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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

Message no. 1
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Sneaky buggers
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 20:28:44 +0100
>>>>>[Required, specialist individual or team capable of working in
extreme environments and experienced in electronics. Contract will
require some skill with B&E]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <20:28:13/06-24-59>
Message no. 2
From: BigDaddy <bigdaddy@*****.COM>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 00:42:32 -0400
*****PRIVATE: Cat-o-nine
>>>>>[BDInc is interested. B&E? ps where's our
payment!]<<<<
--BigDaddy<23:33:31/06-24-59>
Message no. 3
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 06:07:02 +0100
*****PRIVATE: BDInc
>>>>>[Patience is the key BigD. There are occasions when I am unable to
forward payment until the purpose of the contract has been fulfilled and
verified. That has now been done.


+++++Include: agreed amount.


I have a bite on the current offer in this B&E contract, if that falls
through I will certainly consider you.]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <06:06:12/06-25-59>
Message no. 4
From: BigDaddy <bigdaddy@*****.COM>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 01:24:20 -0400
*****PRIVATE:Cat-o-nine

>>>>>[We here at BDInc thank you for your needed cash. A whole new cigar
bar will be opening soon at my place. Free drinks for you when it happens. Keep us in mind
for future jobs.}<<<<<
--BigDaddy<03:31:44/06-35-59>
Message no. 5
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 22:43:41 -0700
*****Private: Cat-o-nine
>>>>>[I know somebody who might fit that B&E bill, but it sounds like
more
than one might be necessary. He's out of town now, but should be back any
day now. What's your time-frame? If it's a little loose, I'll have him
give you a buzz.]<<<<<
-- NewzJunkie <16:38:24/06-24-59 PDT>
Message no. 6
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 18:47:44 +0100
*****PRIVATE: NewzJunkie
>>>>>[I've reviewed the contract, and it appears that at least two
people will be required. Both will need some skills in B&E, but at
least one must be competent in electronics and surveillance gear. The
contract offers >>bonus<< on successful completion. This bonus is for a
quiet entry and exit with no alarms. I have a four week timetable on
this contract to allow for planning, research and casing. If this fits
within the constraints of your contact, I am more than happy to offer it
your way.]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <18:42:22/06-26-59>
Message no. 7
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 16:31:52 -0700
*****Private: Fang
>>>>>[I think I got something right up your alley. B&E vs. tight
Security, but the guy is offering >>encrypted<< and wants it quiet.
Figures you might need another on backup. High threat, but _big_ payoff.

It's being contracted by Cat-o-nine and here's what he's said about it on
the main board:

+++++include Cat09.messages

If you're interested, contact him direct.]<<<<<
-- NewzJunkie <16:21:05/06-26-59 PDT>


*****Private: NewzJunkie
>>>>>[That message could not come at a better...or worse time. I'm flying
back today. Running in HK has been everything it used to be, if a bit
better paying and up-tempo from what I remember.

But...things have happened that make me want to head back "home."

I am not sure, but I think I want to get out of this business. I've been
giving that job offer from Serenity a lot of thought. Plus...well I think
Selene deserves a man that's going to be around for her.

So now you go and bait the hook. One last "big score" as you Americans
call it? I'll think about it.]<<<<<
-- Fang <08:34:16/06-27-59 HKT>
Message no. 8
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 1998 16:36:57 -0700
*****Private: Cat-o-nine
>>>>>[My associate, NewzJunkie has informed me of your need for someone
with the skills I posses, namely in the areas of security systems,
electronics, and "extreme environments."

I should be up to the challenge.

+++++include: shadow.resume

He also informs me that there may be need of additional personnel.
Depending on the type of security involved, I may require the assistance
of an infiltration decker, a mage if there is thaumaturgical security, and
possibly a rigger experienced with closed-circuit security systems, if
such things are involved. I would not care to involve more persons than
are necessary, but you can understand my caution and attention to detail
when such large sums of money are being discussed.

While I believe I could assemble a team, having learned more about the
countermeasures needed, I would appreciate any recommendations that you
would care to give and any detals that you already have once I have met
with your approval.]<<<<<
-- Fang <16:31:26/06-29-59 PDT>


*****Not To: Cat-o-nine
>>>>>[Yo. Anybody out there work with this new fixer/Mr. J, Cat-o-nine,
that would care to comment privately?

