[Syntax] Struggle For Power

**king**

"Don't beleive everything you read in the papers son..."

I remember my father telling me that every time we passed the newstand, headlines screaming tales of war and devastation, of scandal and outrage...

I've done my best to maintain that ideal throughout both my life lived in dreams and the one I awoke to, however I cannot escape the nagging feeling... there is no smoke without fire, and the media sure provide a lot of smoke...

My curiosity is awoken once more as my eyes scan across the cover of a magazine... the same glossy trash I was forever warned against perusing... I reach out and take the second copy from the top, so as not to be plagued by waterlogged pages...

After tossing the newsagent a crumbled note, I slump into the adjacent bench, and allow my thoughts to focus once more at the latest headlines leaping off the magazine...

((This is the set-up for a player-event on the Syntax server. The event will start on Monday 31st October, and this thread is for all who wish to be involved to roleplay an introduction to their own individual, or their groups interest and prospective involvement in the event.

This is not, by any means, a "KingCAW Event", nor is it a "Masked Agenda" event. The storyline that will take place is independant to ones currently running on the Syntax server, and as such has not been created to boost any ego's or further any specific interests.

Hopefully this will extend to open the event up to groups or individuals who have conflicting roleplaying styles and who previously have not involved themselves in other events in order to avoid the risk of those styles clashing.

The story provided by this event will be a bare-bones skeleton from which everyone involved can create their own, intricate RP accounts which follow their own involvement, motivations, experiences etc. The aim of this event is to provide the action, activities and basic plot from which to further everyones playing experiences.

So, that said, I look forward to reading everyones RP contributions to this buildup, and hope everyone enjoys whats in store. If you have any questions then please feel free to contact me via private message.

Thanks,

kC ))

Message Edited by kingcaw on 10-21-2005 12:19 PM
Message edited by king on 10/21/2005 03:19:38.

Hank_22

I 'm glad there is a player event organised on Syntax very soon,

but I dont know what it is I would do if I was to take part.

Could it be explained a bit further?

**king**

((The event will be a mixture of everything from RP scenarios, to pvp to puzzle-solving etc... obviously I can't give a blow-by-blow account of what is to be expected as that would ruin any potential suprise.

The link contained within the above message leads you to a magazine... if you look through it carefully, it will give you an update of the situation surrounding the event... be sure to look closely for an idea of what needs to be done.

This thread is for any RPers who wish to be involved with the event to post their reactions to this news, and this situation - in preparation for what is to come))

**king**

((Apologies Packetburner, seems wires have been crossed. The 'Struggle For Power' event and the 'Megacity Informer' event are two completely different things.

To reitterate - the event for which this thread was created is NOT the megacity informer event.))

**king**

((In addition, this event will be starting from Monday 24th October, not the 31st. It will be expected to run until the following weekend. Apologies for the earlier mistake))

**king**

((Remember, this is open to everyone on the Syntax server, to participate, simply "introduce" your character or group into this scenario within this thread.

Also, to clarify, the event will commence from Monday 24th Oct, not the 31st as previously stated.

Making your characters reactions to the latest developments in the Matrix as depecited by the featured article will get you off to a good start with the event.))

Phunkyfella

((Please note that any information within this post is to be treated as OOC unless you have specifically been told about it or are aware of it IC. Please respect that fact when ingame. Thanks, Duncan. ))

Phunky was asleep in his lackluster iron bed onboard The HvCFT Retribution when it happened...

The door burst open and without warning Euphraxia had shoved a gun down his throat and pulled the trigger.

The last thing he heard come out of her lips was "You traitorous bast*rd" ... The spittle from her equally violent verbal assault landing on his face as he felt his life ebb slowly from his body. Her face looking down at him with a strange combination of hatred, glee and betrayal. It was almost beautiful...

He awoke with such a start he actually let out a small scream. He immediately realised he was drenched head to toe in sweat. The same dream had been recurring now for almost a week. Every time it felt just as real as the last. Mainly because he knew it could cease being a dream and become an actuality at any moment.

Things had gone too far recently. Especially since King's disappearance. To misquote Shakespeare "Something is rotten in The Masked Agenda." This, in itself, should have brought a smile to his lips but it didn't. The mistrust and unease amongst the faction merely helped feed the growing paranoia inside Phunky's head. Did they know? Was he being set up for a ceremonious execution? Neither of these things would surprise him, but then he remembered that if any of them even had the slightest inclination of his true purpose he would be long dead. Small comfort though it was he knew wholeheartedly this was true. Espi had made sure that crimes did not go unpunished..

