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A Couple of Party-Style Hacks

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  1. #1
    Derek Menzies's Avatar

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"
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    (Insecure)
    Derek Menzies

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"

    (A Couple of Party-Style Hacks)Vitae 1 Spent
    1
    PRE

    Blush of Life -1 Vitae

    Equipment: Smartphone, Laptop, Athletic Shoes

    Bowling, arcade games, virtual reality, Punch Bowl Social is a late night free-wifi venue that caters to the geek in all of us. With private nooks, luxury booths, and a circular bar and well-staffed kitchen, it is both comfortable and fashionable in its character. Many a Kine are enjoying themselves, observing the large flatscreens or chatting loudly to one another in a festive atmosphere.

    Derek waits outside however, blushed to the nines but not yet ready for the wild experience until his new friend arrives. There is the pretense of celebration atop an undercurrent of unknown motivations. He wears his dark hoodie once more, grey jeans, and sneakers.
    Edward Heinrich

  2. #2
    Edward Heinrich's Avatar

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    Edward Heinrich




    Daeva Vice: Wrath
    Edward Heinrich Scenes

    2
    PRE

    Equipment: Laptop

    Edward wore casual clothes, a laptop case by his side. As he approached the building, he took mental note of what others were wearing. He didn't want to become that elder in a hundred years. He met Derek with a smile, a nod, and then the shake of a hand. "Good to see you, mind if I call you Derek here?"

  3. #3
    Derek Menzies's Avatar

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"
    Presence
    (Insecure)
    Derek Menzies

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"

    1
    PRE

    When the Beast arrives, Derek shrinks back instinctively, wary of the known predator in proximity. The presence of the Herd reminds the Man in him that any violence here would not favor either of them. He calms, straightens and turns to meet Edward's approach. Their hands grasp, a gesture of welcome and respect.

    "You too, Edward. And Derek's fine," he answers. It's strange that a member of the Invictus would be comfortable with first name basis, but then they were not among Kindred. And such formalities did not suit two normal humans out celebrating.

    "Oh," he realizes as he thinks this. "Um, you're looking a bit pale. Are you sure you're up for this?" he asks, noting that Edward hasn't yet donned the semblance of life that would complete the masquerade.

    He knew Edward had not yet spent much time in Sacramento and might not afford parting with the Vitae necessary to maintain appearances. As such he thought it only polite to give the man an out. But then again, he might simply be waiting until absolutely necessary. Frugal.

  4. #4
    Edward Heinrich's Avatar

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    Edward Heinrich




    Daeva Vice: Wrath
    Edward Heinrich Scenes

    (Counterfeiting Life (Blush + Eating))Vitae 2 Spent
    2
    PRE

    Thanks for the catch!


    "Ah," Edward looked at his hands, their pale sheen mocking his oversight, "I'm sure it's just a chill. I'll be sure to warm once we're inside. Shall we?" Indeed, Edward would warm even before he got inside.

    His eyes scanned the room, looking for a flinch that might indicate a hidden beast reacting to his own. He saw nothing. At the same time, he noted a place to sit relatively out of the way. He wasn't planning on saying anything damning, but the extra layer was always appreciated.

    Once they were seated, Edward gave a look at the menu. He'd get a burger and coffee.
    "So," he pulled out his laptop, "let the celebrations begin, I hope you don't think I'll go easy on you." Edward grinned wide, he hadn't realized just how much he was looking forward to this. It had been well over three years since he'd last gotten the chance to play.

    Edward turned his laptop so Derek could see it, the MARS visualizer filled the screen.

    "Send me your Warrior, and we can begin." Derek had Edward's email from the buisness card, a USB stick would be fine too.

    Both players submit their premade Warriors. I'd recommend we do an Int+Computer's roll each post starting when Derek is ready. The nature of the game makes full victories hard, so I'd say unless Edward or Derek pulls ahead by ten successes it's not a full win. Sound good?

  5. #5
    Derek Menzies's Avatar

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"
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    Derek Menzies

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"

    (Consume Food/Drink)Vitae 1 Spent
    1
    PRE

    Sounds good!


    Derek forces a smile as Edward's visage blushes with color and they enter the venue together. Their booth is a pale yellow cushioned leather, rounded around a table where they can face each other on either side. Derek is in full view of the bar and television screens while Edward can see the distant bowling lanes and VR rooms. The Kine create waves of sound that fill the background though do not dominate their senses. Conversation and excitement mixed with the crack of pins, the clink of glasses, and television audio.

    Derek orders a burger, fries, and a milk shake. It tastes like ash, but at least the scent of it is pleasing, evoking nostalgic memories of a life long ago. It would all be coming back up not long from now. They best make the most of their time.

    "Yes, I wouldn't expect anything less. A challenge to promote growth and innovation," he replies, opening up his laptop and launching the software that would be his view of the battleground. He connects to the free WiFi and transmits the Warrior that would fight on his behalf.

    "This promotion of mine has been keeping me fairly busy. I'll admit it's the first time I've had to hold that kind of responsibility. A lot of pressure to perform well."

    He looks up from his screen to Edward.

    "Fortunately the job comes with an assistant. You've met Patience, haven't you? Very serious and dutiful. I expect she'll be doing a lot of the heavy lifting. You know my predecessor had three assistants by the time she left the position. I'm wondering if I ought to follow that pattern of delegation," he remarks conversationally.

      Turn 1, Derek's Warrior 5suxx
    Date Action Roll Result
    2019-10-03 13:38:46 Derek Menzies rolls 7 to contest with program Warrior, Turn 1 [INT+Computers] (10 Again) 8, 9, 4, 8, 10, 8, 5, 6 5 successes

  6. #6
    Edward Heinrich's Avatar

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    Edward Heinrich




    Daeva Vice: Wrath
    Edward Heinrich Scenes

    2
    PRE

    Edward frowned, as Derek spoke of the promotion, "I understand where you're coming from. Trying to lead equals is a hard thing. I was given team lead once, right after that the Brass decided senior analyst would be my path" He laughed good-naturedly.

