Jun 23 14:54:26 109 PA - Information and a Few Laughs

From Chronicles

Jun 23 14:54:26 109 PA.

TRADEWINDS COFFEE SHOP

Sithik nods as he pulls the small inertial mapping device from his rabbit fur pack that was slung over his shoulder. "This is the device I am looking to learn how to use. I did not realize it would be such a difficult contraption to interpret," showing Tek the navigational gadget.

Tek smiles and without looking replies, "It is from the gidgit series, serial number 824019894B3. You also picked up some advanced thermal and FLIR devices and a communicator finally as well I see. And I thought you were the non-tech guy in town and look at you now Sithik. I am proud almost, I will teach you so long as you agree to teach me something afterwards."

JINGLE JINGLE goes the coffehouse's hanging chime as Gabriel enters for a late lunch. Already has lunch apparently, in the form of a sandwich of some type with lettuce sticking out the sides. A clipboard is tucked under his arm, and though he takes the time to note people in the room, his first destination is the counter.

Sithik stands near where Tek sits, not having taken a seat of his own apparently yet. "I can teach mostly wilderness knowledge, though I do have other knowledge I can offer in exchange as well. What might you be wanting to learn?"

"Coffee? No, just some of that juice. Yeah, the orange juice," Gabriel clarifies to the barista. A few credits later, he's holding a bottle of orange liquid and looking around the room. Sithik stands out, both figuratively and literally, and his legs start to take him that direction.

Tek glances over his shoulder when he hears the door and gives a nod in Gabe's direction before responding to Sithik, "I am sure there is something we can figure out. I am not too worried about it we can figure that out at a later time.

Sithik gives a slight bow of his head, "If you wish. How soon will you have time to begin training? I understand you have other work to complete." He looks up to Gabriel as he approaches, offering a bow of his head in greeting.

"Hey, guys," Gabriel greets casually, unscrewing the top of the plastic bottle as he slows. "How's the day?" His head tilts slightly as he looks at the table. "Someone taking a trip?"

"We can start here in the next day or so, just swing by the shop." then looking to Gabe as he approaches, "Hey there Gabriel. I hope your weekend has been good to you."

Sithik responds to Gabriel's question, "I have just returned from Arcadia actually." Then offers a nod to Tek, "I will come by tomorrow then," keeping it short and to the point.

Gabriel waves to excuse himself from speech for a few seconds by wiggling the pinky finger on the hand he's using to tilt back his bottle. That done, he answers, "Good weekend, but work never stops. Fortunately, this is Sunday and even I try to keep work to a minimum on the Sabbath, hence the lack of uniform." His collar is grabbed, where there are no lapel insignia nor crisp material. Just clothes. "I actually have something for both of you, so this is a pleasant coincidence. Don't get excited, I didn't get you both a puppy." A low chuckle trails off into, "So what's going on with the miners?"

Tek seems interested in the the question Gabe asks and remains silent looking to Sithik with interest.

Sithik stands near Tek who is sitting at the counter and Gabriel who is also standing at the moment. The reptilian creature that usually accompanies the hunter might be noticed outside when one is entering, maybe not, depending on how curious it had gotten. Responding to Gabriel, "Coalition soldiers have occupied the small town under what I believe are false pretenses based upon the attack which brought them in as aid to the helpless miners."

The soldier thinks on that for a moment, tapping his plastic bottle of orange juice idly with his fingers. Eventually, Gabriel asks, "Doesn't the Coalition usually just take what it wants, if there's something that it wants?"

Tek smiles and pulls out a PDD-V and opens it up on the table in front of Gabe and presses play, "You might want to see this."

Leonard enters the Tradewinds for his morning cup of coffee, even if it may only be morning in his mind alone. Late nights and early mornings make the afternoon the waking hours.

Sithik allows the video to explain the situation, waiting until the end to add, "From my scouting on the day of the attack, I found a heavily armed compound controlled by the Coalition that I later found out was Devil's Gate. This compound had pens holding with the same creatures you see in the video. So I returned to scout for a possibility to see the village council. No possibility for a man like me now."