He lay back on the damp mattress knowing full well there was no chance now of rest. Trying to clear his mind of the demons that haunted him in the darkness was a waste of time, he discovered that almost 6 days previously.. "Only one thing to do now" he muttered under his breath as he pulled his makeshift clothing over his grimy skin.

Ethros, was hunched over his terminal as ever. The guy seemed utterly lost in the constant stream of code flowing down the screen. He hardly even noticed as Phunky loaded up his pre-jacking in regime. It was only when he reached for his spike that Ethros glanced over and merely raised his head in acknowledgement before turning back to the perpetually flowing figures on his monitor.

The familiar rush filled Phunky's skull as the Matrix rushed into his every sense. Here there were no sweat laden clothes surrounding him, instead he was dressed in a red ensemble, incorporating his mask of course..

This, in itself, was enough to bring a small smirk to his lips and instantly he felt better."Fingers crossed this works Phunks" he said to himself as he pressed the button on what, to the layman's eyes, would appear to be nothing more than a metal box before shoving it safely in his pocket. It was crude at best but the object he had coded over the past week should cause enough fluctuation in his code signature to make it almost impossible for Ethros, should he have the inclination, to track his movements. He picked up the phone at the Tabor Park West Hardline and re-appeared at Dannah Heights West.

A familiar figure was standing there looking suave as always, if slightly weary.

Phunky looked around cautiously. Then, sure he was alone, gave the man a hug. .

"Secure comm's" said Phunky before sitting on the bench. Passing the man an ear piece deftly.

"Good to see you Phunky. How's things?" whispered the figure into the microphone before sitting down also.

"Things are getting pretty hairy in there old friend"

"How so?"

"You've heard about King?"

"Rumours yeah. In truth I'm a bit disappointed he's disappeared. He was doing a good job of fu*king things up without us having to lift a finger" said the man with a smile.

"The guy is a madman. He's totally lost it this time.. That stuff with Aiya. Well, you can imagine. Besides all that I'm sure he has something to do with these "random" deaths I've been reading about"

A moment passed in silence as they observed a redpill picking up the hardline, overly conscious that no one could be trusted these days.

"In truth I've heard rumours he has killcodes. That isn't good for any of us, no matter what our affiliation" he continued after the brief pause.

The man sat there absorbing what was said and nodded for Phunky to get to the point of their dangerous covert meeting.

"The reason I'm here is I think the time is now." said Phunky "I don't know how much longer I can pull this off. I'm having nightmares man... How soon can you arrange a pickup?"

"Say the word and I'm on it."

"Its got to be soon. And I'm thinking. While we're at it we may as well have a pot-shot at The Retribution. I mean, it would be rude not to leave them a going away present wouldn't it" said Phunky with a wry grin under his mask.

"You just made my day.." he said. A familiar grin passing his lips.

"Here. Take this. Its a transmitter. Its not great but it should transmit rough co-ords to you every half an hour. Text me when you have things sorted your end and I'll make sure to boost the signal in the real. Once you have the co-ords fixed initiate a jackout and get The Swordfish to my loc ASAP."

"It will be a pleasure" said The Old Dog beaming.

"And Jobi.. Please don't start shooting until I'm onboard" said Phunky with a big grin before turning, giving a brief wave, and fading into code.

kyerazor

#-#-#Incoming-Transmission#-#-#

#-#-#Downloading files#-#-#

#-#-#Starting Trace Program#-#-#

#-#-#Playing message#-#-#

To whoever may read this... The information I reveal that you wanted to know...

There is a war brewing...

#-#-#Trace Program running#-#-#

"Not only am I impressed with your assignment, but I see you have the prowess to train harder and faster than average" KingCAW said, eyeing me through his dark shades.

"I thank you sir. I hope I have pleased you..." I replied calmly, nervously cracking my fingers one by one.

"Pleased? I'm glad! I'm glad you will be soon one of the Masked Agenda's brothers and sisters..." KingCAW spoke, actually smiling behind the mask. That was a scary thing...

"As long as I'm not thrown into the bad book Sir..."

That was way back when I was tested. A woman named Aiyalla was the one who contacted me, saying that I was a potential. Saying that if I agreed to join their cause, that I would climb the ranks quickly. I don't know if I regret that decison; to join them or not. I guess I will have to wait and see.

"What is your connection with Starschwar?"

"I used to know him... But we didn't trust each other"

"He stated that you are a spy? A spy for him inside the Masked Agenda?"

