Quhzk
Junior Member
Alex "Snitch" Putnam
Posts: 67
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Post by Quhzk on May 11, 2018 22:17:19 GMT
After greeting the last 2 members of his party with handshakes, Snitch looks down at his commlink which just vibrated. It looks like Felix is not en-route to the restuarant, and is asking us if we'd like him to show up. Looking to Tag, the only other person with a history with Felix and the only one who has any memories of the man, Snitch calls out her name in hope for advice however she looks pre-occupied staring off in the direction of the man who entered the room and doesn't appear to hear him.
Snitch: "If it's alright with you guys I think we'd be better off not having Felix join us. He's done his job and I'm sure has been paid, and I wouldn't count on him to make negotiations run any smoother."
Typing an overly civil message of "You've done more then enough setting this up, we can handle it from here." he waits for any objections before sending the message off. Knowing that the host has arrived alone gives Snitch a feeling of ease, however the few times he's dealt with Alpha's on business before cautioned him about the discussion to follow - they were usually smooth talkers and came from the upper crust of society, deception came more natural to them than most.
Snitch: "I suppose that's our cue to head in." Taking his case and leaving a tip in the bartenders champagne flute, Snitch leads the way to the room.
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Post by Deals with dragons on May 12, 2018 2:39:45 GMT
Tag watches the entrance, awaiting the arrival of the Johnson. Her attention is momentarily disrupted as she watches a heated argument between two men in extravagant suits. Soon it seems one of them is defeated and storms off deeper into the restaurant. Tags gaze begins to shifts back to its original position as a man walks through the entrance. He's staring directly at Tag, his eyes project an overpowering presence, capturing Tag within it.
Their eyes, both a vibrant piercing green. Tags, bright and wild. His, confident and calculating. It's the kind of moment that seems to stop time. The pressure between the two builds and builds, the man's eyes seem to press right into her own. Tag grits her teeth, pressing back the feeling while challenging the man's stare. Just when Tag is feeling like she can't continue, the moment is suddenly broken when a woman walks between the two.
Tag feels dazed, mortified, and confused. The man seems satisfied, smiling slightly as he walks directly into the hallway labeled #3. [Wha... Wh... Who is... What...] her mind races, unable to totally comprehend what had just happened. Was that really her dad? No, couldn't be... but the resemblance is uncanny. Tag just stares after the man, not moving or speaking. [is this "Mercurio"? What does he want? Should I know him... If it's really not my dad? I.. Don't know if I can do this... No, I can't back down... but...] She's so preoccupied in her mind, she hardly notices as Snitch tries to get her attention, or even when he enters the room after the man.
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Post by prissyprincesscyan on May 12, 2018 12:48:52 GMT
Feeling the vibrations of her commlink Hija reached down into her every increasingly useful waist band and plucked the device out.
[We’re not chummers.]
She thought while reading the short message. Seeing that Snitch was already typing out a reply Hija tapped at her own comm, sending the device into a deep slumber, unresponsive save for a few select channels. Slipping the commlink back Hija retained the thin wire of one of her earbuds. As discretely as she could, using the larger members of her team as cover, she run the wire up along her body until it poked out of the back of her collar. She placed the bud in her ear as grandpa Silva arrived on the scene. His resemblance to Tag was uncanny though he was far more grey and a touch more weathered than their alpha, among other, more obvious differences. Hija remained quiet, fiddling with her ear, until the man entered into room three. Facing Snitch she concurred with his sentiment.
Hija: “Honestly I still do not have a reason to trust Felix, after all this I may have a different opinion but for now... I think he has done enough and I would be more comfortable if he stayed far away. Now, get your comm linked to your ear or eye so I can pass things along without being rude to our host, and keep them on silent! I don’t wanna be competing with your kids asking where papi is and when he’s getting home when I’m trying to work. When we settle in there get me some decent face shots and voice samples during the small talk, talk about ordering food first or something. It’ll give me a trail to work with if this does go badly. Once we do start talking business however I, and probably he, am going to use some white noise to keep things safe from outsiders, so voice sample first please.”
Hija turned to Tag and her dumbfounded state. It was like looking in a taller, prettier mirror except when Hija fangirled out she had a couple of voices in her head to drag her back to reality. She did not expect the same kind of behaviour from Tag. Seemingly taking advantage of Tag’s state Hija plunged her hands in the pockets of the latter’s new duffle coat and began rummaging. In addition to retrieving her white noise generator Hija pulled out Tag’s commlink with its unread message from Felix blinking away. Tapping away for a few moments Hija flipped the comm around and held the screen up to Tag’s face and, with a small hesitation, tapped it firmly against Tag’s nose, causing her to flinch and come momentarily back to reality.
