Muller steps forward, curiosity piqued by the mention of Ratz and the quest for an untergrund map. Zeb's reputation for handling difficult situations on the bridge has preceded him, lending weight to his words. Muller gives Zeb a long, searching look, trying to gauge the level of sincerity and perhaps danger Zeb might bring. Muller's eyes then settle on the piece of paper clutched in Zeb's hand, which undoubtedly holds some clue of Ratz's confidence in Zeb. Muller nods slowly, acknowledging the complexity of what Zeb is asking for and seeming to make a decision about how much to reveal.

taken in bridge

As Zeb and Starla continue, the environment grows denser with tech scrap and makeshift shelters. Finally, they arrive at their destination: a cluttered area teeming with salvaged electronics and machinery parts, Muller's known territory. The place is dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of oil and metal. Zeb scans the area with his Senzo device, looking for signs of Muller amongst the piles of technological detritus, ready to confront the individual he has been seeking.

taken in bridge

Zeb stands tall, the electrified hum of the stun baton punctuating the tension. His glare sweeps the area, challenging any remaining combatants. The clear threat in his stance and the outcome of the two guards at his feet send an unmistakable message. The nearby figures, witnessing the swiftness and severity of Zeb's actions, back away hastily, not willing to test his resolve. The immediate vicinity falls into a wary calm, with only the injured guards' whimpers breaking the silence. Starla gives Zeb an approving nod, impressed by his effective show of force.

taken in bridge

Zeb's grip tightens on the stun baton, a determined glint in his eye as he prepares to confront the situation. With Starla by his side, he steps out from their makeshift cover, ready to navigate the chaos that has erupted on the bridge. Adrenaline courses through his veins as he makes his move, the sensation from his activated Senzo device heightening his awareness and reflexes. He stealthily moves toward the commotion, baton at the ready, eyes scanning for potential threats and opportunities in the unfolding crisis.

taken in bridge

Zeb, with a casual flick of his wrist, waves at Starla, who is busy with her wares on the other side of the bridge. Starla briefly glances up, her eyes catching the movement, and with an almost imperceptible nod, she acknowledges Zeb's presence.

taken in bridge

Ratz nods, his robotic arm halting its jerky movement for a moment as he locks eyes with Zeb. "Ja, the one on the Bridge. It's the pulse of Chiba's tech-trade. You can't miss it; follow the neon signs and the smell of solder. Stick to the crowd, Herr Zeb. It's not the kind of place you want to stand out," he cautions, his prosthetic fingers resuming their twitchy dance as he goes back to his bar duties.

taken in chatsubo

The bartender, with a gaze that seemed to see through the shadowy veils of the cyberspace, nodded slightly at Zeb's request. With the subtle flair of someone seasoned in the underground dealings, he poured another drink for a customer and then leaned in closer to Zeb. In a low tone meant only for Zeb's ears, the bartender mentioned that he knows someone who can arrange that kind of access. However, it would come at a price or perhaps require a favor in return. The bartender suggested that he could set up a meeting if Zeb was interested. The bartender then discreetly slid a coaster towards Zeb with a time and a coded location written on the underside, indicating where and when the intermediary would be available to discuss terms for access to the auction.

taken in corpo-district

Zeb takes another discreet sip of his snakebite and pulls out his phone one more time, the glow of the screen illuminating his grizzled features. Notifications have popped up, revealing that his ping has been successful; there are several responses from various personas within the hacker community. Some are offering greetings, others are extending invitations to private chat rooms, and a few are inquiring about potential collaborations or exchanges of information. Zeb's presence at 'The Wired Albatross' has been acknowledged, and the underground network appears willing to open its secretive doors to him.

taken in corpo-district

zeb pulls out his phone and quickly looks up the schedule for the local DEF CON-related hacker meetups in the area. He discovers that one is in progress at a dingy bar just a few blocks down from Network23 Headquarters. The bar, known as 'The Wired Albatross', isn't listed on any tourist map – it's a place for the city's cyber elite and those looking to test their skills against some of the best. Zeb knows it's the perfect spot to network, trade secrets, and maybe even find some work that could utilize his unique talents.

taken in corpo-district

As zeb gazes up at the holo billboard, the flickering neon colors coalesce into an advertisement for the latest in covert intrusion software, something that a man of his particular set of skills and interests would find very useful. The ad boasts 'Zero Day Access in Seconds!' and shows a perfect representation of the USB drive hanging around zeb's neck, now with enhanced capabilities. The price flashes at a special discount rate, just for him. It's as if the billboard knows exactly what zeb has been looking for.

taken in corpo-district