Pilatus

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Paige Kennedy

Paige’s glance narrowed slightly looking at his initial reaction. It was one of her favorite things to study in people. The moment where realization overcame presentation. She had been carefully trained how to recognize it all the way back from her days with the Florida State Police and over the course of years in law enforcement there were very few that she encountered that could beat it. Being able to mask one’s true feelings in the face of any manner of news was more a product of experience than training. In contrast, Tao’s reaction- eyes darting, face flushed, pulse quickening, was like a flashing road sign. She knew she would have to do her best to at least work with him some. There was no doubt that everyone she associated with was being watched. “Relax,” She said calmly. Her eye contact was naturally piercing. “I’m not here to take you in.” She tilted her head slightly signaling for him to turn back towards the bar area.

Like most bars, the area behind the drink selection was mirrored and she could still see what was going on behind them between various bottles of differing colors, shapes and sizes. She had no doubt that she had the boy’s attention fully, though still considered her words fairly carefully. He was only just about to realize that he was indeed being pulled into the deep end and she didn’t want him to panic. She brushed her hair back behind her ear and glanced back him. “I’m not here to talk about philosophers or witty quotes either.” She said, her southern accent evident. “What I have is this problem, that you have the ability to help me with.” Inside her jacket, she pulled out a small card enough for only him to see. There was nothing special about it, still wrapped in its plastic sleeve and lanyard. It was easily recognizable as a Luna Sports Facility keycard, but not the standard keytags they gave out to gym members. It was larger, like the kind carried by the staff that worked at the facility, simply bearing the name: Samson Barrett with a picture of an eggheaded, older man with thick-framed glasses and a coffee stained smile.

She slipped the card back into her pocket as stealthily as she retrieved it.There was no way for him to know the history behind it, but she didn’t put it past him to at least look into the name. “That is a master key to Luna Sports Facility.” Again, nothing special. She wasn’t even sure it was a “master key” per se, but it sounded right. She could have easily had LSF make her a master key or had the Marshal Service’s tech department replicate it, but they didn’t need to know what she was up to and the fewer people that knew about any of it the better. With Tao, she had leverage and though corporate espionage was not usually something within Marshal’s business, she could pull enough strings to make it that way. Somehow though, she doubted, just studying him, that any of that would be a problem. No, it was the next part she was sure would pique his interest. Even CT seemed intrigued by her request, though she hadn’t directly mentioned what it was about. “I need to find out what doors it has opened.”

@Allycat

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Status Check

Just a casual status check. We have gone a couple rounds in various scenes for this skip and we know some players (myself included) may be waiting on responses while others are working on posts. Please check in with us either here or on the discord so we can confirm everyone's activity level.

We'll also be reaching out to those that haven't been active for a while so no one gets discouraged waiting for a player that is no longer interested/unavailable.

Thanks!

~P

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Paige Kennedy

No one else knew about the card other than Milo and of course that sleazy Agent Barrett of the FBI. Paige’s lips curled slightly at the thought of the man. Disgusting. He was on his way to take a shot at her career before Milo had caught him by surprise. Now the tables were turned and like the rest of the cabal he secretly belonged to, he wasn’t anywhere to be found. She had the State Police and SCPD watching LSF round the clock, but nothing had turned up. She knew there was at least one other key, she’d seen it used, but again, no one had turned up and trying to figure out what doors Barrett’s key would unlock was something like trying to find a needle in a haystack, in a maze, in the dark. Luna Sports Facility was nothing but doors. It was massive. Going back to CT in the Sol City lockup was her last play other than waiting for Nikki to make the next move, something she wasn’t going to risk.

CT was as haughty as usual and she could tell it irked him considerably to have to “recommend” someone else for dark computer work since he considered himself to be the best at everything. He was forthcoming though, knowing that she was the only person keeping him from being transferred to the Federal pen. The kid had a steady job, but made most of his money on the side through corporate espionage. Sensing himself in danger of possibly being replaced, CT had generously spilled everything he knew about Tao Jang including the codewords he used to set up face to face meetings with clients: something he rarely did. It was almost too easy, but despite CT’s eccentricities, his information was routinely solid- He really didn’t want to be transferred to Federal custody. Paige made the call as their cyber crimes tech recorded and traced the whole exchange. It didn’t matter that he used a burner phone or that it was illegal for them to record his voice. People operating on the wrong side of the law weren’t known for making appeals to justice.