The message from Tag’s comm to itself quoted what she had said earlier today: “I can handle the meeting myself.”
Hija handed the commlink back and looked towards the room Snitch and Silva had entered.
Hija: “Just making sure nothing will go wrong... Whatever ‘this’ is try to, hmm no, do ignore it, the guy asked us by name right? It’s probably just some trick based on some research to try and throw you off balance. The man in there is just another Sil- Johnson. You’re going to do your job so we can do ours. Save anything else until after we’re umm, done”
She wanted to add small ‘okay?’ at the end but turning it into a question might gave Tag an unfair illusion of choice, the team needed her to handle the meet and greet. Without another word Hija followed the older gentlemen into the room.
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Post by Deals with dragons on May 14, 2018 17:18:35 GMT
Tag can feel her emotion stabilizing, the uncomfortable coldness creeping into her mind. [Deep breaths Talia, deep breaths.] She closes her eyes for a second, only to be assaulted on the nose by a commlink. Hija, presenting a message on Tags own commlink. She tried to be irritated, but just came up with embarrassed and mildly annoyed. Tag grumbles something under her breath as she accepts her commlink back. Tag continues to breath deeply and straightens out her already straight clothing as Hija lectures her. Tag waits until Hija has disappeared before taking one more breath and following after. Everything about this is making Tag lose confidence, but she presses on, opening the door. She'd completely forgotten to get her comm in her ear, and she doesn't even have any AR eyewear. Her mind isn't on that, she just wants to get out of this negotiation in one piece.
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Post by Admin on May 14, 2018 19:11:13 GMT
In ancient Bushido code their was a concept called 出会い - The Encounter. When two warriors met for the first time on an open road, there would be an unspoken exchange. They would evaluate each other based on a score of visual cues: The manner of dress, how well traveled they appeared, the state of their weapons, their physical size, tension, stance, distance at which they stopped, etc. Legends also speak of spiritual warriors measuring one another's Chi. During The Encounter, stories tell a variety outcomes: - Equals pass silently
- One decides the other is superior and steps aside to let them pass
- Some subtle slight causing a fight to begin
- One warrior is so overwhelming, the other swears loyalty on the spot
Which leads us to an interesting phenomena that is a side effect of alpha gene-conditioning and social training. It was first documented by Japanese geneticists who dubbed the modern phenomena "The Encounter." When two Alphas meet for the first time - especially when they didn't know they were meeting a fellow Alpha - they undergo a complex series of interactions, all geared to establish dominance. Adrenaline increases - not to fight or flight levels - but enough to slow time perception. A series of micro expressions are sent, phermones are exchanged, physical prowess is estimated, tension evaluated, etc. It gets worse if they talk or shake hands. There is a video on youtube of two early alphas, one from Shiawase Corporation and another from Ares Macrotechnology, who quietly shook hands at a meeting for 3.5 minutes. They weren't posing for photos, and looked perfectly natural if you only looked at 10 seconds of the clip - but they did it for 3.5 minutes. Alphas quickly adapated new training protocols to deal with these bizarre looking encounters, but they didn't eliminate it, they just reduced it to a few hundred milliseconds. Detractors will say this is nothing more than Gorillas thumping on their chests, but in a three piece suit. ~ As the potential employer steps into the dining room, he can be seen taking a seat at the table with his back to the door, just before it closes. Quetzalcoatl feeds Hija his identity without being asked, he is Lord William Furnival, founder of Furnival Fusion - the energy company that prevented the UK from economic collapse with the commercialization of fusion power throughout the UK. While Furnival Fusion is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Saeder-Krupp, Furnival still plays an active role in the company as a its COO. He is Tag's father's first cousin, once removed.
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Post by Random Task on May 14, 2018 20:19:11 GMT
"Oh wonderful, another exalted high and mighty Alpha. No offense, your Tagship. Looks like it's time to get this show on the road."
Cochise subvocalizes as he moves to follow the Johnson.
"Just remember gang," Cochise mumbles "Try to keep the shiny side up." and he follows Snitch inside.
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Quhzk
Junior Member
Alex "Snitch" Putnam
Posts: 67
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Post by Quhzk on May 14, 2018 21:00:11 GMT
Seeing the smartly dressed Alpha sitting at the table with his back to the door, Snitch silently let out a sigh of relief. Any man who hires killers and other criminal types and has the audacity to show his back to them before greeting must not be an immediate threat. Circling around the table and scanning his surroundings for any signs of hidden back-up, Snitch makes his way to a seat in front of the man and offered his hand out to shake.
