, however one attempt only caused Blue Jay to get more wet before the second ended up in her head becoming a form of sprinkler, realizing this was likely the best be could get Thunder shrugged. Eventually, a group of Ksatria soldiers made themselves known to the group and instructed them to follow. The walk roughly 2 kilometers in length proved somewhat taxing for some but thankfully they all seemed to make it to their base intact.
Arriving at a coastal encampment made primarily of tents and not much else, Phototaxis and Thunder began to assense the area, PT sending out an insect spirit as well to scout along the astral. What came back frightened the runners, Next to every other Ksatria combatant here seemed to be a form of awakened with cyberware and potent magic. Alerting the other runners combat would likely not be the best course of action should it come to blows. Regardless however the group headed towards the main tent where Hantu sat across from them with what seemed to be 2 elite Ksatria enforcers, one troll given their size and one humanoid shaped, both covered head to toe in armor. Hantu dressed the same pardon her helmet removed that sat upon the table, a curtain standing behind her and the two other armored figures. She offered seats to the runners, but apart from Thunder and Blue Jay, the others chose to stand as tension lined the air.
The negotiations began roughly as Iron refused to remove the collar till the negotiations were done. Thankfully Hantu did not protest this before asking various questions as to what the N-51's goals truly were and where their loyalties lie. Shy answered as honestly as she could, stating that they were hired by the local government to combat the rebel forces, rescue the civilians, and retake the island if they were capable of such a feat. Whilst Shy and Hantu exchanged words Hantu began to seem slightly off as her posture and demeanor seemed off putting as she occasionally would cough loud and noticeably. Hantu then asking the larger individual to grab her a glass of water. However before this and slightly after this, Thunder noticed a strange method in which the curtain folded, Blue Jay also noticing a similar pattern to it. Phototaxis intrigued by this assensed Hantu and the general area, noticing both the fact there was VERY potent life signs behind the curtain and that Hantu's health was terrible. A potent infection rifling through her body that was fighting it off as best it could.
After relaying this information to the others, Shy continued her discussion with Hantu who asked Shy a simple question, if it were the Rebels to pay the N-51, would they agree with and go along with their actions. Shy was honest in this front, stating they were soldiers of fortune, mercenaries. They would work with them, some of the N-51 would likely protest some of the cruel treatment, but at the end of the day they work for money. Yet despite that their goal now is the evacuation of all citizens they can manage. Hantu thanked Shy for her honesty, however negotiations sadly seemed to go little else where before Iron bluntly stated Hantu was dying. Sighing to herself Hantu confirmed the statement. Hantu did not have much time and while her body was supernaturally strong, it could not hold out forever.
With a new leverage point, the runners inquired about what ailed her. Hantu relayed that the Rebels had made a new form of biological warfare via augmented/altered mosquitos. Multiple Ksatria soldiers already falling due to the viral weapon. Voices of reason prevailing that with Hantu's life short and the N-51 desperate, an alliance would only benefit both parties. With this in mind a consensus was reached. If the N-51 could manage to launch an attack on the facility that made these Mosquitos, the Ksatria would allow safe passage through the southern portion of their territory. However, if they also managed to cure her Hantu would agree to a full alliance with the N-51. Iron chose to stay behind and help devise a cure for her affliction. Stating he would rendezvous with the other runners when the operation was underway. Agreeing to this the runners departed pardon Iron who went with Hantu. As they walked beyond the curtain, a group of Red Samurai that were laying in wait stood up and followed the pair.
Preparations
For Iron's preparations and efforts, read Seterika Within
Shy contacted the main base along the Western coast stating she needed escort, stating the negotiations were almost a complete success with only one more task required for success. The N-51 sent over 2 transport airships to pick up the two roadmasters, the runners, the Etrius personnel, and Hank. Eventually the aircraft arrived and despite a hiccup involving various rebel vehicles near the headquarters, Shy's keen sight was able to point them out allowing the pilots to avoid what may have been a messy confrontation.
Arriving at the base it seemed far more put together than the FOB they had just been present at. At this base Shy spoke to the people assembled stating they needed recon and to formulate an attack to destroy a rebels facility. Acknowledging this the N-51 agreed to send out a reconnaissance jet to observe the given area to hopefully find the exact location of the facility and what enemies may lurk in wait. Whilst the Jet was doing its reconnaissance, Phototaxis took a well deserved nap to regain her strength. The summoning of spirits proving quite taxing on her body with a similar decision befalling Thunder as he rested.
