"When would we have to leave?" She asks the woman.
"Today. Grab your things, and meet back here. We have a helicopter pad on the top floor. We will fly you out. Usually, a more general hiking attire would do, but it shouldn't make much of a difference, really. That's up to you."
"Excuse me, but as the resident driver of the group, I trust my own ride to anything you're offering. No offense."
"Very well. Where is this vehicle now?"the Professor asks. "We can airlift it with you all to the Reference if you'd like?"
Qrow was surprised that they'd be flying but grinned in excitement a moment after thinking it over. He nods and jerks a thumb down at the floor, "Beastie would be sitting down on the street corner, hard to miss her in this block." It was the truth, compared to the nice, sleek buildings of the Corpo district, Qrow and his Beastie looked like a pair of wild animals.
Olivia stepped outside. She dialed a number, walking back to her car.
"Hey. How's Jenna?" "Good."said Misha. "She opened an eye today, looked around. That's progress." Olivia sighed, relieved. "That is good news. Did..you tell her yet?" "About Emily? No." Olivia nodded. "Ok. Listen. I have to go away for a few days. Biotechnica needs some Reference protection. I'll be back by the weekend, I hope." "No problem."Misha said. "I look after, Jenna, ya? I tell her news. Break eet to her gently." "I don't envy you. That part of the job is always hard. I never get used to it." "Behleef me. I know. Take care, ya?" "You too. See you soon."
And she hung up.
I went to my apartment as fast as I could, gathered my medical gear, my gun, and my kevlar. I put the boots on, the jeans, and a turtleneck. I made it back to the helipad - my gear all stashed in a large backpack around my right shoulder.
"Hi."she said to Dorango. "I like your shirt."she said.
As we waited on the helipad, Beastie was being loaded carefully into a large cargo transport, one that could accommodate passengers and vehicles - and it was mounted with jet engines.
After getting home and going through her gear Reaper decided that her leathers would be fine. As she laced up an old pair of black combat boots she looked around to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything. Reaper strapped the case holding Zero to her back, trying not to bump the scope and made sure her pistols and knife were secure. Grabbing her duffel bag that had some spare clothes and extra ammo she headed to the helipad.
She sees Olivia and Dorango there waiting and steps up near them. Fortunately, seeing Dorango again doesn’t trigger another near meltdown.
Olivia turned when Reaper came up to them. She eyeballed Zero.
"Whoa, that's a wicked rifle."she said, looking at it from a few feet away. "How did you get the name Reaper?"she asked, curiously, but she kinda had a clue as to why. "That's a cool name."
The defensive nature of the Professors answers was justified, if a little veiled. I wasn’t asking about secrets. Very Corpo of them to think everyone is after their secrets. Paranoia runs deep in Corpo Culture. I’m not stupid to think they’d offer me everything on a silver drive. But in the end, I got some answers. Mainly faces, footage, and the potential of having eyes in the sky. I’d need to check to see how accurate and how accessible these drones really are.
“Do we have access to these drones? Individual Drones or Swam? And to what capacity of access?” I knew the answer was most probably yes, and limited capacity, but those drones aren’t just to keep an eye on the forest. It’s also to keep an eye on us. I could respect that, but I’m still going to do my part on this.
When the request to prepare for a today departure was brought forth, IO nodded and replied, “Very well. I’ll make the necessary preparations and shall meet here after some quick installations are made.”
--This is in response to the earlier statement because of the time difference--
Seeing the job paid well, it might be about time for me to get a couple of upgrades and get them installed. A job with multiple drones might need some augments to my deck. Taking the time to map out the rest of the facility as I’ve seen it and walked through it, I save the file for future updates.
The cold crisp air of the outside was in complete contrast to the stale, stagnant air of the interior. It was nice to have the fresh air. Despite her dormant and stationary lifestyle, IO did enjoy the simple pleasure of feeling the sun and wind on her skin. It may be due to her heritage, but there was always time for sun.
The enjoyment was short lived as she had to make some plans. She brought up her agent on her goggles and fired of a messages to trusted person requesting components and installation time.
I made my way to my Deck Girl. A woman of fine taste and even finer skills. “Hey Spark, how’s my favorite Decker.” She gave me a look that instantly told me she wasn’t buying my nice girl charm, and for that, I commend her. “What do you want Spider?” I put my hands up in the air. “Stand down. No need to grill me. I’m heading into something potentially dangerous, and I want to be prepared. Going to be managing a bunch of drones and I don’t want to come out the other end fried. What do you have for me?” She shakes her head and without saying a word, leaves, only to come back with a couple of modules for my deck. Now, normally, I would break someone’s arm if they even touched my baby, but with her, she had free reign. “I got you a KRASH Barrier and a Back-Up Drive to keep you and your deck safe. Also, added some shielding to prevent some unwanted shut-down. If you are going to be piloting drones, it might be better to insure you stay in control.” I place a hand on Sparks shoulder, and give it a gentle squeeze. It’s my way of saying thanks. 3 hours later, I wire her the 300 Eddies and get a better deck than I left it.
