Independant Rubikans President Oliewabie vanishes.

[Gaijin]

O_O -_0 -_- 0_- O_O !!!!!

[Windguaerd]

Old Athen, Backyard 1, Apartment 3.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

"Damn! Alarm off!" he screams from underneath the sheets of his comftable bed.

An automated female voice replies. "Alarm is off. Your coffee is being made Commander, you have seven messages in your grid e-mailbox, three are from members of your staff."

The man sits up on his bed, yawns and stretches.

"Time?" he asks with eyes half open.

"Current or related to grid e-mails?" the voice replies.

"Current." he says while yawning.

"6:02 AM"

He gets up from his bed, grabs his white silk robe and slowly walks to the kitchen to fetch his cup of coffee.

"Sort messages on urgency and MD level, display on-screen in livingroom." he commands as he begins to drink his coffee.

"Messages sorted and displayed." the voice replies.

He walks to his livingroom to check his messages at the wide-screen across his sabrethooth leather sofa.

"Hmm...nothing new, General Medjai's report on the upcoming 3rd anniversary celebrations...good, good. I love GSP and their DJ's, very professional. Captain Merkurium requesting a demotion?...damn. I knew it."

Lowering his head, feeling shame for not believing one of his most loyal officers the day before the alien invasion; the atrox had claimed toi had to a vision with a warning, showing at the end of a CoT meeting. He did not believe him, ordered him to go home thinking perhaps he had taken some stim or be drunk.

Knowing he was wrong he had tried to apologize...but Merkurium kept avoiding him.

"So this is the price for not trusting a dragon...damn...never again."

"Open a secure channel to Captain Merkurium."

"Merkurium is not accepting private messages."

"Damn...I'll have to deal with this later."

He puts down his cup of coffee on the livingroom's table knowing that it is very likely he has lost an officer.

"I can't catch a break this week, not one."

"Command not recognized, please repeat." the voice says.

Rolling his eyes, he knows he should have upgraded his home system with a better AI NCU.

"Nevermind...wait, do a search on...let me see..."

He looks at his NCU belt which records all his conversations.

"A Oliewabie, make it a level 10 scan."

"Are you sure you wish me to hack into Omni-Pol criminal database?"

"Just do it!"

"Searching Initiated..."

Taking a sip of his coffee he ponders "I know the name...just can't place it, and who is the target?...I love a good mystery, but I don't need this to bite me in the ass later on."

"Search Complete." The screen flashes, and the information is displayed.

"I knew it! Former leader of IR...I remember the gridfeed back then...she dissapeared overnight...now it looks like...she joined Circle G after a month of her dissapearance. Very interesting."

"Save data, name file...'black sheep' and set to encode level 7."

"Data saved and encoded."

Leaning back on his sofa he takes another sip, wondering how trustworthy this possible employer could be. He always had respected IR, regardless of their inability to see the light and join the clans; but there was something wrong with the picture, something off...why did Oliewabie contacted him in particular? and who is the target?"

He knew only time will provide the answers, and his was too valuable to look into neutral matter that did not concern his clan.

"Hmm...better get back to business. Is there any posts from my thread in the market grid forums since I last check?"

"Affirmative, there are 3 posts."

"Ah good, time to make some pocket change, display all posts. I don't want to be disturbed, only allow Command Staff to open a channel to me."

"Displaying latest posts, channel setting changed to CS only.

He leans forward and smiles, he knows it's going to be a profitable day.

[Pyromanche]

I hadn't realized how things had changed since the aliens had come to the innerspace of Rubika, we sat in the shuttle watching the signs of battle over the horizon as we left the planet's atmosphere. Just beyond that point, the shuttle was hit with a strong blow, and we were boarded, a major and 2 guards stormed in.. grabbing my gun I engaged the Major, my fellow passengers joined in and we took all 3 of them out, suffering minor casualties of our own. Yeah, this was new.
My meeting was the first of it's kind on the Morning Star, normally we net on a ore remote planet, but with this new activity, they felt they needed to be closer to Rubika and took over a full deck with meeting, conference, office and living quarters. All their interests on Rubika at stake, including a new research project, they called me here, I came..