Just curious, cause he's been calling down a lot of action lately, and so,
I'm wondering what people think of him. He pay on time, he stiff anyone,
he give you bad data or, *whoops* forget to mention something that nearly
got you geeked so that he could low-ball you on the contract? That sort
of thing.

Inquiring minds want to know.]<<<<<
-- NewzJunkie <16:42:56/06-29-59 PDT>
Message no. 9
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 01:53:51 +0100
*****PRIVATE: NewzJunkie
>>>>>[Yeah, I finissh'd one jusht a couple of daysh ago. Paid on the
noshe 'e did... Gotta go, beeers empty. <hic>]<<<<<
-- Twitch <01:52:22/06-29-59>
Message no. 10
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 01:45:48 +0100
*****PRIVATE: Fang
>>>>>[Greetings Fang. Yes, your associate contacted me earlier and sang
your praises from on high. :)


+++++Include: Job_desc.dat.


I assumed from your associates remarks that there may be a need for
other personnel, though the increased numbers increases the chances of
detection, while admittedly lowering it in others.

The three people I have lined up for you are as follows:

Monolith (Hermetic)
+++++Include brag.sht

RingPiece (Rigger)
+++++Include brag.sht

Concept (Decker)
+++++Include brag.sht


I believe you will find these people suitable. They are all level
headed and reliable, though flamboyant.


The time frame for the job is a four week schedule, some of which has
been eaten away while I awaited your return. The contract will secure
>>large amount<< for you. I have negotiated the price with the other
team members and they will be reimbursed separately. There is a bonus
of >>amount<< if the job can be handled with the utmost caution. It is
important to the employer, not only for your safety, that no alarm is
raised, and that there are no deaths. In these circumstances it is
recommended that only non-lethal force be applied to any threat.


Is this acceptable to you?]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <17:45:18/06-29-59>
Message no. 11
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 1998 21:59:00 -0700
*****Private: Cat-o-nine
>>>>>[Thank you for waiting, and for your prompt reply. The contract is
acceptable. Not that I hope to be needing them, but are medical care and
expenses included in this, or will that have to be negotiated? A retainer
now of >>15% of base contract<< would negate this request, which of course
would be deducted from the final contract amount.

I will contact the people you suggested to me immediately. In all
likelihood, some of them may not be directly involved in the actual theft
but will be of critical help in preparing for it.

I always attempt to work with utmost caution, and fully expect to earn
your bonus within the agreed time frame. In general, I prefer using
non-lethal force if the choice is available, because in some cases it
tends to be more effective, and because it reduces legal entanglements
should what little I must leave to chance not favor me.]<<<<<
-- Fang <21:04:15/06-29-59 PDT>


*****Private: Monolith, RingPiece, Concept
>>>>>[You were all recommended to me by Cat-o-nine for a theft that I have
been hired to orchestrate and commit.

This is the base information I have so far in case you have not received
such from Cat-o-nine, who has said he has already negotiated contracts
with you.

+++++include Job_desc.dat

From your occupations, I think what will be immediately needed from all of
you should be somewhat obvious.

Monolith, at your earliest convenience, the house needs to be inspected
--with all due discretion--for magical security measures, including active
magicians, spirits, wards, paranormal guard animals, etc. Also, could you
please send me a current "brag-sheet" as to what your skills and
paranatural abilities are that may or may not be useful in a break-in such
as this. I find that dossiers supplied by fixers are sometimes lacking or
out of date.

Concept, while Cat-o-nine has been so good as to provide a floor plan and
an initial estimation of security, that is not be good enough for us. So,
not only would I like the floor plan verified, but can you manage to access
>>encrypted<<'s financial or business records? It is important to know if
there has been any recent construction, and which security company(ies)
are used to install the security measures and/or patrol the grounds. The
latter will be rather critical if we are going to manage to actually find
out what security measures have been taken. If accessing the target's
system is too difficult, you may have to resort to investigating
individual security companies. If that is the case, let me know. I know
someone that could help you there, and it will help us know how much time
you need.