Snitch: "Nice to meet you, you can call me Snitch. Just a name, don't worry! Everyone else should be coming in shortly."
Without skipping a beat, the host nods his head and shakes Snitch's hand - likely saving the introductions for once everyone has sat down. Although the Matrix connection is currently down due to the door being closed, a recording of the mans face is attempting to be streamed to Hija's commlink per her request and should flood through when the next person comes through the door. As the mans hand shook Snitch's an AR notification appeared indicating that the set of fingerprints, although only partial, have been saved to the library found on his commlink.
[Hija wanted a voice sample but he's not giving it up.. Looks like I'll have to make small talk and come off as a fragging moron]
Snitch: "Seems like a nice place here, but have to say, wish we could have met at the original venue. Gorgeous courtyard you have, and I imagine the food might just be better that here!"
With a buttery smooth voice which simultaneously makes you feel at ease and tells you to cut the chit-chat, the man says "Yes, I do well for myself." Unbeknownst to Snitch whether it was an outporing of pheromones or simply the mans presence, he knew it was time to stop talking. Although likely worsening the mans disposition towards him, at least the short phrase was in queue to be transmitted to Hija in the other room.
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Post by Random Task on May 14, 2018 23:13:04 GMT
Cochise walks around the table and noiselessly nods to the man, while taking a seat across from him.
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Post by prissyprincesscyan on May 15, 2018 9:26:39 GMT
Before entering Hija receives the tidal wave of data from Snitch as Cochise enters the room. The recording of their Johnson’s face and his voice is a good start but the tell-tale sign of another faraday cage is better news.
[¡Maldición! Is London just filled with these things? I suppose so, explains why the dancer had their whole connection at Croc’s. I’m going to have to start adding a stipulation to future jobs. We need time to check the meet a couple days ahead, no rush jobs… except with trusted bods I guess.]
While she had not uncovered how Croc’s dancer, or how she now imagined them, a dancing crocodile, had managed to penetrate the bar’s faraday cage before she had figured some ways herself. Holding the door for Tag to pass by Hija pulled off the bulbous ring on her finger and dropped it. It unfurled mid-flight and landed softly on the floor at her feet. Crawling to the corner of the hallway Alberto buried himself as best as he could, facing outwards to watch the hall. Trailing from the mechanical bug oozed a small, thin and slowly moving cable that lined itself under the miniscule gap in the door. With a flick of his antennae Alberto had connected to the Matrix through the bar’s hub, his ‘tail’ patiently waited for a specific connection.
Satisfied Hija closed the door and joined the others in the room while hopping onto Alberto’s connection. With her office space set up Hija set to work while taking a seat halfway between Mr. Johnson and Tag.
[Lord William Furnival, oh la la. COO of Furnival Fusion, a subsidiary of Saeder-Krupp. Which one are we going to be working for I wonder. That is if this Silva is actually Lord Furnival, already got one old man in here that can change his face why not two.]
Busying herself with a small touch screen and a couple of buttons built into the table at each seating place. Summoning a large AR menu the teen steadily scrolled through the days ingredients, clearly passing the time until the meeting began proper. With Alberto’s connection Hija started to run backgrounds on Lord Furnival, and a month and a half of recent news, business dealing and other points of interest on both Furnival Fusion and Saeder-Krupp. The later two would take some time but she started getting some information on the former almost instantly.
Benita: “Lookie lookie, ring on his fourth finger! Is there a Lady Furnival?” Hija: “Sí, its on the recording too. Married with three niños, two a bit older than Tag, the third passed away a couple years ago, I’ll see if I can pull the record on that if it seems related. One of his kids has kids of his own but information starts trailing off the further you step away from the famous lord. We at least have some ways to get back at him if things go south. If this Silva is who he looks like.” Benita: “You really wanna be thinking about knocking off this guys grandchildren if he messes us around?” Hija: “I’d rather not but, if it comes to it….” Alberto: “Business is business, Its a small sacrifice to pay to make we pass along the message, ‘do not screw us.’” QU37Z41C0471: “Let us attend to our immediate surroundings little ones. We have a few eyes already but the little one can do with more.”
While the background checks on the companies scrolled away in the back of Hija’s mind QU37Z41C0471 washed the Technomancer with a wave of concentration and the pair started work on grabbing cameras both inside the restaurant and from the surrounding neighbourhood. The neighbourhood had a plethora of devices to piggy back on, the number owned by just the police was impressive enough but through in every other corporation having their own and you have mechanical trees watching and listening to everything at each street corner. The restaurant would be more difficult, hence she brought some of her own, but none the less she was not afraid to try. After a few seconds several small boxes of varying quality, colour and company branding found their way into Hija's vision, anyone going in, or out or near to the restaurant was in her sights.