Up in the skies Blue Jay peered through the cameras included in the jet, a quick flyby being enough for Blue Jay to discern the location of the facility and not much else, as the jet landed and she disconnected from the camera feed she went through the footage to identify what threats awaited them. The opposition she could see and tag consisting of the following:
- 12 tanks
- 4 Fighter Jets
- 18 AMVs
- 356 tallied soldiers, untold amount untallied
Knowing the odds were stacked against them the runners and Iron began to form a plan. The N-51 would act as a diversion, drawing the rebels attention to the south as they advanced, Iron through his efforts would manage to secure the aid of an elite squadron that would convincingly make themselves known along the western side, making it seem as though the assault was a cover for them, when in actuality both of them were a diversion for the real attack squad. That being the runners, Etrius, and Hank who would attack the facility and destroy it. With a plan in mind Shy managed to secure a company with the following numbers.
- 10 "tanks"
- 20 Scout dirtbikes
- 6 ATVs
- Air support if needed will be sent
- Total number of soldiers: 100
With this being all they could assemble and the codename given to this attack being "Operation Lévrier" where the N-51 would hopefully achieve victory amongst a mountain of defeats. And with everyone assembled and ready upon Iron's return, the forces departed. Unaware of the horrors that awaited them within the walls of the city and the facility.
Operation Lévrier
With the company on its way Blue Jay and the Etrius Roadmasters stealthfully drove along the western side of the city. Upon hearing the N-51' assault begin the groups floored it towards the city hoping to encircle it and quickly find an opening. As they drove along the side The runners perceived the areas in every way they could. Iron and Blue Jay able to see a group of red armored individuals infiltrating the city through the Western defenses. Meanwhile Phototaxis, Thunder, and Shy were able to see disturbances on the astral. in the forms of massive swarms that frantically surrounded the exterior and the city. Iron being able to identify them as the mosquitos that had infected Hantu and other Ksatria soldiers. Thankfully however the roadmasters the runners took were equipped, Blue Jays with electrical defenses and the N-51's by the fact everyone inside was very well armored. With little else to worry about the runners rounded around the back of the city only to see the northern portion as well guarded as the East. Confused by this yet unfazed the runners entered the city through the Western portion that faced the coast, this area not as well guarded thankfully. And with Blue Jay's expert driving the group was able to infiltrate the city.
Inside the city the mosquitos seemed far more prevalent. Wishing for them to be less of a concern the runners looked around for anything that may be controlling them. And through their senses the runners were able to find a radio tower PT was able to discern as sending out a vague frequency that angered the Mosquitos. Iron acknowledging this quickly dispatched of the towers matrix security with little to no problem. Leaving PT's spirit to wander towards it. And after but a short while the runners looked in satisfaction as the tower seemed to collapse upon nearby buildings. The spirit despite being injured was able to return to Phototaxis, its mission accomplished. The mosquitos while still present seemed to be less of a threat, still somewhat active giving the active combat going on around the city, but not actively seeking blood.
Continuing on through the streets, the runners ran into yet another complication as ahead of them sat 2 AMVs seeming on guard for the sake of the facility. Wishing to quickly be rid of them Iron decided alongside the assistance of an invisibility spell courtesy of Thunder headed towards the closest AMV. Almost being caught twice before through skinlink he sent the AMV screeching towards the frontlines, the driver mentally thinking the Southern forces needed support. Sadly the success was not to last as the second AMV seemed far more observant opening fire in Iron's relative direction. Hopping into action, Phototaxis and Thunder's spirits hopped into action as Rebel soldiers made themselves known firing upon the Roadmaster they now saw alongside its occupants. Breeching the top hatch Shy made quick work of the turret gunner with a clean headshot. However the rebel soldiers seeing her were able to be rid of her with their assault rifles leaving her unconscious on the floor of the roadmaster. Enraged by this Thunder charged forward tanking blow after blow from the rebels weapons. His and Phototaxis's sprits unfortunately also succumbing to the rebels weaponry. Thankfully Iron was able to gain control of the vehicle and use it against the rebels after dataspiking the driver inside. The ATV proceeding to run over one rebel soldier as Thunder finished off the last guard. In the aftermath however, the group quickly rushed over to Shy's aid. Thanks to Blue Jay's Valkyrie module, Thunder's healing, and a med kit she was stabilized and capable of still fighting despite the pain.
