Description
Art's appearance, quite simply, breaks "the mold" for trolls.  To most accurately picture Art, all one has to do is picture the average troll, drop the dermal bone depositions and overly large tusks, and apply realistic "surfer-boy" facial and hairstyle characteristics.  With his blond-highlighted brown hair and deeply tanned skin, the average individual might actually fail to notice that Art is, in fact, a troll.  He smiles a lot, is a great conversationalist, and lacks most of adverse social characteristics commonly associated with trolls, save one: his size.

Standing 267 centimeters tall makes it difficult for someone not to notice that Art is somehow different.  His 235 kilogram frame is solid, but by no means excessive or unusual for a troll.  In fact, Art appears slightly smaller than the average troll.  This is certainly due, in part, to Art's family history.  Just like his parents, Art is a Fomori, or Irish troll.  The Fomori lack dermal bone depositions and have a much "gentler" appearance than other trolls.  This deviation from the average troll appearance goes a long way towards helping Art maintain the friendly exterior that he does.

Art wears his heterogeneous hair in a conservative business cut, which he typically parts on the right side (his right).  His manner of dress can best be described as "casually stylish."  He enjoys loose fitting clothes, and has plenty of clothes, shoes, and accessories to match almost any occasion.  In his "element," he prefers to wear loose-fitting jeans, a solid T-shirt, boots, and a leather bomber jacket (if the weather warrants).  In addition, Art maintains impeccable personal hygiene and has a great smile.  As has been mentioned, Art also has a very deep tan which persists year-round.

History
Arthur Wendell Mullaney was born on February 22, 2029, in Klamath Falls (then a part of the NAN territories which encompassed the former state of Oregon).  His parents, Emma (nee Dawson) and Ryan, were Fomori who had "changed" during the goblinization that had shocked the world only eight years earlier.  Thankfully, as Fomori, Emma and Ryan had been spared a large portion of the harassment that less "attractive" metahumans had received.

Emma and Ryan were firm believers that goblinization had brought them together shortly before Art's birth.  They had known each other prior to their "changes," but the two hadn't developed a relationship together until after their awakened forms had expressed.  The two dated for only a few months before marrying, having discovered that Emma was pregnant with Art.  Art's birth was a joyous experience for the young couple, as they had feared that their new "forms" might interfere with the pregnancy in some adverse way.

Young Art was a well-behaved baby.  His mother took care of him while his father was off at work.  Ryan held a "9 to 5" job with a local freight company as a line manager.  His responsibilities included managing the loaders and unloaders, and he was also expected to participate in the operations.  After all, someone of his size was ideal for the job and could perform feats that the "ordinary" men couldn't.  Ryan enjoyed his work, and it paid the bills and covered Art's upbringing.

Art quickly began to grow, and his rate of growth began to alarm his parents.  The doctors said it was natural (as best as they could tell), so Emma and Ryan took it in stride.  By his fourth birthday, Art was nearly five feet tall.  Suffice to say, Art didn't have many neighborhood friends, as the parents of the other four-year olds were fearing for their children's' lives.

At about the same time, Emma and Ryan began to notice some changes in their suburban neighborhood.  Elven families began to show up in ever-increasing numbers, and they weren't half as friendly as the previous residents had been.  Big changes were also happening just north of where they were living.  Large infrastructure changes were being made, and cities were nearly popping up overnight.  The Mullaneys knew that this signaled something big, but they weren't sure what to make of it.

Shortly after Art's fifth birthday, on May 1st, the nation of Tir Tairngire officially declared its independence.  The Mullaneys knew what it meant, but they pulled out their family atlas just to check.  Sure enough, they were no longer members of the NAN.  The realization of what was going on hit Ryan like a brick.  Their new neighbors, the changing conditions at work, the cities developing up north, and the growing "coldness" towards his family -- they all spelled trouble for his family and non-elves, in general.  Ryan and Emma knew that it was only a matter of time before things became dangerous for them.  They resolved to cut back on all the unneccesaries and save as much money as possible to leave the country as soon as they could.