I eventually find my way towards the rendezvous point where the rest of the “team” was to meet.
Hmm, which way to answer? Normally when asked about her name Reaper would reply straight up that she kills people for money. She's found that it gives people pause. They think she must be f**king with them, nobody would say that for real but there's a little part of them that wonders if it's true. That little part tends to keep people away from her which is how she prefers it.
Had it just been Dorango asking she totally would have gone this way. The problem was that she found she just couldn't do that to Olivia, she was too...nice. So optional answer it was. "My friend started calling me that after a fight with some boosters. I got lucky and flatlined four of them." She points to Dorango's shirt..."what's your favorite song?"
The expression on Reaper's face turns a bit wistful as she listens to Dorango ramble on. "Yeah, they are one of my favorites." She replies, her voice a bit melancholy. "It's better to burn out than to fade away!" She quotes, with a little more animation, trying to stay away from those pit of despair feelings.
"Oh hey...thanks! It's vintage. Real old rocker group. And real old actual cotton so it's stupidly soft. Sort of a small comfort for flight. You said your name was Olivia, right? It's good to meet you, I dragged myself in a bit late this morning so I didn't catch a whole bunch of other names." "That's alright. Yeah, it's Olivia." she smiled.
"My friend started calling me that after a fight with some boosters. I got lucky and flatlined four of them." Olivia made an impressed face that indicated that it was probably more skill than luck, but one thing was sure, this one was dangerous, and she was glad Reaper was on their side.
One of the pilots approached the group.
"You guys ready? The nomad's car is all loaded up and secure. We're ready to go when you are. The co-pilot will explain what to do with the drones once we're on board."
Reaper gives him a small smile..."I might take you up on that." She says as she picks up her bag and heads over to get aboard. Once there she pulls Zero off her back so she can get situated. She tucks her duffel under the seat, straps in and settles Zero on her lap. "All right Rockerboy, the song's in my head now, have to hear it. Play us some Rock of Ages." She says to Dorango.
"That thing is a beast, Qrow. Will we all fit in there?" She asks.
Qrow walks up, having been double, triple, and quadruple checking on Beastie and the method of transport before giving the pilots and ones loading her on a pass. As he walked over, the group would notice that he didn't have much more on him beyond what they saw him with the first time around. In fact, the only notable change would be the anti-smog/breathing mask he had covering his mouth and nose.
Throwing a thumbs up to the group, the cowboy-dressed Nomad called out in a muffled voice, "Haha, that she is. But no worries. Beastie here is built tough, though whoever gets in the backseat might be due for a squeeze." Before sitting down, he adjusts his holsters that hid under his trenchcoat, "Heavy chassis, combat plot, bulletproof glass and nos. If it comes down to a chase or just running those bastards over, it'll be a breeze~" Finally taking his seat and stabbing in, he then quickly adds, "That said, surprised they're investing enough to get us over there. Not that I'm complaining, only flown twice in my life....any of you get air or car sick easily?"
"That said, surprised they're investing enough to get us over there. Not that I'm complaining, only flown twice in my life....any of you get air or car sick easily?" "I'm a novice too when it comes to flying...but hopefully they just keep this thing steady and no one's kibble comes up." "Oh, i've got something for anyone who does get airsick."Olivia piped up, patting her medical case.
"Past ready and don't you dare puke on me or I will choke you out." She says, her expression conveying that she is serious about her threat. Olivia looked at the camera with an amused look on her face.
The jet powered cargo hauler ignited it's engines and began to lift. It was a little bumpy at first as it calibrated and adjusted it's fuel levels, but eventually, Night City and the Biotechnica building slowly disappeared back into the horizon. Looking out the window, as the city boundaries became more vague, it was clear to see that most of California was now a barren wasteland. There was a point, as we headed north, that all we saw was vague roads and desert. Evidence of past civilization was clear at some points, but most of the ride was as if we were flying to Las Vegas. Nothing but desert and ruins. The Fourth Corporate war had certainly left it's footprint on the country.
It was announced to us that we would arrive at the Reference in about two hours.
"When would we have to leave?" She asks the woman.
"Today. Grab your things, and meet back here. We have a helicopter pad on the top floor. We will fly you out. Usually, a more general hiking attire would do, but it shouldn't make much of a difference, really. That's up to you."