RingPiece, your part will be most important later, first when it comes to
helping me investigate and evaluate flaws in their security plan, and
later in the final break in, and I am not one to mistake a rigger as
simply a get-away driver. I would like you to send me a message about
what kind of drones you have access to, currently. Especially those that
you feel would be most useful in this situation. I was thinking about the
trembler that Cat-o-nine's contractor believes to be attached to the book
as well as its case. It may later prove to be unnecessary, but could you
look into the cost and availability of portable cutting laser, output
being secondary to compact size. Your contacts would probably have
greater access than mine would to such a thing. If we decide it would be
useful, we can discuss later who will eventually end up owning the device.
Your drones will be needed to aid in surveillance of the grounds so that we
can discern the number and patterns of on-site security soon enough, but I
would not wish to go into a situation unprepared simply due to the fact
that a useful tool could not be procured in a timely fashion.

Also, would any of you happen to know someone who is skilled in art or
antique forgery? It might help us to have a false book prepared such that
it may be switched with the original or discarded during the exit to delay
detection of the theft or give pursuers something more important to
consider than a departing thief. If not, I will make my own inquiries.

A face to face meeting would be preferable after these preliminaries have
been taken care of and before we establish a surveillance routine. I have
an arrangement with one of the members of the security staff of >>hotel<<.
We can use one of their suites as a meeting place and staging area, as
long as we do not abuse their hospitality.

I look forward to a successful operation with you all.]<<<<<
-- Fang <21:48:42/06-29-59 PDT>
Message no. 12
From: "Mark A. Imbriaco" <mark.imbriaco@*****.COM>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 12:41:45 -0400
***** PRIVATE: NewzJunkie
>>>>>[ My team and I have done multiple jobs for Cat-o-nine, and each has
been conducted very professsionally. No reservations about working for
him in the future. ]<<<<<
-- Nomad <12:28;41/06-30-59>
Message no. 13
From: Jett <zmjett@*********.COM>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 15:42:52 -0400
*****Private: Newzjunkie
>>>>>[I did a run for Cat-O-Nine. He HAS been quite busy, from what I've
heard, but his money's good and he was thorough with telling me what to expect on the run
I did for him. He seems very...hmm. Strict, maybe, unless anal is a better word. Very
by-the-book, but he seems to know his biz. Tends to lay low. In fact, I never met the guy
face to face. Can't give you any more than that, chummer, code of honor and all, but I
hope it helps.]<<<<<
-- Jett <14:42:47/06-30-59>
Message no. 14
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 00:49:22 +0100
*****PRIVATE: Fang
>>>>>[Yes, Cat approached me earlier in the week and asked if I was
available, the contract has been negotiated but I had not yet received
details of the job, I was told they would be provided on my acceptance
to the team being formed for this contract. Thank you. I assume you
will be leading in this endeavour?


I will attend to your request immediately. You will have a report by
this time tomorrow. I don't actually possess a brag sheet as such,
though I can certainly provide you with references to my qualifications
in the field of thaumaturgical endeavour.

+++++Include list.
(UK university qualifications and verifiable private concern research.)


I have approximately 6 years experience in the United Kingdom and 5
years in the UCAS for this style of work. The last team I was attached
to became, more, shall we say violent towards the end of it's time.
Nothing major, but then I've never been caught either. A slightly
misspent youth has given me a few skills in entering buildings where I
am not wanted, one has to pay for the degree somehow. :)


I can be at the hotel tomorrow evening if that's convenient.]<<<<<
-- Monolith <16:10:01/06-30-59>



*****PRIVATE: Fang
>>>>>[Thanks for the details, I'll do it. I assume you're the boss?
OK, two things first, don't treat me like a dork, because I'm a woman
and we'll get on fine. Second, I don't like it noisy, I'm a quiet
person at heart and object to random gratuitous violence.


That over with, I'll get you the records you want if they're on line.
If I may make a suggestion, once I've established the security provider
it may be worthwhile trying to cajole one of the installation engineers
into parting with information. His knowledge, either gained through
coercion or psychotropic drugs would be invaluable, I have an
interesting simsense program that we could use if the subject is being
awkward and has a chipjack, it will help them to forget who they're
talking too and create an alternate "belief" for them.