The Mullaneys took the Tir's invasion of northern California and expulsion of its non-elven population as their cue to get out while they could.  They packed what they could and had movers (Ryan's old work buddies) do the rest.  Their destination wasn't California, Seattle, another NAN, or even the UCAS.  They were going to Hawai'i.

Of all the locations that were available to them, Hawai'i seemed like the best choice.  California was rapidly becoming unstable and had been booted from the UCAS, and the rest of the NANs weren't likely to welcome them from where they were coming.  In all their research, Hawai'i actually looked like a good place for trolls to live, due to the large number of natives that had goblinized into orks and trolls.  It was one of the few places they could find where "trogs" could avoid the prejudice that the rest of the world was propagating.

Their move to the island of Oahu went remarkably well.  All their possessions arrived intact, and the Mullaneys were able to find a suitable house in Wahiawa, a city north of the growing Honolulu area.  Following their trip and housing purchase, Ryan and Emma were nearly broke.  Desperate for work, Ryan signed on with the Yamatetsu Corporation.  Yamatetsu was looking for individuals to work on the loading docks of western Honolulu, and Ryan got on board quickly.  He quickly made numerous friends among the other ork and troll workers.

The move to Hawai'i seemed like a dream to young Art.  For several weeks, he thought that he was on vacation in paradise.  He had a very hard time understanding that Hawai'i (and the island of Oahu) was his new home.  Reality set in quickly, however, as Art started attending public school.

Throughout his school years, Art grew and learned.  He learned about Polynesian culture and Hawai'ian history, and he came to regard Hawai'i as his true home.  He led a remarkably stable life, and his parents were a constant source of support for him.  They were always on the lookout for their only son, and Art enjoyed the close family life.

In his teenage years, Art's entire family took advantage of a procedure that the Yamatetsu corporation had developed.  Being traditional, pasty-white Irish folk, the Mullaneys had always been plagued by the high temperatures and exposure to the Hawai'ian sun.  Yamatetsu had perfected a gene-tech process that would permit the family to permanently augment their melanin production, thus affording them greater safety from the sun and its effects.  With Ryan's corporate health plan, the whole family was able to obtain the procedure for a minimal cost.  The once "white" Irish folk suddenly became a lot more like their Polynesian neighbors.

During his time in high school, Art developed an interest in electronics and their implementation in vehicle systems.  In short, he began to take an interest in rigging.  The whole concept of "becoming" a vehicle fascinated him, and he spent numerous hours researching the topic by reading, searching online, and through just about any other avenue that could provide information.

One of those "other avenues" that Art exploited came in the form of his friend Jay's father.  Gordon Asano, Jay's father, was a pilot for the Yamatetsu corporation.  Gordon's job was to fly corporate executives between Hawai'i and the company headquarters in California Free State.  Gordon was a rigger, and Art spent a lot of his free time hanging around with Gordon both at home and at the Honolulu International Airport.  Gordon enjoyed spending time with Art, too.  Gordon's son had never really displayed an interest in his work, so he was happy to explain the art of rigging to an open set of ears.

During his high school years, Art also managed to involve himself in a fairly serious relationship with Lanie Kalakaua, a native Polynesian.  When Art wasn't hanging around with Gordon, he was with Lanie.  Lanie, a troll like Art, always enjoyed spending time with her "handsome" boyfriend.  The two began dating at the end of their senior year in high school, and their relationship continued on after graduation.

Upon graduation, Art excitedly discovered that the Yamatetsu corporation had taken an interest in him.  He figured that it had something to do with the fact that his father worked for the company, but he was a bit off.  Unbeknownst to Art, Gordon Asano had put in a recommendation that his management should try to recruit a "promising young pilot" named Art Mullaney.  Gordon had described Art's talents and desires, and the company acted on that recommendation.

After speaking with Yamatetsu, it was clear that they wanted Art to come to work for them.  Ryan and Emma protested at first, arguing that Art should go to college first.  With his persuasive reasoning and comforting manner, Art assured his parents that he would be doing something equally as important as college.  The elder Mullaneys weren't completely satisfied with Art's reasoning, but they also knew that he should start making decisions for himself.  They consented, and Art became a "company man."