"Excuse me, but as the resident driver of the group, I trust my own ride to anything you're offering. No offense."
"Very well. Where is this vehicle now?" the Professor asks. "We can airlift it with you all to the Reference if you'd like?"
Qrow was surprised that they'd be flying but grinned in excitement a moment after thinking it over. He nods and jerks a thumb down at the floor, "Beastie would be sitting down on the street corner, hard to miss her in this block." It was the truth, compared to the nice, sleek buildings of the Corpo district, Qrow and his Beastie looked like a pair of wild animals.
Olivia stepped outside. She dialed a number, walking back to her car.
"Hey. How's Jenna?"
"Good." said Misha. "She opened an eye today, looked around. That's progress."
Olivia sighed, relieved. "That is good news. Did..you tell her yet?"
"About Emily? No."
Olivia nodded. "Ok. Listen. I have to go away for a few days. Biotechnica needs some Reference protection. I'll be back by the weekend, I hope."
"No problem." Misha said. "I look after, Jenna, ya? I tell her news. Break eet to her gently."
"I don't envy you. That part of the job is always hard. I never get used to it."
"Behleef me. I know. Take care, ya?"
"You too. See you soon."
And she hung up.
I went to my apartment as fast as I could, gathered my medical gear, my gun, and my kevlar. I put the boots on, the jeans, and a turtleneck. I made it back to the helipad - my gear all stashed in a large backpack around my right shoulder.
"Hi." she said to Dorango. "I like your shirt." she said.
As we waited on the helipad, Beastie was being loaded carefully into a large cargo transport, one that could accommodate passengers and vehicles - and it was mounted with jet engines.
After getting home and going through her gear Reaper decided that her leathers would be fine. As she laced up an old pair of black combat boots she looked around to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything. Reaper strapped the case holding Zero to her back, trying not to bump the scope and made sure her pistols and knife were secure. Grabbing her duffel bag that had some spare clothes and extra ammo she headed to the helipad.
She sees Olivia and Dorango there waiting and steps up near them. Fortunately, seeing Dorango again doesn’t trigger another near meltdown.
"Hey." She says quietly in greeting.
Olivia turned when Reaper came up to them. She eyeballed Zero.
"Whoa, that's a wicked rifle." she said, looking at it from a few feet away. "How did you get the name Reaper?" she asked, curiously, but she kinda had a clue as to why. "That's a cool name."
The defensive nature of the Professors answers was justified, if a little veiled. I wasn’t asking about secrets. Very Corpo of them to think everyone is after their secrets. Paranoia runs deep in Corpo Culture. I’m not stupid to think they’d offer me everything on a silver drive. But in the end, I got some answers. Mainly faces, footage, and the potential of having eyes in the sky. I’d need to check to see how accurate and how accessible these drones really are.
“Do we have access to these drones? Individual Drones or Swam? And to what capacity of access?” I knew the answer was most probably yes, and limited capacity, but those drones aren’t just to keep an eye on the forest. It’s also to keep an eye on us. I could respect that, but I’m still going to do my part on this.
When the request to prepare for a today departure was brought forth, IO nodded and replied, “Very well. I’ll make the necessary preparations and shall meet here after some quick installations are made.”
--This is in response to the earlier statement because of the time difference--
Seeing the job paid well, it might be about time for me to get a couple of upgrades and get them installed. A job with multiple drones might need some augments to my deck. Taking the time to map out the rest of the facility as I’ve seen it and walked through it, I save the file for future updates.
The cold crisp air of the outside was in complete contrast to the stale, stagnant air of the interior. It was nice to have the fresh air. Despite her dormant and stationary lifestyle, IO did enjoy the simple pleasure of feeling the sun and wind on her skin. It may be due to her heritage, but there was always time for sun.
The enjoyment was short lived as she had to make some plans. She brought up her agent on her goggles and fired of a messages to trusted person requesting components and installation time.
I made my way to my Deck Girl. A woman of fine taste and even finer skills. “Hey Spark, how’s my favorite Decker.”
She gave me a look that instantly told me she wasn’t buying my nice girl charm, and for that, I commend her. “What do you want Spider?”
I put my hands up in the air. “Stand down. No need to grill me. I’m heading into something potentially dangerous, and I want to be prepared. Going to be managing a bunch of drones and I don’t want to come out the other end fried. What do you have for me?”
She shakes her head and without saying a word, leaves, only to come back with a couple of modules for my deck. Now, normally, I would break someone’s arm if they even touched my baby, but with her, she had free reign. “I got you a KRASH Barrier and a Back-Up Drive to keep you and your deck safe. Also, added some shielding to prevent some unwanted shut-down. If you are going to be piloting drones, it might be better to insure you stay in control.”