Still thinking, and looking at the very strange video, it takes Gabriel some time to eventually form something useful. He turns first to Sithik. "If you could find the village elders, or whoever they are - what would you tell them? I don't want to be negative or anything, but apparently from what you and Tek have said, these are people who believe they were saved by the Coalition. The only actual proof that you have of anything unusual is that some grunts were using on rifles on low power settings. Assuming again that the video is legitimate, of course." He looks to Tek, then back to Sithik again. "A stranger telling them that their apparent saviors are lying to them? That might take more evidence. It would have for me, if I'd been in their position. I'm not saying that you're wrong, though. It is very suspicious. Would have been nice if those figures with the creatures at night had been more clear."

Tek shrugs as he pulls the PDD-V towards himself and starts to put it away, "I am just a mechanic, I don't even pretend to have the appropriate skills to convince anyone of anything unless it has to do with machines or electronics."

As he awaits his turn in line, and then upon his drink, Leonard cannot help but overhear portions of the discussion. "I wouldn't worry overmuch. The Coalition's stay there will be brief." Even prior to receiving his heated caffeine, his words are a confident statement of fact.

Sithik nods in agreement with Gabriel, "You are right, but, I have seen the mood of the villagers, there are still some that hate their new found allies. It is those I seek to confront. I need help getting inside to look around. Maybe kidnap the Coalition leader to learn more of this deception." then looks to Leonard, "Not from what I have seen, they are rooting themselves in."

Gabriel gives Leonard a very interested look, echoing Sithik's in a way. "They've gotten what they went in for?" Then to the tattooed man, he asks, "Can you quantify 'some' as a percentage?" He almost leaves it at that, but doesn't, not entirely. "Tek, I think maybe you sell yourself short." Brief, yes.

Tek just shrugs after finishing his coffee and sliding it out on the counter to indicate that he is ready for a refill, "Ehhh it does not matter, I know where my strengths lie. I know I am not a soldier and I know I am not a spy. I have picked up some skills that help some but mostly I am just good with fixing things. I don't mind I like it that way."

Leonard receives his cup and takes a tentative sip or two before turning to meet Gabriel's look. His shoulders roll. "I've no idea what they came for, other than to take control of the mines by duping the residents and making themselves appear the heroes. They are not the only ones who can corral or direct beasts for their benefit, however. I expect that the townsfolk will be under their own jurisdiction within a week, and the soldiers fled back to Devil's Gate or beyond." He blows to cool the drink slightly for a longer swallow. "Presuming that any survive."

Sithik replies to Gabriel, "It is enough that I was able to notice the workers emotions. It is not likely that I would have noticed if it was only a few grumpy workers. Though it is the mine's laborers that hold most of these emotions. Makes me think they are being overworked to meet unreal demands." A slightly puzzled look to Leonard. "How can you be so sure? They annihilated the last army of creatures quite easily when it came time."

Gabriel quickly agrees with Sithik, if only to say, "That sounds ominous..."

Tek seems interested in what Leonard has to say and probes, "Why are the soldiers going to be leaving so quickly Leonard?"

"Because it isn't healthy for them to stay," Leonard explains. "The strains of combat can wreak havoc on those of weak minds. Their own strengths of firepower and organization are for nothing when the latter crumbles and they turn on one another." Another shrug and sip of coffee follow. Sithik frowns slightly, "And what of the villagers when this breakdown of moral happens? What keeps the soldiers from turning their loss of control on them?"

"Good question," Gabriel says with a nod to Sithik. "But why are these guys, who apparently just scored a big victory, going to start fragging each other?"

Tek shakes his head, "The whole thing sounds fishy to me. But as I said just a moment ago I am just a mechanic and really don't understand such things."