Art's training began with ground school right at the Honolulu International Airport -- his favorite hangout.  He spent weeks in intensive training, and he lived in a corporate-sponsored housing establishment at the airport.  He was away from his parents and Lanie the entire time, but he barely gave them a second thought.  He was going to be a pilot, and he was focused on his work.  He managed to speak with Gordon a few times during the training, and it was clear to Gordon that he had done the right thing by writing the recommendation -- Art and Yamatetsu were a good match.

After completing ground school, Art's "class" was given a week off to rest and recuperate.  Art rushed back to his house and told his parents all about his training.  Emma and Ryan, after seeing the manner in which Art was absorbed, were happy for their son.  He seemed to be doing something that he really wanted, and he was destined to live a good life doing it.

Lanie and Art spent nearly the entire week together, and Art told Lanie all about what he had been doing.  He overdid his "tale" a bit at times, but Lanie soaked up the excitement that Art was feeling.  She was so happy for him -- for them.  The two talked about many things during that week together, and it began to look like their relationship might grow into something more.  There was still a lot that Art had to do, however, so he tried to keep his feelings in check.  It was going to be a long road.

Following his time off, Art entered into actual flight training, and it proved to be just as intensive as ground school.  He continued to live at the airport, and he spent most of his days flying conventional aircraft, helicopters, and even zeppelins.  It was clear that the company wanted him to be proficient at flying all manner of aircraft.

Just before his 20th birthday, in 2049, Art received his official corporate pilot license and his wings.  An ecstatic Art rushed home to find that Lanie and his parents had planned a surprise celebration for him.  His high school friends were there, as were some of his flight school friends.  Art was in heaven -- he was really going to be a pilot, he had a great girlfriend, and he was surrounded by friends and family.  The whole event would stick firmly in his memory for the rest of his life.

The next day, he received a call from Yamatetsu -- they wanted to meet to talk about his assignment.  Art made the trip to downtown Honolulu with butterflies in his stomach.  He didn't know what to expect, and he was excited.

The meeting with Yamatetsu proved to be even more of a surprise than Art had expected.  The company representative laid out the plan before him, and it looked great.  Art noticed that the rep had another folder nearby as well, and he began to wonder.  After going through the compensation and benefits, the rep mentioned that there was also another "option" for Art, based on his abilities.  The rep asked if Art wanted to hear it, and Art eagerly indicated that he did.

The "option" involved more high-profile assignments and significantly more pay.  The catch to the job, however, was that Art had to receive a vehicle control rig implant.  The cost for the rig would be deducted from his pay in equal amounts over the next several years, but he would have better assignments and more pay even with the deductions.

Quite simply, Art jumped on it.  The VCR was what he had been hoping for, and he couldn't believe that he was going to actually make money after they made deductions.  He could barely control his enthusiasm as he zealously thanked the rep and left.

He explained the situation to his parents and Lanie that night, and they seemed a bit more skeptical than Art.  Sure, the job sounded great, but what about all the tech they were going to cram into his body?  Wasn't he worried?  Art quickly pointed out that Gordon Asano was a successful company rigger, and after much talking he convinced everyone that it was the right thing for him to do.  Second thoughts never entered his mind.

Two days later, Art was on a suborbital flight bound for Kyoto, Japan.  When he arrived, he noticed that the atmosphere was noticeably "colder" than it had been with the corporation.  People looked at him differently, and he wasn't sure he liked it.  Still, he didn't have much time to think about it.  Shortly after arriving, he went in for surgery.  The surgery went as expected, and even though he felt he didn't need it, the company kept him hospitalized for a full month.

During the recovery process, Art kept dreaming about how he would soon "be" any vehicle that he jacked into.  He had heard all about the experience and seen sims about it, but every rigger had the same comment -- nothing compares to the real thing.  He kept feeling the ports on the lower part of his neck and imagining how it was going to feel to jack in.