QU37Z41C0471 infusing Hija's Logic skill, 9 Tasking dice: VS2CiO3s1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 Hits: 3
Hija's Hacking of neighbourhood surveillance systems, 15 Dice: 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 Hits: 7
Hija's Hacking of Resturant surveillance systems, 15 Dice: 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 Hits: 6 1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6
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Post by Deals with dragons on May 15, 2018 18:44:39 GMT
Before she entered into the room, Tag takes time to fluff up her ego. While she hadn't dealt with many other Alphas, it is instinct to know she needs to keep headstrong to survive. [Who is this guy anyways? It doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is the job, and getting paid. The team needs me] Tags mind is telling her to be very careful, but even so, she's actually excited to face off against this alpha. Sure it would be difficult, but a true test of her skill is always an interesting venture. Hija holds the door for Tag, who strides in confidently. As she passes the alpha, she gives a polite nod. She knows better than to shake hands, if the first encounter was that intense, physical contact could have explosive results. Seeing as most other seats are taken, Tag sits at the end of the table, facing the Johnson. Tag familiarizes herself with the alphas face, his expressions, his wrinkles, and general mannerisms. All while trying to mask her own, though minus the wrinkles part. She knows he's doing the same, in fact he's likely been watching her for some time now. As both sides of the table are going into negotiation mode, alpha pheromones compete for dominance of the table. Tag is about to make the first move when the Johnson speaks
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Post by Admin on May 15, 2018 21:01:56 GMT
~At the Table~
As Tag walks in, Lord F sits very still and quiet, and nods in her direction.
Lord F: "So they way this goes down on the TriD is that I impress you all with my extensive knowledge of your individual backgrounds, dossiers this, spies that, etc. Dull. I have an interesting problem, and I'd like the solution to be interesting. This is an opportunity for me to - live - vicariously through you while solving a problem I have." As he talks his fingers manipulate an AR menu to place an order.
He glances at the door. A small light above it flicks from red to green.
Lord F:"With your permission, I'd like to dive right in. Are you content with the Faraday? Shall we use the house jammer?"
A slot opens in the table in front of him, and a hiball glass with scotch and a single large spherical ice cube appears.
~In the Matrix~ The low-rent security cameras around the block fall before your 9th generation mnemonic scripts, you see Felix (the absent Fixer) a block away flirting with someone outside a bar. The restaurant, is ANOTHER matter. The security puts up considerably more fight than you expect, and you aren't sure you would have gotten through the firewall without help from your fine feathered friend. You find nodes for the lighting, the music, payment, but NO cameras on the host. You find references to surveillance devices, but no IPs to speak of. Benita gets confused: "But I *see* two cameras from here!"
OOC: You are far from the ad hoc network of the Croc bar, and you had to do much more wrangling than you expected for the AA host your are haunting. I'm tracking an overwatch score.
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Post by Deals with dragons on May 15, 2018 21:37:06 GMT
Without missing a beat, Tag picks up the conversation. Tag: "I'm sure the faraday will be fine. Am I correct in assuming that you are going by the nom de guerre Mercurio, or is that another of my secret admirers. Regardless, It's perfectly fine that we get straight to business, I do however hope you plan to give a bit more detail than we've previously recieved."
Tag herself mirrors her adversaries moves, ordering food (when presented with a list of ingredients Tag selects chicken, for no particular reason beyond that no matter the restaurant, chicken is generally predictable, and tag needs predictability right now), a drink (just water, Tag generally doesn't drink alcohol unless it's called for in a situation), and watching him as much as he is watching her. Locked in the social equivalent of two warriors circling around eachother. Tags mother had taught her that visualization to keep Talia focused in lessons. She had a certain military mind set which applied to nearly everything she did. She ran a strict household and even personally oversaw the security force which monitored the estate.
Tag is trying to read her opponent, figure out his angle, his style, and weaknesses. Though having spent a significant amount of time without dealing with great negotiators, Tag is having a tough time getting him pinned down. After a few moments of fruitless searching, she shifts her attention to her own defense. Her personality has shifted into business mode, a stark contrast from her normal self. To everyone except the Lord, she might seem like statue, or a predatory beast challenging a trespasser. Her eyes focused, all features seem perfectly still, and something about her commands reverence (lest the she-wolf strike).