Leonard answers the questions with a chuckle, "They will, because I want them to, and the residents will be relatively safe for the same reason. Now," he fixes his attention upon Gabriel and lifts a brow, "is there any further news regarding other travels? If not, I should tend to my preparations." Sithik tilts his head a bit but doesn't say anything further on this situation. Turning to Gabriel, "Yes, is there anything new with the ambassador escort? When will we be leaving for Tolkeen?"

Gabriel thinks on Leonard's words for a while, but then shrugs it off. "You're the mage, I'm not. Gotta look at angles, I guess. But yes, there is news. They want us in Tolkeen a week from now, so gather your gear, prep your magic, whatever it is that you need to do. Sithik, I actually brought these for you." He reaches around to the small pack that he's been wearing and brings out a smaller bag, handing it across. "Stun grenades. You, Erebos and myself. Tek will be supporting, in one way or another, and Leonard certainly doesn't need my mundane pieces of equipment." He tosses a smile up to the mage. "I don't know how long we'll be staying in the city though, before we move on. I assume that it will be quick, but I don't know. No further details on destination, Leonard."

Tek smiles and nods to Gabe, "I have picked up a few things as well. Do I need to worry about bringing Techno-Wizard devices with me or other items that can be felt to have magic in them?"

"Then I'll leave you to your 'mundane equipment,'" Leonard puts the single quotes in his tone with a smirk. "I'll plan that we will not stay at all, and be possibly pleasantly surprised if we do. Also, you will be near one or more nexi, Tek." He eyes the man. "Anything near enough to detect the energy would be rather blinded by them to notice much else." With that, he excuses himself and moves for the door, accompanied by his coffee.

Sithik looks to Gabriel, "I can prepare my magic in Tolkeen adding a pair of creatures to our escort as long as we will be going directly from the Nexus to hostile territory. I can only keep them here for 2 hours." With Leonard leaving he looks to both men still remaining, "I must go as well, I have some concerns."

Gabriel perks a brow at Tek's question. Although he looks to Leonard for an expert opinion, he does suggest, "I hope the guy drawing on the nexus, or multiple nexuses, knows what he's doing. Catch you later, Leonard. If there's anything I might be able to get you, let me know. I probably can't get it, but I can try." He shrugs, hoping things will go well - but knowing that something devious will happen, no matter how perfectly it's planned. Without even explaining why he utters the words, he does: "Universe just seems to work like that." As Sithik turns to go, he just quickly adds, "I'll be starting your search now, Sithik. Had some other ends to tie up."

Tek gives a nod of farewell to both Leonard and Sithik and says, "I also must be heading out. Though I am not heading to church or for relaxation, some of us work on the sabbath." With a chuckle Tek finishes his coffee and starts for the door.

Sithik nods, "Thank you. I will return by the time we leave for Tolkeen."

Gabriel frowns as the party dissolves. "If you have a couple of minutes, Tek, I'd talk with you. But I understand if you need to take off, too. It's not critical."

Tek looks up to the time and shrugs, "I have a few minutes if it is something quick."

Gabriel nods, smiles and slides into one of the seats as Tek's table. "Okay, you asked me to look for new stuff but didn't want to pay. I figured 'hey, I can do him a favor' with it. I've been all over the city, through the books, out to Whykin, all the way to MercTown. Scrubbed everything that I could find. I found a new thing, but it probably doesn't technically fit the specification of 'something that benefits a mechanic.' It's also obviously not ultra-secret. Without the money, time and support of a real government - or at least the time - I'm not, and no one else is going to dig up industrial secrets." He pats the table a few times. "I'm quite good at what I do, but getting into the dungeons of secrecy takes time."

Tek smiles and raises a hand to the barista indicating he will indeed take another coffee, "Ohh? Can you be broad about what field it is in? Ohh I am hoping weapons or armor. And how juicy? I mean how much will the info cost?"

"Weapons. As for juicy, I told you that it's for you to decide. The information is just data to me." Gabriel taps the table with a fingernail. "I also said that all data costs the same. Now, I quoted you a price of six-thousand for what I've done. In fact, I quoted you a price of six-thousand for *less* than what I've done. Considering time and resources spent against a job that wasn't officially contracted, I'll give you the one-time ultra-discount to halve it to three." His palm flops open. "Fair?"