After the bumpy trip I was glad to meet my escort. First stop security; bags checked, gun catalogued, and DNA scan completed, "Ms Peele, let me show you the way" at first I thought he seemed like a pleasent sort. "That would be nice thank you" I smiled, as I did he turned to me, his voice low "You are in grave danger Ms Peele. Trust no one!" He stopped a moment, opening the door to my living quarters for the next few days. "I will return in 2 hours time for dinner." He was gone before I could thank him. Odd sort, but then nanomages are always paranoid.

At the exact appointed time he returned to take me to the dining hall, full of people. It seemed odd that they all ate at the same time. The security was so thick in the room you could feel the eyes on you as you moved through the crowd. From the looks of them, none had ever been to Rubika, knew what it was like to engage in battle, take on the alien menace we now face.. or the menace we are to each other. I was taken to a table, 9 men in black suits, slowly they all stood as I was seated, then sat back down as I put the napkin to my lap. The looked at me in awe, full Armor so in contrast to their own civilized clothes. I carefully began to eat, making sure to mind my manners... ever move I made was being recorded by someone.. I could feel it.

Finally, when the dishes were cleard, the man opposite me, he being the assistant to the man I was summoned to meet.. broke the silence, "Let me introdude Ms Peele, she is an operative for us planetside" everyone at the table turned to me,"She is a professional gentlemen, and now we need to help her as she has done for us." The began to speak, one by one, filling me in on what they were doing on the ship, and why they were there. These men were from all facets of the organization here, and they shared alot of information. I filled my NCU banks by the time they were done. Then a man came to the table, a nanomage doctor, he told me why he and a few others were able to live here, away from Rubika.. then he showed me a small device attatched to his stomach, that kept the notum level at a life sustaining level at all times. "Old technology from diseases of the past. But, you must know, so far those who use them, have eventually gone insane." I thought of Aazamon... and wondered if there was a connection.

I returned to my quarters, the meeting tomorrow would be long and important. I received a message.. Urgent.. Pyro... Your in grave danger back on Rubika. The transmission ended abruptly.

[Pyromanche]

Early in the moring, my commlink rang out and woke me, half a sleep,
"messages"
"15 messages" the voice replied.
"sort messages, code 2"
"mesages sorted: 3 from Maroula, 4 organization members, 3 unclassified Omni Tek, 5 Oliewabie"
I groan as I hear that name... "what in the world does this woman want from me?" I think out loud. Taking a cup of coffee and sitting back on the bed, "messages Maroula"
"Pyro, there seems to be some trouble with Olie. She is not just looking to snipe you, she is making inquiries and threats. Be prepared when you get back" the message beeped off to the next.
"I have taken the liberty of installing a new secutity system in the office and your apartment. All our files are now moved to a undiclosed location. I have put all members on a high security alert." When the message beeped off I considered that my return is full of ore hazzards than the aliens blowing me out of the sky.
"Last message from Maroula" "I am in the process of securing body guards. I have a couple of Field Marshalls and the usual fixers, enforcers. Your shuttle will be met, and you will be escorted to back to Union City. I am doing all I can to ensure you are protected. We have set in motion high security alert... doing the best I can"

Most disconcerning, what the hell is Olie up to? Must be pretty extreme for Mar to be pulling out all the stops. Dressing for my meeting.. inserting only the ncu's I need to hand over for evidence. A year's work and the investigation part is done, for the most part.

"messages unclassified Omni Tek"
A familiar man's voice, "Hey Pyro, I was contacted by Mar, I will be meeting you at the shuttle for your arrival once I am allowed the information. I have some classified information from old friends at Omni-Pol for you." Well that is Field Marshall #1, I feel safer already.
"message 2" another male voice "Hi. Letting you know I am at your service. I will be waiting for more info. Make back safe Pyro." I smile, if I wasn;t safe before, I certainly am now. #2
"last message .. omni tek" "Ms Peele, expect to be called into my office for questioning. I want to know what is going on and why my employees are planning to help you. Must be a good one this time." Wow he sounded angry. For a man who hides like a coward, he has a lot of nerve.

I run to my meeting, knowing that Olie's messages are all threats. I am gonna meet her and just get this over with. No use in hiding, there is nothing she can do at this point. All the information that I have lifted from the computers all over Rubika are here with me now to be delivered. We can show a great force for protection.. but.. there is nothing left to hide from. I have already taken the copies I made and stashed them. Crazy Agent off her medication. I wonder if Multi has gathered the information from the Foresight Agencies mainframe with Olie's medical records.