After recovery, Art was put back on a plane to Honolulu.  Art was crazy to try out his new VCR, but the pilot refused to let Art anywhere near the cockpit.  Art spent the first part of the return trip in an anxious state, dying to jack into any vehicle.  Partway through the trip, however, a small piece of reality began to creep into Art's mind and bother him.  The piece of cyberware he had implanted cost more money than he'd ever seen, and he began to worry about paying it back.  The thoughts only lasted a short time, however.

Art got his chance to try out his VCR soon enough, and it was more than he could ever have hoped for.  To feel the air rushing over his skin and the adrenaline rush as he drove the aircraft engines harder was the only drug Art ever needed.  He was in heaven.  Day in and day out for the next six months, Art received more training and more flight practice.  By the end of the ordeal, he was one mean rigger.

When training was finished, Art was given some time to spend with his family and Lanie.  He told them all about his experiences and training, and they were all quite impressed.  His parents were very proud, but they had a hard time accepting the fact that their son had grown up.  Everything seemed to be working out so well.

In the next week, Art learned that his assignment was going to involve shuttling "high level" executives between the islands of Oahu and Molokai.  The jaunt was relatively short, and the trips would be made by helicopter.  In addition to flying the executives, he'd be providing "tour" information and would be making sure that nothing happened to them.  The transportation portion of the job description sounded alright to Art, but he wasn't sure about the tourist guide or "protection" portions.  The company assured him that the duties were secondary but necessary, and Art did the only thing he could -- he accepted it.  He was naturally a "friendly" person, and he picked up quickly on the touristy drek that the company fed him.  It took him slightly more time to accept the fact that he'd be carrying a gun with him when he flew, though.  He also thought the company was joking when they told him that he'd be required to spend time on a gun range each week, but he quickly learned that they weren't joking; in fact, they kept track of his range scores ... a fact that lead to much discomfort.

Still, the job went well.  Art became proficient with slinging the tourist drek, and he actually became a pretty good shot with his pistol.  The executives he was shuttling usually didn't want to hear his tour spiel, and he was relieved at that fact.  Occasionally, he'd get an executive and his/her family, and that's when Art would become "Art the Tour Guide."  Nearly everyone he shuttled was friendly and cordial, and Art genuinely enjoyed his job.  He never ran into any "security" problems, and he began to think that the company had him carrying a gun more for image than anything else.

On the home front, Art moved out and got an apartment closer to the Honolulu airport.  Rent wasn't cheap, but Art had plenty of money to cover expenses.  The rest he'd usually save, since he really didn't have many expenditures.  He'd get together with his flight buddies when he wasn't flying to party like only young 20-somethings can (and Art could certainly party), but that was the extent of Art's money spending.

Just after his 22nd birthday, Art moved into a bigger apartment, and Lanie moved in with him.  Both Lanie's parents and Art's parents weren't overly "keen" about the arrangement initially, but they soon accepted it when it was apparent that Art and Lanie weren't going to buckle under parental pressure.  Lanie got a part time job at one of the many department stores in downtown Honolulu, and she and Art began talking about marriage sometime in the foreseeable future.  They even began to make plans and talk about how things would happen.

Marriage wasn't going to happen for Art.  In fact, Art's life was due for a drastic change that no one could have anticipated.

Art was out partying with his buddies one night shortly before his 23rd birthday in 2052 when he received an urgent page.  It was about 11pm, and Art couldn't understand why he'd be getting paged at such a time.  He reluctantly excused himself from the bar, stumbled over to the phone, and phoned in.  As it turned out, he was desperately needed to shuttle an executive and his family to Molokai -- no excuses.  Art almost began to protest, but quickly decided that he'd better do the job and do it quick.  That way, he could get back to partying with his buddies.

On the way to the airport, a little voice in the back of Art's head began to worry him.  He knew that he was in no condition to fly, but he figured that his VCR and drek hot skills would get him to Molokai and back without an incident.  After all, no one was better than he was.  It was just another trip for the corp -- business as usual.

When he arrived at the airport, we was quickly introduced to Mr. Sadato Shibanokuji, Sadato's wife, and their two children.  Art thought that the name sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it.  Apparently, the Shibanokujis had arrived on an overdue flight from California and were very tired.  All they wanted to do was get to their vacation estate on Molokai, and Art was to take them there directly.  Art thanked his lucky stars that there wouldn't be any "tourist commentary" on the way, and he noticed that the young kids were sacking out in the back even as he upped the collective on the copter.