"What?! That son of a b*tch! Sir, I swear that is nothing more than a pathetic lie... I swore my loyalty to the Masked when I was recruited!"

Starschwar, the name I will not forget... He was the man that made everyone in The Masked Agenda give me the queer eye. Even though I am told my loyalty has never been doubted, I know they have been keeping an extra eye on me. But hey? What do you get when you are a murderur and you kill for the enjoyment of it?

*BANG*

Another body dropped, though he did not need to die. I opened the door, and found the target tied to a chair, who weakly looked up at me..

"T-thank god... SIN came through... I'm ready to join them"

"Not SIN, the Masked" I sneered through my bandana.

"Oh SH*T! No no! Stop! Wait!"

*BANG*

My job was done there, so I strolled out of the room, towards the elevator. I didn't know why I had to do what Aiyalla told me to do... But I followed orders.

*ring, ring, ring*

"Hello?"

"The job is done?" Aiyalla asked impatiently.

"Yes but I don't see why I had to do it"

"Hopefully you won't have to know Kye..."

The target was a normal bluepill, who was being held by one of SIN's opposers. Fortunatly they wouldn't co-operate with me, so I had to kill them, and the target. Aiyalla had told me to get it done quickly, because she knew some SIN operatives would be there shortly... Boy, Aiyalla was happy when I gave her the news...

I laid wide awake... In the current events... I had no idea where King had went... I had no idea who did it and why... But I knew someone was going to be pointing fingers and I knew someone was going to get mad. I was thinking of this during a normal mission run...

"Kye... This was as hard on you as it was for me, but we have to move on..."

"Move on? You say it as if he's dead!"

"Well what do you think he is?"

What a question... A question to which I had no answer to... I knew the question would soon be answered when all were ready and the time was set... But who, where and when? More questions no body has answers to...

"Too much blood has been spilt tonight! The club floor is already coated in red!" I shouted at the SIN mercinaries who had intruded on our little party... This was followed by fighting and cursing... For a murderur, I had almost had enough...

Aiyalla, Euphraxia, Gami and the rest were there, and I was behind them all the way...

Whoever was in control was obviously there for a reason...

" You will regret the day you all joined her cause! We are doing humanity the favour! Ridding of you!"

"Everytime some is freed from the Matrix, it destabilizes it! What you're doing is killing humanity, and you don't even know it!" Aiyalla bickered back...

"This is some serious bullsh*t!" I thought to myself...

I know there is something boiling... And fighting just heats it up more... I'm going to stay with The Masked Agenda all the way, until I could take it no more...

Everytime I think about it, the more I think if The Masked Agenda is right? I mean, if we suceed, the rest of humanity will not have to know about this "real" world...

But if we fail... We'd kill so many red pills for nothing? I guess... Time will tell...

#-#-#Transmission Terminated#-#-#

((Forgive me if I have intruded on something that would cause more argueing... I'm not the best RPer, I know that. Sorry once more))

**Aiyalla**

Aiyalla sat quietly on a wooden bench, as she loved to do… watching the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky. The wind was blowing softly, rustling the leaves in the park trees nearby. It was peaceful, and the stars knew she needed a bit of peace for once.

She glanced down as a piece of paper caught her leg, blown by the breeze. She bent down to free it, and froze as her eye caught the headline.

“Panic hits the city! Unexplained death toll rises"

She sighed, picking up the paper, and flipped it open to page four, her eyes scanning the text. “redpill cult, huh…” She chuckled quietly. If only they knew. Aiya frowned as she continued reading… this wasn’t any random attack… unmarked victims… code? She’d bet the HvCft Tribulation that a redpill was behind the attacks. Gnev? KingCAW? Perhaps there was some completely new threat. Aiya rubbed her temples with her fingertips as she lay the paper across her lap. This was certainly a hell of a time for Espi to leave her in charge…

Aiya stood, giving the glossy magazine one more last glance before tossing it into a nearby trashcan. She opened her phone, glancing around to make certain she was alone*

“operator.. I need an exit.”

**P0ET**

From the shadows of the alleyway P0ET observed KingCAW scanning through the magazine. He bided his time as had done so on so many occasions before, but now the time for action was becoming ever clearer. He silently moved towards the newstand and took a copy of the magazine.

The front page filled with the usual non-descript events that seem to bring some kind of happiness and warmth to the bluepills. Quickly flicking through the pages he notices an article on the recent spate of deaths that had been happening across Mega City. Glancing from the alleyway he saw KingCAW reading the same article and began to wonder...