Entering Swan Songs wearing her standard jeans, leather jacket and Converses, her gun and star were hidden slightly behind the jacket in her preferred fashion and her hair was up in its usual working ponytail. Her eyes scanned like a sentinel as she entered, already knowing the face of the person she was after, but she kept her demeanor level, almost approachable. It was a scenario she’d played in a hundred times at least and there was a certain swagger to her walk, like the old west, developed over years of being in the law. She liked the weight of her gun on her hip and the looks she got from people that noticed the star clipped to her belt.

Swan Songs was carrying a decent crowd for a Monday night. Ironically, the small record shop had been one of the catalysts for her arrival in Sol after the debacle of the much lauded karaoke night. Lupe and the rest of his crew were still on the lamb, but Bob had paid the price for the evening. None of them had been heard from since that night, but she knew it was only a matter of time before their names came up. If they were smart they would have got out of the country to somewhere with no extradition. She heard the Maldives were lovely.

It didn’t take long to find her mark awkwardly standing by the bar. He had the look of someone that had never been caught, which made it easy and his nervousness was evident, which made it even easier. She was confident that if he tried to bolt, she could easily run him down. Ambient chatter filled the air, but was not overbearing. It was still early. The small, arranged bar area was segregated from the record selection and the cramped stage where the first act was warming up. She deftly stepped in next to him, not making eye contact and nonchalantly ordered a drink. Turning around as she waited behind his field of vision, she glanced over at the stage, first catching a glimpse of Yoji, tall and easily recognizable; who she’d bought the handmade cups from and then Siobhan, who she could only see was wearing an awesome hat. They texted all the time and she told Sio she might be after a lead in the record shop. Keeping an eye on Tao, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Sio: Spied You.

She smirked and hit send, glancing at the boy briefly from behind until her drink came up beside her on the counter. “Hello Tao” She said using his name. Seeing his attention turn she took a sip from the straw and moved the colorful cocktail umbrella out of the way. Her grin was something like the cat having found the mouse. She put the glass back down and drew her jacket back only slightly revealing her gun and star. “I like your Hawking quotes, but I think I prefer Asimov.” She said.

...
Interacting:
@Allycat

Mentioned:
@Almalthia@Headhunter

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Joel Nicolosi

It’d been a while since Joel stopped by Footsteps. After the Grand Prix and the media excitement that followed, both he and Tommy had sort of let things just settle down for a while. They were both similar in that way. To Tommy, being accustomed to the limelight, winning the race was just like winning the big game. You made the rounds, gave your victory speech, hung up your jersey and relaxed for the off-season. To Joel, winning the race, after years of trying, seemed to bring about closure to that particular chapter of life. He wasn’t interested in running it again; he’d proven his point, so as he stepped through the front door of Footsteps, it was a bit like turning the pages back and even though it had only been a few weeks, after everything that followed, it felt like he hadn’t been there in years.

Inside, nothing much had changed. The large picture taken from the air race along with the car model were still displayed prominently behind the bar alongside many of Tommy’s sporting memorabilia, but were now accompanied by the impressively sized Sol City Grand Prix trophy and a large photo of Joel and Tommy, with the rest of the pit crew and the car in the official winner’s photo. As he walked up to the bar amid the smell of the grill, the wild cacophony of various sports channels arrayed across screens mounted everywhere and the calm chatter of a Monday night crowd, he couldn’t help but look at it and remember the moment the picture was taken: the winning timing board and that same trophy was set between them, Nicolosi/Lomax P1 - Sol City GP - Nissan 300ZX, the American flag was next to each of their names, both were giving a thumbs up and he was actually smiling.

Joel had never “played in the big game” or cared much at all for competitive sports at any point in his life, but that photo burned with an undeniable completeness that he could still feel in his heart. He never talked about it in that way, but it was true.

Nicolosi!

A voice called out from somewhere in the restaurant breaking the moment of reverence and snapping him fully back to reality. One of the regulars instantly recognized him and it was simply Footsteps custom to bark out Joel’s last name whenever he entered the building. Not even sure where it came from, Joel threw up a wave of acknowledgement as he sauntered up to his regular seat at the bar.