Anyway, I'll need 4 hours to confirm the floor plans, city ordnance
should have those records filed with planning, and their system is as
rickety as an old chair. The other information will be more difficult,
say 12 hours total to access, 4 hours to find the information and
download it, another 2 to compile and collate the data. Take into
account travelling time to prevent locators and evade matrix patrols and
Cat made a /big/ point about subtlety say 36-48 hours. I should have
everything you want by then. I will inform you if I cannot gain access
to the security system and list the reasons, so we can consider
alternatives. That about covers it I think. Anything else you want
while I'm there? I'll meet you at the hotel at the end of the allotted
time. I've had some experience with security, and have a number of toys
that may allow us to gain access if RingPiece can't come up with
something.]<<<<<
-- Concept <16-19-43/06-30-59>



*****PRIVATE: Fang
>>>>>[Ya might wanna call this little coalition summat, it'll mek it
easier tae talk tae each other. Right, tae deal with yer points.


I c'n get a drone inta places ya cannae imagine lad, I've got wigglers,
crawlers, fliers, wheeled and tracked. I've got floaters and hovers,
lighter than air and water borne. I've got vehicles that can disappear
inside a busy street, or rip through the thickest blockades. You wan'
it, I've got it, if I haven't got it I c'n get it. I used tae work in
the security business when I were a wee lad, an' there's norra lot
aroond that c'n keep me baffled f'r long, or that I cannae bypass. If
ye've got guards tae worry aboot I have a lovely little toy that ye'll
be likin'. It's a little walker that I call a Widda, it's got a
hypodermic mounted on it, the things as light as a feather and can get
into some awkward places if needs be. Sap a guard on the ankle with it,
and the suckers doon on the groond, snorin' like a babe in 0.75 seconds.
I know it, I've timed it.


The trembler? That's a bit of an interestin' problem, an' I'll need tae
see it to know what tae use agin it. I c'n get hold o' a surgical laser
if ye be needin' it, or an industrial cutter if ye really need it, but
that'll tek a bit o' time. I would think that the surgical would suit
ye're needs more, as it'll gie' ye a finer cut, an' won't make as much
noise as the big bugger. The other beastie that might be of use tae ye
is a flier, an LTA unit that's mounted with a narco jet. She's
virtually silent as long as the wind's favourable, an' could deal with
any random patrols they may have.


I know one man who might be able tae forge a book, provided we have at
least a good photograph of the thing. But it's not as easy as forgin'
an ID, it'll cost some. What's the expenses for this little ooting?


If ye be wantin' tae meet with us all, I think it might be a good idea
to gie us a time, as well as a location, else we'll all be turnin' up at
funny 'oors and nae knowin' anyone else has been or is comin'. Is there
anythin' else ye be needin' tae know?]<<<<<
-- RingPiece <16:37:37/06-30-59>
Message no. 15
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 00:03:37 +0100
*****PRIVATE: Fang
>>>>>[If required, yes I can offer medical assistance in the event of
injury. I resisted mentioning it before as this is a rather sensitive
contract and the offer of medical services or backup tends to have
rather, detrimental effects on this sort of thing. People become less
careful, more accepting of risks they would normally not take. However,
I've since checked on your background, and I do not feel that the offer
would influence your care in this project.


If you require a retainer in advance all you have to do is ask. I can
offer up to 25%, or 15% for sundry expenses. I agree with you regarding
the legal entanglements, always best to err on the side of
caution.]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <20:03:09/06-30-59>
Message no. 16
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 18:38:55 -0700
*****Private: Cat-o-nine
>>>>>[I prefer to handle my own medical arrangements, thank you. However,
knowing that I have or can get ahold of funds to pay for it, should the
need arise, is a comfort.

Only one not long for this business would consider even free medical care
a carte-blanche for recklessness. Wounds received during a run such as
this often tend to be fatal, or if not, lead to one's capture, which will
either be fatal, in and of itself, or will at least prevent one from
collecting on the profered medical care.

If you are willing to advance 25% of the total, that would be most
welcome. That should more than cover any immediate expenses that I
may have.]<<<<<
-- Fang <18:39:55/06-30-59 PDT>
Message no. 17
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 03:17:15 +0100
*****PRIVATE: Fang
>>>>>[

+++++Include 25% of total

]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <19:16:49/06-30-59>
Message no. 18
From: Jeffrey Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 13:43:13 -0700
*****Private: Monolith, Concept, RingPiece
>>>>>[To answer the first question some of you asked: yes, I will
technically be "leading" this endeavor. Which means that it is my job to
coordinate with all of you for our various resources. Since it will most
likely be my actual flesh in the fire, so to speak, I also have final
authority on the plan of entry. While I will be open to questions,
opinions, and expertise during the planning stages of this operation, once
we set it in motion, I will be the one orchestrating it and I trust that
you will all respect that.