Tek nods, "Sure, sounds good."

The agent from times long past silently pockets the money, tacking just a quiet, "Thank you, Tek," before explaining what he'd found. "The Coalition is going to begin issuing - and may have already issued to some of the more elite units - a new infantry laser rifle. It's somewhat ironic, because it might concern us where we'll be going." He makes a few hand motions to go along with the information. "It fires a laser, with a return sensor picking up on the efficiency of the beam. Over the course of a few seconds, the beam is adjusted for maximum effect on the target - hence the term 'variable frequency.' Now, apparently these VFs have been around for a while, but this one is better. The part where it impacts us, is that by varying its beam for maximum effect on a single target, Glitter Boy armor can be somewhat negated. If I'd had the support of the U.S. Government behind me, I might have schematics, but for now, that's the information that I could dig up. You might hear whispers of other things from mercs coming and going, who knows. But this is real data, closer to what you were looking for than anything you'll find elsewhere." As he sits back, he offers a smile. "How'd I do, given the time and resources specified?"

Tek shrugs and does not seem so impressed, "Variable laser... even an updated one really does not help me. I am looking for info I can use to reverse engineer. Like umm... Well the last info I bought back a while ago was on the caseless rounds that some corporation or other was working on. I came up with a mock up before they released it and made a killing until they hit the market and my cost was so much higher than the big guys due to their manufacturing. Or say if there were some new type of armor or the like that I could mock up before they released it, that would be worth good money. I mean it is all good there is always risk I just prefer to purchase information that will make me money and I just don't see how that will. But I appreciate the effort."

Gabriel actually laughs. "Well, I guess you have better contacts than I do, if you're ripping completely experimental gear, never released outside of a laboratory and out onto your shop bench with not much more than a phone call. Reverse engineering a new style of VF laser sounds like a pretty good money-maker to me, but what do I know? I'm not the mechanic." He starts to rise, and offers politely, "When and how exactly did you get this other secret information? Maybe I'm just obviously missing something in the new world, a method that I should know about."

Tek holds up his hands, "I am not trying to offend you my friend. It was a long while back when I lived in Merc Town. I no longer have those contacts and the rounds were not that hard to reverse engineer and I only had a very short window to make anything on them but I still like to keep up on things. CS advancements are sometimes not as interesting for me, I am not sure why. But the people I deal with are not generally going against Glitter Boys or any reflective armor, you are talking more military hardware there or super heavy Merc gear. I am more on the mid to low end side. Now the other piece is basic functionality. Like say if you knew the chemical or lens advancement that allowed the laser to work or the specific direction the new advancement was trying that gave a hint at where to begin the reverse engineer that is worth more money. Most information brokers that I have dealt with in the past have always charged based on what the information was. It is just what I am use to."

"The data is all worth the same money," Gabriel replies with a smile. "I would have expected more ingenuity from a psychic mechanic; they say that the biggest hurdle to doing something is simply hearing that it has been done. But please, what kind of information brokers did you have, who trafficked freely in confidential information? I might need to track them down - though apparently they don't exist in Kingsdale, as you haven't found them. Or MercTown, I might add, as I spent a while searching there."

Tek shrugs, "I am not sure if he is still around, it has been a long time since I have talked with him. Like I said Gabriel it is no problem, I appreciate your looking into it for me. If you happen across any tidbits that you think I could use then let me know but I would not go spending your own money on a search right now for me." Smiling Tek rises, "It is time for me to head off to get some things done. Thanks for everything Gabe. I am sure we will be talking again here real soon."

Gabriel remains where he is. "Don't worry, I already did - or tried to do - my good deed. If you find the guy again, or someone else who can do the same thing for you, let me know. Or perhaps a more detailed idea of what you're looking for. You know where to find me, take care, Tek." He returns to his notebook and juice.