Art lifted the copter off the ground and headed for Molokai.  While jacked in, the cool air flowing over his skin felt soothing.  So soothing ...

Art groggily opened his eyes because he thought he heard some far off sound in the back of his head.  As Art slowly assessed the situation, he realized that the "far off" sound was actually the screaming of the Shibanokuji family in his cabin.  As he shifted focus back to the instrumentation, their copter slammed into the Pacific ocean.  Art had passed out while flying, and not even the automated altimeter warning had been enough to wake him up in time to recover.  The copter quickly took on water and sank.

Art was in a state of panic, and he knew that things were desperately wrong.  Fighting to get his harness off, he kicked open the pilot's door and pushed off from the sinking copter.  Once he was free of the copter and had surfaced, Art realized that he was alone in the water -- the Shibanokujis were nowhere in sight.  Art, never before a religious individual, prayed that their heads would suddenly pop above water and that they'd be alright.  He prayed for several minutes, but not a single individual surfaced.  Art had flown them out to sea and into a watery grave.  As the thought hit him full force, he retched violently for several minutes.  The children were sleeping so peacefully when he lifted off...  Art began to cry as he swam for the shore, which was actually in sight.  They had been so close to land, and the thought only brought a resurgence of tears.

Reaching the shore, it became apparent that Art was on an unpopulated part of the shoreline.  He crawled through the sand and into some brush, and his crying continued until he once again passed out from alcohol, exhaustion, and the weight of what had just happened.

Art awoke early in the morning to the feel of the warm sun on his face.  For a precious few seconds, he actually felt good -- and then the events of the night before came rushing back to him.  He started to shake and cry as he stood up, realizing that he had caused the death of the entire Shibanokuji family.  He didn't know what to do or whom to contact.  For the first time in his life, he was desperately afraid.  He looked out to sea, but there was nothing there.  He didn't know where he was, but he assumed that it was the island of Molokai.  He brushed himself off and started to head inland, not knowing what he would do once he got there.

He eventually made it to a small tourist town.  Walking by a coffee shop, he realized that he was starved and thirsty.  He received a few strange looks when he walked in (after all, he was looking a bit ragged), so he quickly paid for his food and drink and left.  He stopped by a bench and sat down to eat.

As he was eating, he was listening to a radio that one of the tourists nearby had ... "and the search continues for a helicopter that went missing late last night.  Yamatetsu authorities indicate that the helicopter was carrying Sadato Shibanokuji and his family.  Sadato, a high ranking executive and nephew of Chairman Tadamako Shibanokuji, was en-route from Oahu to Molokai with his family when their helicopter simply "failed to arrive" on Molokai.  No further information is available, but authorities are offering a reward for any information that ..."

Art choked.  Tadamako Shibanokuji -- that's where he recognized the name!  Art was responsible for the death of the chairman's nephew and his nephew's entire family!  A fresh wave of panic rolled over Art, and he immediately headed for a phone.  He didn't know who he was going to call, but he had to talk to someone.  He was nearly going out of his skull with regret and panic.

Upon reaching a phone, Art knew that he couldn't talk to Lanie or his parents.  The whole situation was too shameful, and there's no telling how they'd react to him when he explained what was going on.  He called the only person he thought he could really trust -- Gordon Asano.  Luckily, Gordon was home and was able to take the call.

As Art unloaded the situation on Gordon at 100 miles a minute, some dark, serious thoughts began to run through Gordon's head.  Gordon listened to Art's entire story before explaining that "everything would be okay."  He told Art to stay where he was, to avoid people, and that he'd be coming to get him within half an hour.