To Tag, this short bit of conversation has felt like hours. The way Alphas talk is not like a normal conversation, words are exchanged, but the whole time the alphas are engaged in a complex form of combat. A mix of micro expressions, pheromones, and body language are exchanged at lightning fast speed. Each Alpha typically has their own style, which is witnessed between Lord Furnival and Tag. The Lords form is well developed, precise and without mercy. Like an assassin. Tag's is a more primal, what she lacks in skill, she makes up for in animalistic fervor.
Cha+Cha test ZEO2xgnP1-61-61-61-61-61-61-61-61-61-61-61-6 +rr 1-61-6 hits: 41-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6
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Quhzk
Junior Member
Alex "Snitch" Putnam
Posts: 67
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Post by Quhzk on May 15, 2018 22:09:42 GMT
As with most aspects of his line of work, Snitch elects to fall to the back of the conversation, letting his sides Alpha do the negotiations. Ordering an array of Ginger based foods and a drink which pairs well with his meal, Snitch sits back and appreciates the directness of his employer.
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Post by prissyprincesscyan on May 15, 2018 23:55:57 GMT
[Hmm, that’s our fixer then? Let’s get a good look at you. Sí that way I can put a face to my distaste of you.] Benita: "But I *see* two cameras from here!" Hija: “Sí, we’re in the main node but this is just what every other employee has access to. No need for them to see anything in detail about security, if its even held here and not contracted out and held somewhere else. Three types who might have access however, the boss, security and the lowly technician.” Taking her metaphorical feet off of the table Hija alter her icon that might be a bit for fitting for the Matrix node she was residing in. A simple dress shirt and slacks, accented by a power tie in the Franchise wars colours. A bland, imitation of the male bartender she had spotted earlier save for the face, that was entirely their fixer. While her avatar self played dress up, with QU37Z41C0471 following suit, though with the colour of his brilliant feathers remaining in his hair, Meatspace Hija queitly ordered coconut as her ingredient, curious on what the chef would deliver. She remained silent as the two alphas performed their spoken bow prior to darting to verbal sparring it was interesting to witness though she was certain there was numerous nuances and context that she was missing. At Lord Furnival’s request to turn on the house jammer Hija looked to Tag and upon her agreement prodded at the controls in front of her causing a small array of antennae, mixed with decorative branches to emerge from the centre of the table. She placed her white noise generator on the table and witched it on before returning to her own work. Hija: “You look good, could make for a decent human.” QU37Z41C0471: “Charming, How would you proceed, little one? There is no visible security despite physical evidence to the contrary.” Hija: “Unless there are a bunch of false cameras and its all for show there must be a, or many, security nodes somewhere.” QU37Z41C0471: “That is what you are looking for, but how are you going to proceed?” Hija paused thinking over the statement for a moment. Hija: “Slowly and silently?” QU37Z41C0471: “Why?” Hija: “We’re here for dinner, we’re hardly in a rush. We’ve not been detected at the first hurdle and security has no reason to be on edge, if it exists.” QU37Z41C0471: “Good, take your time and be patient. One last thing, what should you do before you eat supper?” Hija: “… Wash my hands?” QU37Z41C0471: “Bien, do so and we will continue.” Catching onto the serpent’s hint Hija concentrated on washing away their traces. Her small break through the firewall and the fiery footprints nearby returned to a few minutes before, neat and undisturbed. The moment she turned around however the flaming wall sagged around the hole she had slipped through. She would need to repeat 'washing her hands' every couple of seconds if she wanted to leave as little of a trial as possible but being a steady turtle was the name of the game. Once done Hija and QU37Z41C047 approached the payment node. QU37Z41C0471: “Thinking of taking a little for yourself?” Hija: “Only mildly. I’m ‘following the money’ if someone is watching these cameras someone is getting paid. Find that and we’ve get something we can spoof, with that we might be able to get some better access or at the very least find out who owns the surveillance. Might try with that bouncer as an entry, maybe its the same company but I doubt it.”
The serpent pushed Hija forward and let her handle the cracking of the second node, pointing out a few things once or twice but generally leaving her to figure this one out on her own.
Hija using Complex Form Cleaner to wipe her last three matrix actions. 12 Tasking Dice: vJN2WS5i1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 Hits: 1 QU37Z41C0471 Aiding in Hija’s Hacking to break into the Payment node. 9 Hacking Dice: 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6Hits: 1 Hija’s Hacking to break into the Payment node. 16 Dice: 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-6 Hits: 6 1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6
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Post by Random Task on May 16, 2018 1:16:37 GMT
Excited by the prospects of real food, Cochise selects the beef and Belgian beer pairing he'd had once on a run down on the Continent. As he munches happily along, he waits for his Exalted Majesty to get to where he's apparently going....
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