Eventually the runners arrived approximately a quarter of a kilometer away from the facility, the exterior seemingly heavily reinforced with concrete and plasteel sheets. Even from the distance they were at the Facility gave off wrong vibes. Through her assensing Phototaxis was able to discern the origins of the BGC. Noticing the familiar taints of blood magic, the infection, and the SLIGHTEST hint of the horrors that lie beyond. Informing the runners of this only adding to the tension. Thunder preparing accordingly with a mixture of Wood pulp and Silver bullets in a magazine primarily loaded with Ex-Explosive rounds. Blue Jay's flyspy was able to physically scan the outside of the facility. Four guards stationed near the front door with 2 groups of 2 guards seemingly protecting a southern and Eastern side entrance. There seemed to be next to no alternative entrance, next to every way in or out meticulously barricaded or sealed off. Security cameras also in place along the outside perimeter. The northern section of the facility however seemed far more reinforced. More sheets and even more care taken to block entryways and vents that would lead there, likely indicating that to be the main area of the facility. And given how this was a research facility for bioweapons some degree of self destructive failsafe was likely put in place.
Taking this opportunity as the group sent out drones and assensed to do some physical reconnaissance, Iron with another invisibility spell provided by Thunder headed towards the facility. Thankfully undetected apart from one guard who seemed incredibly paranoid, swearing they heard footsteps approaching via DNI, Iron taking advantage of this sent the figure on a wild goose chase, stating there was motion detected in the northern portion. The figure quickly headed towards the location allowing Iron access to an external camera. The device posing next to no threat Iron was able to perceive the security in place, 3 deckers in place of a dedicated host. Likely scrapped after Iron and the Iron Warriors efforts. Taking prime advantage of this Iron simply deactivated the decks which would never turn on again, registering next to every bit of matrix security mute.
With the matrix security down the group of runners prepared an ambush. Thunder would with his bow and arrow snipe down the left most guard, Blue Jay would narcojet the next guard, Phototaxis' newly acquired spirit would assassinate the next guard, and finally Shy with her crossbow would take out the paranoid guard on the far right. With quick precision and efficiency all of the external front facing guards were dealt with. Ready to breach Iron, Shy, Iron, Thunder, and Phototaxis' spirit readied themselves near the front door, Etrius ordered to stay behind and take out any Rebels reinforcements that may come along and/or deal with other Rebels that would flank them. A ward however guarded an entrance which Phototaxis' sprit readied to break. With one swift breach the runners noticed near immediately 4 Rebel soldiers guarding the main lobby of the facility. With swift and stealthy motions, the runners quickly dispatched of all security including a spirit Shy swiftly dealt with.
With the mage likely knowing of their presence the runners found themselves preparing for whatever lay in wait beyond the northern door deeper into the facility. Inside the runners were immediately faced with well armored SK HTR who immediately opened fire upon the runners. Shy and Iron taking the front lines as two hulking mechanical bodies emitting a strange green like liquid charged in front of the HTR squad with axes in hand. In French the worlds "tue-moi" repeatedly being muttered underneath their breath. Hank desperate for a fight also made his way towards the frontlines managing to injure the lumbering metallic giants. Shy in the meanwhile targeting the SK HTR to injure them severely before being put down herself by a well placed shot from an armored mage in the back. Blue Jay's drones attempting to aid the runners with suppressive fire being rained upon the SK troops in the hallway. Phototaxis' spirit also targeting the mage that positioned itself in the back. Iron however during this process got an idea as he noticed the armored figures were matrix online. With a hand placed upon one, he seemingly took control of it. Causing the suit of armor to open fire upon the SK HTR it called its "allies."
Hank drew the attention of the armored behemoths away from the other runners as he chipped away at their reinforced hides. Thunders rifle barely able to scratch them. As the pair did so however, Iron with the knowledge that the armored figures were active on the matrix, dataspiked the pair of what he now recognized to be Headcases. With the dataspikes successful all Iron heard was the last words of "Merci" relayed to him through the matrix before they collapsed to the ground dead. The SK HTR however did not let up not a bit, requiring the runners to fall back into the hallway to seek cover as the advance seemed inevitable. Blue Jay's drones falling as they continued onwards. Hank retreating to the corridor as his strength was seemingly fading. But as all hope seemed loss Shy's revenant abilities kicked in, allowing her to make one final stand stealthfully pulling a massive bandolier of grenades out of her satchel. Taking a dosage of K-10 to survive the ensuing blast as she set them off all at once, diving for cover as the explosion ripped apart the 2 SK HTR that were just over her "dead" body. The armor of the Cyborgs likely also saving her life.
Now with only 2 HTR left the runners began using all they had, thankfully as Iron noticed one of the SK HTR to be a decker, he called upon the aid of the Iron Warriors who helped him cripple the decker, sending him in and out of Hot Sim causing the HTR decker to become motionless as they blinked in and out of VR. The mage seeing the writing on the wall attempted to flee but not before Shy managed to activate a grenade placed upon them. Causing the mages belt of grenades to go off killing her near instantly as the explosion reverberated through the hall. Hank being knocked out from the blast but still alive none the less. And with Iron's mace rammed repeatedly into the decker's skull the battle despite its hardships seemed won.