I place a hand on Sparks shoulder, and give it a gentle squeeze. It’s my way of saying thanks. 3 hours later, I wire her the 300 Eddies and get a better deck than I left it.
I eventually find my way towards the rendezvous point where the rest of the “team” was to meet.
Hmm, which way to answer? Normally when asked about her name Reaper would reply straight up that she kills people for money. She's found that it gives people pause. They think she must be f**king with them, nobody would say that for real but there's a little part of them that wonders if it's true. That little part tends to keep people away from her which is how she prefers it.
Had it just been Dorango asking she totally would have gone this way. The problem was that she found she just couldn't do that to Olivia, she was too...nice. So optional answer it was. "My friend started calling me that after a fight with some boosters. I got lucky and flatlined four of them." She points to Dorango's shirt..."what's your favorite song?"
The expression on Reaper's face turns a bit wistful as she listens to Dorango ramble on. "Yeah, they are one of my favorites." She replies, her voice a bit melancholy. "It's better to burn out than to fade away!" She quotes, with a little more animation, trying to stay away from those pit of despair feelings.
"Oh hey...thanks! It's vintage. Real old rocker group. And real old actual cotton so it's stupidly soft. Sort of a small comfort for flight. You said your name was Olivia, right? It's good to meet you, I dragged myself in a bit late this morning so I didn't catch a whole bunch of other names."
"That's alright. Yeah, it's Olivia." she smiled.
"My friend started calling me that after a fight with some boosters. I got lucky and flatlined four of them."
Olivia made an impressed face that indicated that it was probably more skill than luck, but one thing was sure, this one was dangerous, and she was glad Reaper was on their side.
One of the pilots approached the group.
"You guys ready? The nomad's car is all loaded up and secure. We're ready to go when you are. The co-pilot will explain what to do with the drones once we're on board."
Olivia smiles and climbs aboard and takes a look at Beastie in the cargo container.
"Wow!" she said. "She sure is a beast. Look at that!"
She then takes a moment to drop her large backpack down, and strap herself in.
Reaper gives him a small smile..."I might take you up on that." She says as she picks up her bag and heads over to get aboard. Once there she pulls Zero off her back so she can get situated. She tucks her duffel under the seat, straps in and settles Zero on her lap. "All right Rockerboy, the song's in my head now, have to hear it. Play us some Rock of Ages." She says to Dorango.
"That thing is a beast, Qrow. Will we all fit in there?" She asks.
Qrow walks up, having been double, triple, and quadruple checking on Beastie and the method of transport before giving the pilots and ones loading her on a pass. As he walked over, the group would notice that he didn't have much more on him beyond what they saw him with the first time around. In fact, the only notable change would be the anti-smog/breathing mask he had covering his mouth and nose.
Throwing a thumbs up to the group, the cowboy-dressed Nomad called out in a muffled voice, "Haha, that she is. But no worries. Beastie here is built tough, though whoever gets in the backseat might be due for a squeeze." Before sitting down, he adjusts his holsters that hid under his trenchcoat, "Heavy chassis, combat plot, bulletproof glass and nos. If it comes down to a chase or just running those bastards over, it'll be a breeze~" Finally taking his seat and stabbing in, he then quickly adds, "That said, surprised they're investing enough to get us over there. Not that I'm complaining, only flown twice in my life....any of you get air or car sick easily?"
"Past ready and don't you dare puke on me or I will choke you out." She says, her expression conveying that she is serious about her threat.
"That said, surprised they're investing enough to get us over there. Not that I'm complaining, only flown twice in my life....any of you get air or car sick easily?"
"I'm a novice too when it comes to flying...but hopefully they just keep this thing steady and no one's kibble comes up."
"Oh, i've got something for anyone who does get airsick." Olivia piped up, patting her medical case.
"Past ready and don't you dare puke on me or I will choke you out." She says, her expression conveying that she is serious about her threat.
Olivia looked at the camera with an amused look on her face.
The jet powered cargo hauler ignited it's engines and began to lift. It was a little bumpy at first as it calibrated and adjusted it's fuel levels, but eventually, Night City and the Biotechnica building slowly disappeared back into the horizon. Looking out the window, as the city boundaries became more vague, it was clear to see that most of California was now a barren wasteland. There was a point, as we headed north, that all we saw was vague roads and desert. Evidence of past civilization was clear at some points, but most of the ride was as if we were flying to Las Vegas. Nothing but desert and ruins. The Fourth Corporate war had certainly left it's footprint on the country.
It was announced to us that we would arrive at the Reference in about two hours.