No one was behind the counter, which wasn’t unusual. All the customers seated were taken care of fully and Joel nodded at a couple more regulars that recognized him. Mondays at Footsteps were normally slow outside of football season and Tommy would often run the bar himself if he felt like it, or have the small waitstaff just watch over it as a team. Joel knew he didn’t need to wait and could walk right into the kitchen if he wanted, but instead, reached behind the counter, knowing where the glasses were and poured himself a Guinness from the tap like he’d done a hundred times before. He glanced down at his watch as he topped off the glass. They had planned to meet and catch up for a while and Joel was a little early. Having spent most of the day on Mount Atlas testing a new car he was not allowed to talk about, he was starving after skipping the regular meal the team provided.

Taking a long drink he ran a hand through his hair before replacing his simple black team cap and began thumbing through his phone messages while he waited.

@alexfangtalon

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Monday Evening

Still Warmer - Light Clouds

-TWO EVENTS-

Baseball Bonanza - Luna Sports Facility & Monday Melodies - Swan Songs Record Shop

Event time!

You have a choice, the city is hosting two events on Monday night:

Monday Melodies at Swan Songs record shop- Are you a singer songwriter or are you a just a plucky punter who has had a few and enough alcoholic courage to stand up on stage? This event is for you, set in one of Sol's best smaller venues, open bar and snacks available from 8 till late. Maybe you will see the City's latest upcoming artist before they hit it big!

&

Baseball Bonanza! Sol City's own minor league baseball team, the Sol City Wild continue their home-opening stint hosting the Neo-City Night at Luna Sports Facility baseball grounds. Come be a part of the Wildlife and show your support. Remember, every Monday game means half-price concessions so start your week right and come enjoy an evening at the ballpark.

---

S T A R M E S S E N G E R

SOL source of News since 1895

Latest News

Cephalopod Carnage, Inky Strikes Again


In a follow up to the tale of the escaped Inky raid on the angling event, it seems he has taken a liking to submarines and high heels. Experts continue to be baffled by the Cephalopod crime wave. Inky recently taunted the crew of the SCPD submarine Jaws VI, leaving a cloud of ink that blocked the periscope causing a collision the mayor's boat at a publicity event and dunked his PA in Old Harbour. "Its a menace, the aquarium owe me for dry cleaning!" His PA was quite indignant, though experts are confused as to why, merely thinking Inky might be bored, and now has freedom to play.

In a second, strange event the now, "Feared Kraken" stole a high heeled shoe from Astrid Peterson, a manager at Nakomoji Entertainment, while she was on a date by the waterside. Giving only a smile why her heel was loose, she was less hostile. "I saw a perfect pair of Jimmy Choos on sale... and well Inky gave me a nudge to buy them. Can't complain too much. Thanks Inky."

Acutus Salmon is in a small minority, along with sushi chef, Jonnah Whalus and David Jonesy has set it on themselves to hunt the Kraken in part to avenge his families loss of the angling tournament and formerly wet, Proctus Salmon. "Its personal, we're gonna enjoy Calamari that's for sure. We held that title for 27 years, it's on Kraken!" Well, seems out Cephalopod celebrity is a divisive figure.

Kaiden Cod,
Local News Team
Star messenger

Run and Light-Lane Properties Targeted by Investors


Commercial properties along The Run and Light Lane continue to be a hot item for real estate investment from brokerages within and outside the city. However, what this means for Sol's local business leasing their properties within these areas still remains nebulous. With the exception of the property formerly home to Club Aether, nearly all of The Run had fallen under the umbrella of Elvin Santos Holdings before his passing. Star Messenger reached out to ESH, but our requests for comments have been repeatedly denied.

It's no secret that Santos was often a proponent of preserving "Old" Sol City, though many of his critics and supporters alike would agree that he could be rather opportunistic. The rumors of a professional baseball team coming to Sol would have (and still do) made for a very lucrative property deal though the displacement of those businesses remains a sore subject for many who do not wish to see a second major sporting facility introduced to the waterfront.

The mayor's office has remained cautious of taking sides throughout the entire process with the residents and business on one side of the battle and the the massive revenue injection a second major sports team on the other. Relief for the heavily-used Luna Sports Facility is also a major factor where Sol's minor league baseball team currently shares the stadium with the Icarus Angels pro-football squad.