The same escort from last night shows me into the office, the man sitting in the shadows, smoking his cigarette motions for him to go. Turning on his heal to look me in the face, he whispers "good luck" and leaves. I walk closer, taking off my Computer deck and all the NCU's full of information, "Hello sir, good to see you again." "Hello Emma, please sit" I sit on the couch, making myself comfortable, this is going to be a long meeting.

"Is this all the information?" he asks, blowing his smoke as he speaks.
"Yes sir, as per the request outline I have been to all but one computer on Rubika. The remote access codes where complete, except for 1 and that one I managed to get on my own" grinning as I answer, feeling like the cat that ate the canary.
"Yes, I heard about that. I assume that Gonoc was very instrumental."
"Yes sir. There is a small amount of information not present, but, I am getting some help finding a way into the Dust Brigades computers. I spent a day in the CoT's offices, I have some very up to date information in there. And the hack always for a feed to grab any new information as it happens."
"Excellent work. May I?" he asks pointing to the computer deck.
"Yes of course. Let me load those up for you." I get up and go around to the computer sitting in front of him. Loading the NCU's, the report starts to read out.
"Excellent Emma.. Excellent"

The next few hours are spent going thru the reports and discussing the information. No commlinks allowed at this meeting. Lunch and dinner brought in, coffee snacks. The time seems endless.. the room is dark, the windows only showing the dark universe and starts.. and occassional alien ship gets too close and blown to bits. If not for the food.. the time seemed endless... the meeting goes on.

[Pyromanche]

After 2 days of meetings, I was glad to be heading home. I closed my eyes on the flight, in my mind I could see the palm trees in the Oasis blowing in the wind. On my lap sat a folder full of new orders, to take me through the next year, and a bag full of NCU's to be loaded up with information. Busy would be an understatement.
Ugh.. forgot to check my messages.. I turned on my comm-link "messages, priority alpha"
A moment later the voice replied "2 from Maroula, security level 2, 1 from Fikksit, 1 unknown.. old messages unheard 5 Oliewabie"
What does she want anyway? "mesages Oliewabie"
the comm beeped then 5 messages telling me returning to the planet would be my undoing. Threats, I was ready for her... "send Oliewabie messages to Maroula, instructions: decifer if she is rambling and she needs to be put in a straight jacket or if the threats are real"
"messages Maroula"
"Hey Boss.. you are all set and will be met in force when your shuttle arrives, no worries, I took care of everything."
"Pyro, I hope you have a safe trip, we miss ya. Dinner will be laid out at the club in your private booth." damn, she is a great assistant, I am lucky to have her.
"message Fikksit"
"Hey Babe. I will be waiting for you when you get here. "
"end messages"
Hmm.. I am missing something here. Low level security messages, nothing pressing. No business going on. Guess it has been a slow couple days, or they aren't telling me something. Looking at my watch, half an hour left, oh well.. no time to sleep then.

Leafing through the new work ahead of me, I see some interesting and familiar names, funny.. I wonder why the interest in Windguaerd and Mercury Dragons. Interesting. I wonder if Busty would like this assignment. Send in the seductress and let her do her magic. *laughing to myself*

As the shuttle lands, I am overwhelmed by my welcoming comittee. Seems Mar sent in the big boys, I must be in danger. Immediately I am teamed and grid out of sight.. resurfacing in Union City to get briefed. Escorted inside the Headquarters to the club.
At the table; my dinner is waiting, Sushi and some Tomb water, Maroula takes the bag of NCU's and starts to load them up. Reviewing the information, she pulls out key names. "Pyro, you sure you want to do this?" I reach into my inventory, and pull out an envelope of credits... handing them to her so she can count the notes.
"Ok, I will take that as a yes" she looks alarmed "does any of this go to you?" Swallowing my sushi rolls, I look at her, "It can all go to the org, I don't need anything." As I say it, in walks my fiance Fikksit, smiling, I turn to Maroula.. "I don't need it, and please take that stuff and go organize it. I need to some private time"
She sees my smile and whispers "catch ya later boss"

[Whealer]

Walking to my lab I notice the door is cracked open slightly. Turning the corner I hear the clicking of keys on one of my computers.
"Hey bro. You should really invest in a better security system here."
I run over towards the voice and spin the chair around grabbing hold of the person sitting in it.
"Kari Bear! Its good to see you again!" I exclaim gripping the small Opifex in a bear hug embrace. She strugles to break free as I set her back on the floor.
"You know I hate that name Malcom."
"Ya, ya, whatever." I reply. "So what brings you back to town?"
The room falls silent except for the musing of the GridStream DJ in the background introducing the next song.
"Damnit Karine, what did you do this time? Wait, its probaly better that I don't know."
"So bro, I found some traces of your system being hacked about 3 months ago. I can't really make out who it was but from the looks of things it was from a private office located somewhere in Borealis."
Hopping back into the oversized chair she starts clicking away again. I watch in amazement as she clicks her way through screens that I never would have thought even existed.
"Gonna check with a few buddies of mine to see if I can't figure more out on this."
She gets to a chat screen where it prompts her to regester a handle.