**Aiyalla**

Aiya paused, her cellphone open, calling for an exit.. when her eyes turned slowly back to the trash can. The magazine pages were flipping slowly in the light wind. Wait... something registered...

"Let me call you back, operator."

She closed the phone, and walked slowly back to the magazine, and picked it up again, carefully turning back to page four. She almost laughed outloud as the words within the text jumped out at her.

"so clever," she whispered. "you're causing more of a stir then you know, my hidden friend... whoever you are..."

Smiling softly, she once again tossed the paper into the can, and called for an exit.

((finally found it, King! You sly thing!!))

**king**

Another beautiful sunset washes over the shimmering skyline of the city, so calm, so serene, defiantly masking the panic below.

Baked in the glow of the heavenly ochre sun, a solitary phonebooth stands... small, sharp cracks of air, ripping through the silence as a coded figure apparates into the scene.

Flipping open her cell phone with ease, she dials an unknown number with a delicate flurry of her hand, raising it effortlessly to the side of her soft, fragile face... speaking softly to an unseen friend... an ally...

"I'm in... 17 more reported deaths...Here's hoping there are those amongst us brave enough to heed the call."

She closes the cellphone slowly, thoughtfully, as she stares off into the distance, a glint of desperation firing in her deep brown eyes.

"Brothers and Sisters of Zion... we need your help more than ever right now..."

The corridors are forever laced with sin, writhing, naked, glistening bodies intertwining, drowned with lust...

Every breath fills his lungs with the intoxicating mix of illegal substances, cigarette smoke and the fresh sweat of frantic pleasure...

Paradise...

He stops for a moment to absorb the ecstacy he sees before him, such passion, such heat.... unbridled, unrepenting, unashamed....

Turning himself away he firmly grasps the soft, crisp velvet curtain before him, peeling it back to reveal a small, dimly lit backroom... walls bound with matted leather...

Two figures are hunched over a table in the center of the room, filling their noses with the abrasive flavour of the month, before jutting back hard into their chairs as the substance filters through their bodies... they barely notice him... until he speaks in a voice which alerts their senses...

"Look alive people... don't you read the news?"

The two men both simultaneously struggled to focus their attention, held back by the stifling effects of their recent fix...

"Another power-player is trying to move in on our territory... our esteemed leader is less than impressed... he wants these people stopped.... more importantly, he wants whatever "weapon" they are using..."

Clamboring to their feet, the men saunter silently towards the doorway, pausing momentarily to here his parting words.

"Gather your best men... exiles and human alike... and put a stop to these debutants. The Frenchman demands it."

The cleanliness of this place always astounded him. So organised, so sterile, he wondered why he ever expected anything less.

He had seen this man before, yet his presence still sent chills down his spine. In his past life he had spent his entire career surrounded by sharp-suited professionals, yet he still flinched at the sight of the crisp finely pressed attire of the man sitting opposite him.... not a man.... an agent.... he admonished his thoughts for failing to remind him of that fact.

The clock read 15:07... words had been brushing past his ears for over seven minutes... sitting up sharply he pulled himself back from his thoughts, and attuned his attention to the Agent addressed him.

"I am sure, Mr.Martins, that you appreciate the grave threat this poses to your kind. Indeed, to our kind also."

He knew only too well... 54 redpill deaths within a week, unexplained, untraced... bodies found cold blue in the Real....

"The truce cannot be threatened. The stability of the Matrix must not be compromised. As little faith as I generally have in your kind, I cannot deny your inate ability to sniff out a rat. Assemble your best operatives and direct them towards the elimination of both this weapon and its dealers. Failure will not be tolerated."

Without a hint of emotion the suited figure rose, and walked stifly from the pristene whitewashed cafe, followed only moments later by his dinner guest... about to embark on his assignment... awaiting the call from his Machinist allies.

**king**

((And good job Aiya.... if anyone is wondering just what it is Aiya has found within the magazine... take a closer look at the article :smileywink: ))

**P0ET**

P0ET scanned the article, his eyes focusing in on the words and started to read between the lines. And then in hope it dawned on him.

Flipping open his phone he dialled the number he knew off by heart and the familiar sly voice of Flood greeted him.

"Sir I've seen it in Uber magazine."

((think I've finally found it))

kyerazor

"Hmph" I said, as I finished readng the interesting article. I was right, something was going on... The blue pill I had killed was one of the 30-some victims. He had to be... This was confusing the hell outta me. Aiyalla had told me about it, so I read it... What does this have to do with anything? I dropped the article off the rooftop. It hit a pedestrian in the head, I laughed a bit.