+++++direct: Monolith

Monolith: While your qualifications are fully adequate, I am more
interested in your actual capabilities. While I will admit to significant
ignorance of sorcery and summoning, I appreciate its use. Therefore, I
would prefer if you could supply me with information addressing that, so
that I will know what kind of "tools" you could be able to provide to our
group for the actual theft, and what your specialties are, if any.

+++++direct: Concept

Concept: I have worked with members of all genders and proclivities. As
long as you are competent, and do not let your own opinions interfere with
your performance, I see no reason why we should not get along.

In regards to you comment about "noise." In an operation such as this,
creating a situation that would illicit "random gratuitous violence" would
mean a significant failure on our part already. Most likely, you will not
be physically involved in the actual break-in, and I assure you for my
part, only if our target does not realize the theft until after we have
all received our pay, will I consider our mission a complete success.

I will keep your suggestion of the simsense in mind. I was planning on
getting the information from one of the engineers. In general it is best
to obtain the data we are looking for from a fully willing participant, or
without their knowledge at all. Otherwise one risks discovery or being
double-crossed, at which point the data would be nearly useless. However,
finding a willing participant or stealing data from a security company may
be more inconvenient an alternative.

+++++direct: RingPiece

RingPiece: Your selection of drones sounds more than adequate for what we
need.

Actually, you have a good idea. A high-powered, portable surgical laser
may be just what we need. I remember once having to deal with a trembler
attached to a similar item. Because a laser doesn't cause any vibration
as would a mechanical cutting or drilling device, we could safely cut away
the housing for the item and lift it away without disturbing the trembler.
The comment that the book case is "hermetically sealed," however, has me
concerned. Hopefully it isn't positively pressurized. That could cause
significant, but not insurmountable problems.

Since they are my ideas, I can supply you with >>encrypted<< for the
laser, which should be sufficient, even if you have to go through unusual
channels to obtain one. As for the book, I trust you can negotiate a
reasonable price, when the time comes. While we have a description of the
tome in the dossier from Cat-o-nine, I think we should wait and see if we
can get a decent picture of it from one of your surveillance drones.

+++++direct: all

Since Concept will be needing about two days to complete her preliminary
investigations, I suggest we meet Wednesday at >>time<<. I have procured
>>room number<< for our use to discuss our respective findings and plan
and base our surveillance routine. In general, as of that point, I think
it should be necessary for us to keep in rather close touch in case
something unforeseen happens and our target takes a dislike to any of our
investigations. If you prefer to stay away from your respective homes
during a run, although I don't see as much need for it in this case, I
believe procuring additional rooms for the duration should not be a
problem.]<<<<<
-- Fang <11:37:13/07-01-59 PDT>
Message no. 19
From: Ein_Schuss <Jhary-a-Conel@***.NET>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 1998 20:54:22 +0200
***** PRIVATE: NewzJunkie
>>>>>[ Cat-o-nine is as trustworthy as dey come in ma experience. Usually
has
extremely good background on the jobs he offers, an' provides medical backup
when/if needed. Good Mr J., that. ]<<<<<
-- Ein_Schuss <11:34:45/07-04-59>

***** PRIVATE: Cat-o-Nine
>>>>>[ Heya, Mr J. For de throughout prep' of de jobs I accepted from you,
de
medical backup in Europe, and 'cause ya're a good-payin' Johnson:

+++++ Include Message: NewzJunkie.164256062959.dat

]<<<<<
-- Ein_Schuss <11:38:48/07-04-59>
Message no. 20
From: Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Sneaky buggers
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 05:01:08 +0100
*****PRIVATE: Ein_Schuss
>>>>>[Thank you for your concern. I was not aware that NJ had started
asking questions, though I do understand why.


+++++Include: <nuyen>


A small token of my appreciation for your trouble]<<<<<
-- Cat-o-nine <05:00:00/07-07-59>

Disclaimer

These messages were posted a long time ago on a mailing list far, far away. The copyright to their contents probably lies with the original authors of the individual messages, but since they were published in an electronic forum that anyone could subscribe to, and the logs were available to subscribers and most likely non-subscribers as well, it's felt that re-publishing them here is a kind of public service.

Thwap!