Kelsey Chamblins
Business Editor

Riverside Festival forthcoming. Application Deadline Closing In

Sol City Mayor, before being rudely disrupted by Inky`s Cephalopod crime wave, was announcing the annual Riverside Festival to a hungry crowd, emphasizing the always popular SOL-Food Competition. "Well Before Inky intervened, we were showcasing the finest chefs that make our city special. Everything from classic pies to the latest multi-ethnic cuisines. Anyone wanting to get involved just needs to have their application turned in by the deadline."

We where told from a slightly wet PA, who was inquiring quite seriously about somewhere selling Calamari, that as always, vendors of all sizes, types and styles are welcome and the event again will be hosted in the heart of the city at Corona Park. Though not very forthcoming, the PA teased that there would be a bold, new twist to the cooking competition this year. More details on that to come.

As our esteemed mayor said, inquiries can be made at City Hall or on the website. We know it will again be a rather delicious success and several large brands have tendered there interest in getting involved including Rebellion Energy Drinks, Umbrella Corps Medical Reseach, Deadalus Airlines and Star Bank.

Levi Letuce
Food Columist / Critic
Star Messenger

WEATHER
Another fairly mild early spring evening for Sol City, mostly dry and cooling for the evening. Light winds but still not too cold until after sunset. A crisp full moon should be visible in the night sky.

For a more detailed and up to date report on the go, download our app, SOL CITY WEATHER 24/7 on most popular app stores.

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

24 Hour Time Skip Warning

Temporal jump to MONDAY NIGHT . Special Events! . Night at the Baseball Field or Relaxing Jazz in Riverside . Your Choice!

Consider what your character(s) may have been doing since Saturday.

Any questions please let us know.

As always, if you feel that you are not ready to skip. PLEASE speak up!

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

@Pyxis

Approved

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Joel Nicolosi

Joel smirked at Sio’s comments about chivalry and modesty. “Guess I should probably take them back then.” He said as his smirk became a very poorly concealed smug grin. However, the kids reactions were a nice surprise that pulled his attention away from her for a moment. He put out his hand for the younger boy that ran up to plant an affirmative “five” that struck with a loud clap that all could hear. What caught him though was the boy’s words: finished third. The sound of it just irritated him: Third. He knew he could have pushed harder, but he’d done the right thing and preserved the car- save for hitting the final jump wide open and clearing the 50 meter board with ease and winning the long jump competition. No, it was their first time out, new car and new team, just getting in the top five would have been a victory, putting it on the podium was nigh unthinkable. He’d dominated the opening street stages, beating the rival Red Bull sponsored Citroen, so much so that the German crew had taken to calling him Stierkampfer, or the bullfighter.

Listening to them chatter and the young girl paint Sio with water color, Joel began rummaging through her art supplies before very unartistically sitting down on the grass with one of her spare canvases in his lap and several colored pencils. The younger boys and girls quickly gathered around to see what he was doing, completely ignoring their seats and painting assignment. He began sketching. Not being very elegant in his technique, he drew mechanically with detail like a printer; starting at the bottom and spitting out the shapes like an engineering drawing. First the base ground, then the wheels, then the side profile of a car before he glanced up as Sio finished cleaning herself up enough to notice that he had essentially hijacked half her class. “We’re not painting cookies and flowers today,” He said matter-of-factly. “We’re drawing a racecar.”

@Almalthia

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

@Meleck

Just add it to the CS and you're fine.

I'm gonna throw this out there again since it's been a little bit since I last asked: Who here needs a Discord link? Please let us know if you are not on the discord chat. That's where most of the plotting and interaction between players takes place. You need to be on there if you are not.

Also, while on the subject of Discord, I'm definitely NOT a pro at it or anything, but if we could make sure everyone on there could add their character name somehow, I know it would help me (and probably others too) immensely. I read ALL the discord chats and sometimes I can't remember people's chat handles vs. character names. Help an old guy out, please.

Thanks,

~P

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

@Meleck

This looks better. Still need a self-rating on the player interaction scale.

You can take Paige out of connections. She wouldn't be involved in routinely searching everyday workers in her job. I returned your PM regarding Joel.