Gordon, much older and wiser than Art, knew that nothing good could come out of the situation as it was.  He knew more about the inner workings of megacorporations than most in his position, and as he fired up his helicopter on the Honolulu airpad, he knew what he had to do -- get Art away from Hawai'i.  Gordon was loyal to the corporation, but the people in his life came first.  Art had made a mistake -- one that would cost him his life if he went back to Yamatetsu.  The chairman would personally see to that, but not until he exacted what he felt was "justified retribution" on Art and those that Art cared about.  Art was a good pilot, but he was still a metahuman -- something a Japanese megacorp never overlooked.  Art had been spared much prejudice, but that had been simply because he demonstrated some use to the corporation.  The events of the night past guaranteed that Art would no longer be able to continue his life as it had been.

As he flew out to Molokai, Gordon formulated a plan in his mind.  Judging from what Art had said (and what he had heard himself), no one yet knew where the helicopter or any of its crew were.  If he could get Art off the islands quickly, chances were that no one would suspect that Art had suffered a different fate than the Shibanokujis.  Gordon had to figure that the downed helicopter would eventually be found and the remaining occupants identified.

Meanwhile, Art counted the seconds ticking by.  He actually started to think about the situation at hand, and he knew that the company (and the chairman) were going to hate him for what he had done.  He'd hate himself, too, if he were in their position.  He knew that his life was over.  He was going to corporate prison or worse.  As he had done many times in the last day, he began to cry.

Gordon found Art, and he quickly hustled him back to the area where his helicopter was.  As he flew Art back to Honolulu, he explained his plan to Art.  Gordon had a pickup flight to make to Los Angeles later that day, and he was going to take Art with him.  He would drop Art off in L.A., and that's where Art would stay.  He couldn't come back to Hawai'i, and he couldn't tell his parents or Lanie that he was still alive.  To do so would endanger not only himself, but those he loved.  Art was going to have to make a new life and identity for himself, because yesterday's Art Mullaney was dead.  If he ever surfaced again, Yamatetsu would make sure that he went back to his "final resting place."

Art was incredulous at first, but the older man's words slowly began to sink into Art's head and make sense.  He knew that his life was over, but he didn't think that the company would actually kill him and/or hurt his family.  He had a difficult time with all the information, but Gordon asked Art to trust him.  Art didn't see where he had a choice -- he had trusted Gordon up until then, and he was going to go with him all the way.  He steeled himself for what was to come, and he tried to think about what he would do when he made it to Los Angeles.

The flight to Los Angeles later that day went without incident.  Gordon was able to impart some words of wisdom on Art about "life in the big city."  He told Art that he should try to avoid most of the LA sprawl, and that he might be able to find some work in Studio City.  Life would definitely be difficult (and quite possibly dangerous) for a while, but Gordon told Art that he had faith in him.  Perhaps, sometime in the future, their paths would cross again.

Shortly after landing, Art set out for Studio City on foot.  Gordon had given him a small amount of money and had taken from him his credstick and anything else that could be used to identify him.  The walk was a long one (with plenty of scary scenes on the way), but it gave Art time to think about things.  Something else occurred to Art, as well -- it was his birthday.  February 22, 2052 was now his "rebirth" day.  At the age of 23, Art was all alone to make something of himself in the world.

Art did find work in Studio City, just as Gordon had predicted.  At first, all he could get was simple janitorial work at one of the Amalgamated Studios.  He found a small place to live and began to study how things worked in L.A.  After a couple of months, Art had formulated a plan.  There wasn't much of a need for riggers in Studio City, but security was always a big concern, given the surrounding neighborhoods and people.  Art, remembering his pistol training, figured that he could get on with some sort of security detail.  After all, he was a large troll who could fire a pistol.  Surely someone would want him.

One day, after work, Art approached Sparky Ironsides, the dwarven Head of Security for the block of studios that Art had been working for.  Art indicated that he'd like to apply for security detail, and Ironsides looked him up and down very carefully.  Sparky asked for credentials, and Art's spiel stopped dead.  Art indicated that he was new in town, and that he couldn't really provide any references.  Sparky explained that without references, no one got a job in Studio City.  Why should he take a chance on Art?

Unbeknownst to Art, Ironsides was carefully sizing him up.  It wasn't very often that someone like Art strolled into his office.  Art was a troll, but he seemed intelligent, clean, and personable -- something that most trolls simply weren't.  Ironsides did want to give Art a chance, but he wanted to see what Art had to say for himself first.

