"Wha...?" I was steeling myself for an unwanted physical advance, not an unmasking with raw flattery and admiration. I shake my head, squinting, confusion across my face, datapads and papers askew and forgotten. I'm not sure I believe him. "Why?" I…
I'm in the common room, reading some of Yu's research, with pages and pads of my own notes spread about. It's deep stuff, and I have to really concentrate to follow the technical work. He's going to join me later for discussions. And yes, I'm carefu…
"Five by five, Monté. You?" If I sound a little distracted, it's because I'm working to keep our getaway clean. I'm very grateful Csorba was able to plant the electronic countermeasures when we got the Surge intel from this Lana character. I'm also …
Duty - d10 - We've acquired Yu for Psi Corps. Better than his discoveries open on the free market.\
Leader - d6 - I'm taking point for this aspect.
Plucky - d8 - We can make it happen!
Dai - d8 - The clothes make the woman, evidently.
Jax Yu - d6 -…
This is the world's worst dance club.
I'm dressed to the nines, in this wonderful grey gauze that makes the most of my slight curves. I can feel the long muscles in my legs and ass moving purposely as I walk to the flashing strobes. I hear the hide…
Duty - d10 - Eyes on task, Mei!
Security - d8 - The best offense is not letting them see who hit you.
Alien-Enhanced Psionic - d8 - Prisms and seashells and lava snowflakes with the sound of pepper and the textury feeling of putting your hands in un…
Fast, Mei! I'm moving along with the rest of the diners, looking around, marking all the players.
Subvocal: "Csorba! Get in here, get Desrogiers out!"
I spot the M-T goons and get ready to hit them with my psi.
Don't think about Ksenia, Mei. She'…
Wow, that is really really unnecessarily loud. We're on a planet!
Making this up as I go, I will head out, sort of, but walk to intercept Desrogiers if Yu heads to the bathroom. I trust K can handle the M-T goon. I kick myself mentally, I should've…
I frown slightly. Is she making bad jokes? I shake my head, silly Ksenia.
I psi-send to Yu:
doctor jax yu / excuse yourself to the bathroom / my associate will escort you / tell mina desrogiers to wait
"How about a fire alarm? Get Yu and Desrogiers out in the chaos?"
I do a little people-watching in character, looking to see if the M-T operative contacts another patron. I don't expect that she's alone.
I send love and confidence and joy to Ksenia: don't show off on my account
Followed by a subvocalized, "What about the back entrance? Can you use it?" I can arrange for a distraction if I have to, but the plan is to keep my cover intact if we need…
I subvocalize to the team. "Copy, K. I'm making contact with Yu, everyone hold position."
I psi-send to Yu.
doctor jax yu do not panic / your life is in imminent danger from hostile corporate interests / your security team is inadequate / my team…
Discovery - d10 - I can't hide my curiosity. I don't often dive into other minds for a host of reasons.
Comms - d6 - This procedure is a little deeper than just reading a person, but it's still a person.
Alien-Enhanced Psionic - d8 - Sometimes, it r…
This is the big time, Mei. You've got this. Just like in training.
I'll reach out with my psi to get a read from Yu and Lana. If Yu is our target, then any edge for negotiation will be a significant advantage. Will this be a simple case of doubling…
I make it clear to Csorba that Yu's research will be vital to ultimate success. Given the intel from Lana, I will want to be onsite in the restaurant, positioned to have a good view of the area. If I need to stay in character, there's other investme…
I make a mental note. Something to slice with Dinah. I make eye contact with Csorba and make a small nudge with my psi. We got something.
"Of course! How dare I continue distracting your talent!" but I don't mean it cruel, adding a laugh and a hand…
I smile and nod understandingly. "Scientists are always working on something critical. Another time, perhaps?" Inside, I feel sympathy... and wonder about psi therapy for a career focus. So many people have such deep hurts.
Duty - d10 - This is the mission, this is the target. It's a solid lead.
Comms - d6 - I can be subtle. Look! I'm being subtle right now!
The Right Stuff - d8 - Psi Corps and Space Corps both have covert ops. I have some tradecraft.
Church - d8 - I w…
I'm taking notes on a disposable secure pad that has been prepopulated with a little media to help my cover. I nod at the right places, ask a few good questions and a few bad questions on purpose. I want to play my part as a moderately savvy investo…
Csorba gets another high-wattage smile at his wink. I want to slap him.
"Dr. Lissom," I say, rising to shake hands. "Dr. Granta." I feel slightly on guard at Voss' description of Granta.
The psi damper is a neat trick, and it has me almost off bal…