Name : Zoye
User Code : *****


Zoye has logged on
Frix : Heya Zoye!
Zoye : heya Frix
Zoye : quick question
Frix : Shoot.
Zoye : I found traces of a hack on a computer but I can't for the life of me figure out who it belongs to
Zoye : the location its giving me is showing up as vacant
Frix : Hmm, sounds like the user has moved have you tried searching for any information movements to another location?
Zoye : yeah it bounces to a second and then a third location and then back to the first one
Frix : Heh, sounds like whoever hacked you knew what they were doing and didn't want to get caught.
Zoye : do we ever want to get caught ;-)
Frix : Good point.
Frix : Anyway as a solution to your problem have you tried tracing the source locations backwards. It may sound stupid but most people don't think to set up the loop both ways.
Frix : Just go from your start point to site two, site three, site one and then try going back to site three.
Zoye : cool I'll give it a shot
Zoye : thanks Frix!
Zoye has logged off

Zoye continues to click at the keys for another three or four minutes and then with a giant swooping finger she hits one last button.
"Bingo." she says with a grin. "Union City."

[Bustyhottie]

Struts into Pyros office and sits smileing as if she has heard a private joke.....
*Hello boss I understand you feel I may be of service and you have some fresh men for me to persue.....*she licks her brightly painted lips as she bends down to smooth her stockings.... I think I am up for that assignment

[Pyromanche]

Looks at Busty, smiling...."Thanks Maroula.. you can go, I need to talk with Busty" Maroula leaves the office, quietly giggling to herself.
"Busty, I have things happening on a few fronts.. seems that Oliewabie has put a price on my head with a certain clan org leader named Windguaerd from Mercury Dragons. I would like you to get to know him maybe.. see if you can get some information for me." I smile wryly. If anyone can take get this done it is gonna be Busty.

My commlink buzzes at me "Yes?" "Pyro, Whealer has been busy." the woman's voice sounds stressed. "Dyan what happened?" the voice on the other end is hesitant to answer.. "well boss.. it seems he has cracked security code #3, I told you we need to use higher security hacks." I feel myself lose color in my face.
"Oh well.. the information has been passed and this is old news. Nothing anyone can do about it now. It is easy to wipe out machines.. people are a little harder. Let's be more careful next time.. nothing less than security level 7 from now on.. let's let someone else take the blame in the future *evil laugh*" "Ok boss.. let me rework the code.. bye" The commlink goes silent.

As Busty struts out of my office she turns over her shoulder, "Ok boss.. I am off to do the work then" the door closes behind her.

Now I have to wonder what has happened to Olie.. seems she is missing.. damn agent.. I should go check my apartment and see if she is snooping again.

[Bustyhottie]

Smileing widely as she checks her wardrobe she choses a mini skirt with slits up the sides and a low cut bright red tank top..and the black heels will go nicely.. checking her make up one last time she hops into her Yalm and heads to Old Athens Backyard one apt 3......Knocking at the door of her target hopeing to find him at home she decides to play the Damsel in destress.......Knocks loudly .........

[Bustyhottie]

Looking up at the sky she suspects an unorcast storm aproching ohh dear .....
the wind picks up and the sky opens up drenching her quickly as the door swings open ...... On the other side stands a slender man with angry looking eyes glareing at her.....Smileing her most seductive smile she says * Im sorry to disturb you but I really am in a bit of a jam....* her clothes now clinging to her body from the rain.... *She begins to shiver ....please might I come in fromthe rain as she pushes past him into the entrance hall ..... He stares at her in disbelief..... Well now that you are in just what do you want!!!!Still shivering fromthe cold rain *well a drink to warm me would be nice* Windguaerd shakes his head and mutters why me why me ........of all the apts why mine geeeeezz