2020-10-05: Web of Horrors: An Exchange of Data (Interlude)
| An Exchange of Data | |
|---|---|
| After a few private messages across the internet, a meeting is arrange and information is handed off | |
| IC Date | October 5th, 2020 |
| IC Time | Evening (around sunset) |
| Players | Mister Ji and Vic Rasmussen |
| Location | Maple Park |
| Prp/Tp | Web of Horrors |
| Spheres | Mage |
| Theme Song | (opening) Magnum PI Themesong
(closing) Charlie Chan Final Credits Theme |
On Thursday, 2020-10-1, this post showed up in certain forums on the Internet
Its been in the news (burried below the fold and not on the front page) but people are having issues that look like a disorder that is not unknown to me. In certain places it is called Internet Overload Syndrom (or IOS, which is pronouced like "Eye-Oh-Ess" for those who care about proper accuracy). An investigation has begun. Anyone wishing to collaborate on this should reply to this post as I will be notified. If you wish to meet, we can arrange for it either offline or online.
- Gumptious Gal - 2020-10-01 19:31:22
Over the next couple of days, the following exchange occurred in hidden forums on the internet...
> Gumptious Gal, i have a lead for you. Lets disco this thing. <
- The Investigator - 2020-10-[2|4] [TIMESTAMP CORRUPTED]
> What's your chosen dance floor? <
- Gumptious Gal - 2020-10-04 16:20:32
> You pick - it's a handoff - or a dead drop. <
- The Investigator - 2020-10-05 18:30:10
> Handoff - Maple Park - Before sunset. <
- Gumptious Gal - 2020-10-05 18:48:43
A short time later, in Maple Park, around 7pm and roughly a quarter hour before the sun actually set...
Mister Ji smokes a cigarette, walking into the park on the clay-tile path from the street. Asian dude in a suit. Maybe he just got off his banking job, or some cliche'd tech start up.
Its about a half-hour before sunset and Vic is sitting in Maple Park with her laptop out and in its most logical place, typing out code in a text editor. She's got a spill proof cup on the bench next to her and her bag resting on her feet. A french fry is hanging out of her mouth - almost like a cigarette - and a burger is staying warm resting on its unfolded paper wrapper against the top edge of the keyboard and bottom edge of the screen.
There are bicycle cops and probably plenty of walking people, and yet the guy in the suit seems to know who to approach. Maybe it's the laptop. Maybe he's just lucky. Regardless, he casually walks up to Vic and pauses about 10' away, taking a puff on his smoke.
His retro-sunglasses, round-rimmed and funky, kinda have a little reddish tint to them. "Herro," he says, stereotypical accent on his words.
Vic doesn't move her head as she glances upward with her eyes. A very brief inclination of her head accompanies her saying, "And here I was expecting Magnum and here comes Charlie," as a greeting to the stranger or perhaps only to herself.
"If that's a Vietnamese joke, you got the wrong country. I'm Chinese, but... also not offended." Shrugs The Asian. And he smiles.
"But yes. I am the one that reached out. We're on the same case, I think." He gestures to the ground next to her. "May I join?"
"Fictional Chinese ethnic police detective with the HPD, a good bit west of here on a well known island chain," Vic says. "No offense meant either so good to hear." She then nods. "Sure, free park and there's space on the bench," she says in response to the question, she then glances at the drink and asks, "I could move that if you're concerned about the suit and condensation."
"Dry Cleaning is cheap. I bill it to the client." Shrugs the Asian and he sits on the grass. Lotus style. He only takes a momement, the lowering into place done smoothly and without effort. Definitely has better knees than his player.
"My name is Ji. It is my real name. And while I do not know -your- real name, I will not ask it. I am familiar with your work." He gives a bow, even from his seated position, it's one of respect.
Vic returns the bow with one of her own. (Thank you Raise for teaching proper bowing techniques in your classes.) She smiles, suspecting but not knowing for sure which work he means, and then asks, "A code aficionado?" She then gets more serious and says, "Names have power, so you can continue call me G-Gal," she pauses and then adds, "I don't often wear suits like the G-Men though," winking at her own joke.
After a moment more of typing she saves the file and retrieves the hamburger then lowers the laptop lid. Before taking another bite of her fast food dinner she says, "You had some information about the syndrome I posted about I believe?"
Mister Ji nods, looking away from her and out into the park. He's probably watching that little dog way over there, with it's walker, as it takes a dump. Or maybe the bird perched on a tree. Or maybe the kids running around the little jungle gym.