    "I'm sure she'll do well, she certainly has the... intensity."

    He nodded. "Is there anyone who has been in the city for a long time, you could ask? I suppose you've tried the past assistants, those that are left?" Edward didn't recall who they were, it was a mess of new names and faces. He'd offer his services only if there were no better candidates. "Adding workers to a project isn't guaranteed to reduce your workload, or improve results." What was that stat? 20% of coders are responsible for 80% of bugs? Something like that.

      4 successes
    Date Action Roll Result
    2019-10-03 22:34:01 Edward Heinrich rolls 8 to play Core Wars (10 Again) 10, 6, 3, 10, 2, 9, 9, 3, 2, 6 4 successes

    Derek has a one-success lead.


    Edward watched the game unfolding, noting Derek's early lead. "A good Warrior!"

  7. #7
    Derek Menzies's Avatar

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"
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    Derek Menzies

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"

    1
    PRE

    "Mm, yes, she has that," Derek agrees as his eyes dart to the screen to mark the progress. "Heh, thanks. Yours is holding up well too, but it's the end game that's crucial," he remarks with sincere enjoyment.

    Turning back to business he continues, "Most that have been around have already earned higher positions. Though Dirt Nap seems capable. And that mysterious Alice that came to the last meeting seems to have a history with the city. But you may be right, it's easy to wield authority but I'm the one who ultimately takes responsibility. I'll have to feel it out, I suppose."

    "I would like to bring in certain specialists for specific projects though, even if they aren't given the same authority. I recall you do consult work, yes? I know I mentioned it, but I was hoping to bring you in on a particular project I have in the works. I'll have to give you the details without prying ears about though."

      Turn 2, Derek's Warrior 2suxx
    Date Action Roll Result
    2019-10-04 06:14:25 Derek Menzies rolls 7 to contest with program Warrior, Turn 2 [INT+Computers] (10 Again) 10, 1, 9, 6, 7, 1, 2, 7 2 successes

  8. #8
    Edward Heinrich's Avatar

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    Edward Heinrich




    Daeva Vice: Wrath
    Edward Heinrich Scenes

    2
    PRE

    Edward nodded, "quite right."

    He listened without comment. Alice and Patience? That might not end well.
    But he also watched the game, he didn't recognize the Warrior Derek used. It was effective even if its performance was now dipping.

      4 successes
    Date Action Roll Result
    2019-10-05 00:07:01 Edward Heinrich rolls 8 to play Core Wars [INT+Computers] (10 Again) 9, 6, 1, 9, 9, 8, 5, 3 4 successes
    Edward has a one success lead.


    "Anything for the Company." Edward paused, "Derek, we have a somewhat unique skill set within the Company, it seems it would be in both our best interests not to compete."

  9. #9
    Derek Menzies's Avatar

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"
    Presence
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    Derek Menzies

    Known as "Derek Mitnick"

    1
    PRE

    Derek expels a stream of air that counts as a laugh. "Isn't that what we're doing now? A friendly competition?"

    He sits back in his seat to regard Edward with a small smile, though the performance of his Warrior is slacking. But then these games had a sort of back and forth. The winner would be determined by attrition rather than a knock out. "But I would agree. Why work against one another when we can combine our efforts? We both have insights into different aspects of our field. And given the prevalence of cyber-security standards, we may come up with interesting solutions for our fellow coworkers. I'm not worried about saturating the market with human resources. I doubt it will lower the demand for our services. To be honest I wonder if the others can even appreciate our specialties."

    "Or do you have other worries that you're implying?" he asks, eyes darting back to the game. Derek's lead now gone, the performance wasn't having as much affect against Edward's strategy.

      Turn 3, Derek's Warrior 2suxx
    Date Action Roll Result
    2019-10-05 09:25:18 Derek Menzies rolls 7 to contest with program Warrior, Turn 3 [INT+Computers] (10 Again) 2, 1, 8, 6, 10, 6, 7, 3 2 successes

  10. #10
    Edward Heinrich's Avatar

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    Edward Heinrich




    Daeva Vice: Wrath
    Edward Heinrich Scenes

    2
    PRE

    He smiles at Derek's deflection but does not laugh. After Derek spoke seriously, Edward answered. "Very few appreciate the importance of security until something important to them is taken. You may be right, they don't value it now but give it time, something will eventually happen, and if we are established, they will turn to us." He'd be sure to ask Derek if he had any specific "interesting solutions" in mind.


    Edward saw the waiter approach with coffee, he turned and smiled. After coffee was poured, Edward thanked the man and waited for him to leave before continuing.

    "I don't mean to sound morbid, I confess the profession has jaded me."
    Edward watched the game unfold for a moment while considering Derek's question. Derek's Warrior did well but didn't seem to be checking its own memory as often as it should.

      3 successes
    Date Action Roll Result
    2019-10-05 14:15:22 Edward Heinrich rolls 8 to play Core Wars [INT+Computers] (10 Again) 4, 4, 3, 5, 6, 8, 8, 10, 1 3 successes
    Edward has a two success lead.


    "Not a worry." Edward pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Derek. It seemed to be Derek's business card, only it listed him as having the position of "Senior Penetration Tester" at "Danse Security."

    "An offer. I've started a business. At the moment it's only a friend outside of the Company and me. I intend to grow it. Would you be interested? Of course, take your time considering it. I'm not in a rush." This was not the place to point out having some IRS friendly income was always a good thing, but Derek was smart. He'd think through the consequences.

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