What awaited them within these walls now that combat was over... haunted the runners. Behind one door, a massive pile of dead bodies lay in open view, some appearing to be smaller than others. Down another hallway appeared to be multiple N-51 soldiers, seemingly turned rapid due to going starving with HMHVV 3. In another room a row of monitors seemed to show the near entire island, the FOB of the N-51, the main base, even some views within the Ksatria border were all on display. In yet another room Shy noticed the bodies of N-51 pilots, Choke them all. Their skulls hollowed out as various bits of medical and cybernetic equipment seemed thrown about the room. Phototaxis seeing this nearly hurling as memories flowed through her mind. However, on the... slightly less dark side of things Iron managed to find a massive data storage he would peer through later as Shy managed to find a paper journal written in a language she would recognize as Enochian. With one final search they managed to find the main terminal and set the place to be eviscerated as they ran out. Grabbing the drones and Hank before returning to the Roadmasters that awaited outside. A giant plume of flames leaking out as all within the building was burnt to a crisp. The runners able to drive away with little difficulties after this... a mission well done.
Aftermath
The N-51 and Ksatria agreed to do official negotiations after the fact. The runners were given safe passage home. But the memories of what they encountered on the island may never go away... with countless new horrors likely in store. But with the information they acquired... maybe there is hope yet to once again turn the tide. For whatever may lie ahead.
Remaining N-51 Company
- 7 "Tanks"
- 12 Dirt Bikes
- 3 ATV
- 64 alive
- 24 Wounded
- 12 dead
Rewards
- Extreme: 30 RVP x 4.1 (25 hours)
- 123 RVP total
- 40k nuyen (20 RVP)
- 100k nuyen in gear rates for weapons, weapon attachments, armor, armor modifications up to 24F avail. Vehicle weapons also applicable. Remainder can be taken in liquid nuyen (25 RVP)
- 52 Karma (52 RVP)
- 52 CDP (26 RVP)
- +3 N-51 rep
- +2 free CDP
- +The fact y'all dealt 17 million nuyen in damages to SK.
For Shy
- 64 Karma (64 RVP)
- 100k nuyen in gear rates for weapons, weapon attachments, armor, armor modifications up to 24F avail. Vehicle weapons also applicable. Remainder can be taken in liquid nuyen (25 RVP)
- 68 CDP (34 RVP)
- +3 N-51 rep
- +2 Free CDP
- +The fact y'all dealt 17 million nuyen in damages to SK.
- Counts as Initiation/Submersion/Ascension for anyone involved.
OPTIONAL REWARDS
- Iron: Can gain access to a Renraku beta clinic. All ware obtained count as having gear rate discounts.
OPTIONAL QUALITIES
- Drug Tolerant for Shy (6 RVP)
- Legendary Rep: Red Samurai for Iron (4 RVP)
- Tough as nails stun/phys for Shy (5 RVP per rank)
- Lucky for Shy (12 RVP)
- Groupthink for Blue Jay (5 RVP)
- Dedicated Conjurer for Phototaxis (5 RVP)
- Magic Resistance for Iron at chargen rates
Game Quotes
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Player After Action Reports (AARs)
Shy : Audiolog from Lieutenant Hiromi de la Perrière "When i enlisted fifteen years ago, i thought i would walk in the footstep of my father and mother, serving the country, with pride and patriotism. I've believed in all of those valors. Until i got cast away, after doing my job. Those last months were the first real engagement of the N-51 out of the UCAS, the first since we got our IMA clearence. I have mixed feel about the whole endeavour. I've thought i could see many horrors and just shrug off the sentiment of it. War soothed my pain many times when i faced such...things. On the other hand we turned a bloody defeat into a costly victory, which isn't bad all in all we'll recover soon enough. I've got another close call with death, throwed myself at it yet again... This time though was different, it felt like it was too much.
I think it's another sign that it's time for me to retire, my night are haunted with visions of what i've read and uncovered from time to time, never delve too much in the depth of those topics, but added to everything else i'm starting to feel...Awful, can't sleep anymore at night, i knew i'd bear the veteran's weight...Not that much. Still there is one last job i need to achieve, steal that god damn plane. Then i'll be free to go. Or at least i would have died trying. I'm kinda sad i didn't had time to pay a drink to that Hantu girl, i'm sure we have a lot in common...wish her luck she'll need it.