"I went to the house of one of the victims. The older lady, Edna Stein. I found her computer, and I know how they interfaced with the system."
Ji now has Vic's attention. She turns to look at him and takes a sip from her cup before saying anything else. "I'm very interested in finding out what you found out, Mister Ji."
Mister Ji nods, "And I am willing to share." He does not look back over toward her. "I will not ask for cooperation, but I will give it. I will not demand information in return, but welcome it. And I will not pursue you, or hold it against you, if you decide to take what i offer and investigate on your own." He pauses, "This is not done as some kind of show of faith. It is an act of efficiency. You are likely to be far more skilled in the next step than I am, and I wish this problem to be solved, by any means necessary."
He pauses. "I can enter the Web on my own, but am not very experienced."
Vic nods in turn and says, "I can respect that. Are you aware of the identity of the other four victims? Checking on them could help with this investigation." She doesn't volunteer more yet either however.
Mister Ji nods. "I do, but that's not relevent anymore." He pauses.
"I know where the VR gear is coming from, and I know what it does to them."
Vic laughs softly and says, "Just don't tell me its the cheap VR goggles they're selling at Tech Addiction."
A chuckle. "No. They are definitely not commercial grade. At least, not yet." Mister Ji smirks. "I expect that's the end goal, but these prototypes are beyond current technology. I havent seen anything this fancy outside of R&D or personal builds." He pauses.
"I have not been able to get into the network of the company from outside the facility, but I intend to go there. By myself, if need be."
"Good to hear," Vic says before explaining, "I'm waiting on a custom rig so I'll be using one of those commercial grades for any dives to the D-Web I may take in the near future." She watches him for reactions to these words and then asks, "So, who's behind it and what's your take on this?"
Mister Ji sighs.
"They are stealing the Chi. The Lifeforce, and the Soul Fire. I... don't know the term you would use." He pauses, turning back to look at her. "Virtual Adept or Etherite?" He asks, but then holds up a hand, "Apoligies, I promised I would not ask. However, I know the terminology is different. I was able to view the energies leaving the body of the victim, but I could not trace it back to the Suspects. The magic was complex, but specific. They don't care who they take it from, as it appears to be a test. A proof of concept."
"V-Dept," Vic replies. "And I've heard of Chi. Rhys' mind was missing when I scanned him at the hospital. I've traced it back to a sector on the D-Web but haven't had a chance to follow up on it." The information exchange is clearly mutual at this stage of the game. "And you had said you wouldn't but you did," she says before asking, "Psychic or Sorcerer?" and adds, "Not that you're required to answer."
Mister Ji smiles, "I am fully Awakened, but not part of the Traditions. The politics are... annoying... and distracting from growth. We do things a little differently in the Middle Kingdom." He doesn't clarify what that means.
"Before I explore the Sector, I want to investigate the facility here in Prospect. I can do it alone, but I would prefer backup. If you can refer me to anyone who would be willing to do things physically before ... uh... networkily?" He chuckles.
Vic ahs softly. "I'd like at some point to compare notes," she says and adds, "I too am not natively aligned to the Traditions of this world. Also, I've heard that the approach of magic and technology in your teachings might be closer to my own views than that of most western mages." She then thinks. "Brute force I may know some people but I'm not sure if I could get them involved in this," she says before adding, "Depending on the type of physicality you are talking about I might be able to help. You did mention being aware of my work. Do you, perhaps, know about my visit to the hospital?"
"I know someone went there, but was not sure who." He bows his head again. "I will send you my contact information. And perhaps tomorrow...we can look at the Headsets together?" He pauses, 'I have one in a safe, shielded location they cannot trace."
Vic glances at the message on her phone and nods. "So, you've got mine and I now have your's as well," she says. After finishing her burger she finally slips her computer into her bag and says, "Sounds like a plan, though tomorrow may or may not work, reach out first Mister Li."
Mister Ji offers. "Ji. Not Li." But he bows again.
Vic nods. "Sorry, Ji. Right," she says. She stands and slings her back across her back before picking up her cup from the bench. "It seems like we'll have a fruitful relationship at the very least."
Mister Ji offers the little toodle-do finger wave. "Stay safe, G.Gal."
Vic says, "You can call me Vic now, Ji, if you wish," with a smile. Then, she adds, "Looking forward to hearing from you," and turns to head out of the park.
Mister Ji remains seated, lotus-style, and is watching that bird again. Or the dog taking a shit. Or both.
