🚀 go-pugleaf

As the two emerged from the Dream center, Hawk casually asked Reamer
"I've always wondered which is the real you: the wild kid I originally
met, or the concerned leader I seem to deal with daily?"

Reamer suddenly stopped and started to play 'air guitar'.  Bobbing up and
down (and seemingly to play a hellacious riff), he danced, swayed, did
some acrobatics, looked at Hawk and said "Dudin' hot stuff, like you know".

Hawk was startled.  But he quickly recovered, a grin spreading across his face.

Just as quickly as it came on, Reamer reverted to his calm demeanor and said,
"Depends on my mood.  Most of the times these days I have to be clear-headed.
Ever since Morley stepped down, the gang's been looking to me for direction."

"That's truly amazing" muttered Hawk, as the two continued walking towards the
Digs' entrance.

*****

The two's conversation was interupted by Gazer, "Fleeter's in trouble.
Flyboy told Ears he's niffed...  He's JUST A KID!!!"

"Whoa, slow down" said Reamer in a calming voice.  Turning towards Hawk,
"Wasn't he up by the Rest with you?"

"Sure" said Hawk, "him, Milkyway, Geek and Vetch.  Fleeter was tagging the
Hovers for tracing."

Turning to Gazer, "Who was our Op-guy in this cover?"

"Milkyway"

"Hmmm... get him back right now.  I'm goin' to talk to Ears."  Glancing side-long
to Hawk, he nodded that the fellow should join him.

*****

The room was rather small, but packed with electric equipment.  Hawk gazed in
wonder at the set-up.  This gang had a lot of surprises, and this was no exception.
Sitting at a console was this nerdish guy with 4 data-jacks plugged in!  A comm-link
was strapped to his head, and he seemed to be conversing with someone.  This must
be Ears.

Upon seeing Reamer, he held up his hand as if to hold off any questions.  He then
flicked a switch on the console and a voice broke in "...omo.  Hover headed towards
the market..."

Flipping the switch back off, Ears moved the comm-link and said to Reamer 
"Flyboy has been monitoring a chase between Fleeter and those thugs.  Seems there's
a problem at the PDT... Medi-hover just entered..."

"I DIDN'T AUTHORIZE ANY CHASING" shouted Reamer.  Turning to Hawk, Reamer glared
and asked "Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I knew nothing of it, Reamer.  After the mark left the pub, I..."

"Milkyway" interupted Reamer.  "That's his style."  Turning to Ears, "Tell Flyboy
to pursue the hover.  We'll send a team in".  And then, almost as an afterthought,
"Increase interest rating to a 2..., no 3"

Ears looked shocked, but relayed the message.

Reamer turned to Hawk and said "Go to the PDT and find out what happened.  Take
Bagman, Dreamer, and Gazer with you.  I want someone with experience on the site."

Hawk turned to leave when Reamer added "Usual fee, of course."

Hawk responded, "Nah, this one's on me" and left to collect his team.

When hawk had left the communications room, Reamer reached over, grabbed a
spare data-jack, and plugged it in.  Instantly, he saw what Flyboy was seeing.
He was looking at a Fly-N-Park deck, just as a Blue Chromo and Metallic Grey
Thunderhawk took off in opposite directions.

["...possible exchange of passenger.  E-tag set, but pursuing Blue Chromo, over"]

["Roger Flyboy.  Any more details on that Thunderhawk, over?"]

["Sorry, only caught a glimpse.  Looked to be a 78 or 80, non-descript."]

"Definitely a 78" muttered Reamer, "the louvered fan-tail gives it away."

["Tag mark Aught Niner Five Mark Seven, over"]

Reamer removed the data-jack and told Ears to monitor that Tag.  He had to deal
with Milkyway first.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMIN: The Dream Machine is the call sign for the Digs.  Since this post was
dealing with the operator directly, he was referred to as Ears.  Ears commonly
mans the communication center at the Digs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Carl Fogelin (fogelinc@cyanamid.com)     "All opinions are strictly mine" 

   Up the long ladder and down the short rope,
   To Hell with King Billy and God bless the Pope. -- traditional