"Mr. Lorenz..." A creepy voice spoke from behind me, it turned out to be Agent Saunders... The Agent that had given me more trouble than any other. "Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you, just to talk"

"That's a change... What about?"

"About the war"

"The war? What war?"

"Between you and others, don't you know?"

"Obviously not"

"You do know what happened about your beloved KingCAW?"

"Not much... Quit the crap and get to the brass tax"

"You like fighting? You like murder? You like death?"

"To a certain extent... Now... What are you talking about?"

"You'll know soon enough" He said, before hyper jumping away. What the hell was all this about? A war? I knew that something bad was gonna happen but I had no clue it'd be a war... I wanted some answers from my captain, and I wanted them soon. Just at that moment my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"What are you doing in there" the voice of Gami came through...

"I felt like taking a shift... Aiyalla told me about a certain article... What does the article have to do with anything?" I asked, getting to the point.

"..." Gami paused... I tapped my foot impatiently... "The high ranks of the masked, have been preparing for a war... I guess we are at the point where we have to spread the news..."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###Program failure...###

###Relay accessed...###

###Access Node 1.43.26.64###

###Incoming transmission...###

###Play?###

>Yes_

###Opening File###

### Playing ###

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal 2543

02:23

My captains are keeping alot of stuff from me... They exclude alot of their members from important notices... I was recently told... There will be guns, bullets, fists and blood if something is not done... Besides that I've hardly been told anything. Agent Saunders met me today... Civily for once... He told me about a war...

I've always been in the wrong place at the wrong time... I'm sick of it! At least, this isn't a war that I caused... I hope. Till next time...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###File Closed###

>_

###Intercepted relay###

###Broadcast Depth###

###Access Granted###

###Play?###

>Yes_

###Playing###

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"..." Gami paused... I tapped my foot impatiently... "The high ranks of the masked, have been preparing for a war... I guess we are at the point where we have to spread the news..."

"Spread the news?"

"We will have a meeting later on... Jackout now Razor.."

I turned the phone off and jumped from the roof. The Stamos South Central phone was right across the street, and it was ringing.

I made sure that no one was looking before I put the receiver to my ear.

I was looking up towards Gami, in his shabby sweater. He pulled that alien wire out of my head and I got up.

"Club Succubus, afternoon... One by one" he said, before retreating to his room

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###Program Failure###

###Attempting to Receive###

###Attempt : Failure###

###Opening file###

###Play?###

>Yes_

###Playing###

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal 2544

11:50

We're going to finally get answers for our questions... Every crew member here is anxious, except Gami. I believe he didn't agree to this...

Do I really want to know the answer? No one can be sure..

We are ready to go now...

I will update after the meeting

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

##File Closed###

>_

###Opening File###

###Play?###

>Yes_

###Playing###

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was the last to enter the club doors...

Aiyalla stood, with her shipmates behind her.

I went to stand by DarkMagician, my captain... The meeting began

"We *static* here to*static* to discuss*static*"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###Missing File z782####

###Buffering####

###Segments of message lost####

###Playing###

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"... Good luck operatives, head to your exits now" Aiyalla said, dismissing us.

We were each assigned a hardline... Mine was Stamos South Central, which was a long walk from here... Each crew member turned a different way. My hardline was the furthest away.

My phone rang "We're all out... Hurry up Kye!" Gami's angry voice spat

I just reached the exit... Where my friend Agent Saunders stood...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###File Paused###

>_

>Open File: Journal 2545

###Opening File###

###Play?###

>Yes_

###Playing file###

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal 2545

12:45

The meeting was done in 40 minutes... But I had a chat with Agent Saunders again...

He told me that we were going to fail, that so and so would join our enemies... Something like that... I don't care or believe him.

I told him to shove it... I had no idea what he was talking about...

The Matrix comes in surprises small and wide...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###File Closed###

>_

>Resume_

###Playing###

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just reached the exit... Where my friend Agent Saunders stood...

"Now what?"

"I come bearing a warning Mr. Lorenz"

"It's Kye..."

"That matters not... Your enemies will join up... And conquer you... I hope you can still make the right choice. That is all"

*ring... Ring... Ring*

"I believe you should get that" Agent Saunders gleamed...

"Till next time Saundy..."

I said, as I picked up the phone.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

###File closed###

>Shut down_

###System shutting down###