Art did his best to sell himself and his limited abilities.  After all, most of his skills were limited to his time inside a cockpit.  Art focused on his people skills (as a former "tourist guide,") his size, his ability to fire a gun, and his ability to rig.  After all, how many people had his combination of abilities?

Ironsides had to agree with Art, and he offered to take Art on for a trial period to see how he did.  He explained that they didn't need any pilots (as Art had expected), but they were always looking for security riggers and folks to pull personal protection duty.  He wanted to see how Art would do for each with a series of tests.

Art agreed, and Ironsides ran him through various evaluations.  A couple of things became readily apparent to Ironsides.  Art wasn't much in the neighborhood of personal protection.  He was big and could shoot a gun, but that's where his "protection" skills ended.

When they hooked Art up to a closed-circuit simsense security system, however, Art blew them all away.  He was extremely fast, perceptive, and seemed to be a natural at it.  Ironsides was doubly amazed when Art informed him that he had never jacked into a security system before.  Ironsides couldn't believe it!  He made Art an offer on the spot, and Art accepted under one condition -- that he would be paid in certified cred.  This made Ironsides somewhat suspicious, and he wanted to know why.  Art gave him a rehearsed story about not having a SIN and trying to make a better life for himself.  Ironsides didn't buy much of the story, but he knew that he could use Art.  Ironsides accepted the condition, and Art had a new job.

For the next two years, Art worked as a security rigger for Amalgamated Studios.  He learned what he needed to for the job, and he practiced whenever he had the chance.  Ironsides' gamble on Art paid off for the studio, as Art proved himself to be a competent and trustworthy security rigger after only a short time.

During this period, though, Art found himself horribly alone and miserable.  Sure, he had made friends on the job and was pulling down pretty good cred, but he hadn't come to terms with what had happened in Hawai'i.  He constantly thought about his parents and Lanie and how they were doing.  There were times when he nearly called them just to hear their voices, but the reality of his situation always smacked him in the face and he would come back down to earth.  Eventually, he accepted the fact that he had to let go of the past.  He'd never forget his family and Lanie, but he had to put them behind him.

The Yamatetsu corporation, on the other hand, had launched a full-scale investigation into the whereabouts of the missing helicopter and its occupants.  Haihatchi Fujiwara, a respected investigator for the corporation, headed up the effort.  Art's distraught parents and girlfriend were questioned extensively, and the sea between Oahu and Molokai was searched exhaustively.  It was only a short time before the wreckage of the helicopter was discovered.  Yamatetsu made a public announcement regarding the fate of the flight and its occupants, and the case was closed ...

... or so it was said publicly.  Fujiwara had other thoughts.  A small amount of wreckage evidence led him to believe that the pilot had escaped the sinking helicopter.  The fact that the pilot hadn't come forward only pointed towards foul play, and so Fujiwara was granted the authority to search for Art by the chairman personally.  Fujiwara was unsure where to start, but the chairman indicated that if the pilot was still alive, he wanted him found.  Time and expenses were not an issue.  If Art was alive, Fujiwara was to find him, no matter how long it took.

Throughout the two years that Art lived and worked in Studio City, he learned a lot about real life -- about the haves and have nots, about those who were and those who weren't.  He was finally able to come to terms with what he had done in Hawai'i, and for the first time since the event he truly knew serenity.  It didn't come quickly or easily, but it did come.  Along with it, though, came the realization that Art didn't really have a purpose in life.  He didn't have a goal, and that was something he needed for focus.  He had to come up with a plan.

Art came up with a plan, alright, but it didn't involve the facade of Studio City or any of its personality-devoid inhabitants.  Art needed something with substance and purpose, something that would shape his life and give it meaning.  After some research and conversation with his co-workers, Art thought that he knew exactly what he needed.  He was going to join the California Rangers.

The California Rangers were the closest thing to the old California Highway Patrol that still existed.  They were a bunch of riggers responsible for patrolling all the state highways that didn't fall under the jurisdiction of a metropolitan police force.  They also used the fines they collected to repair the roads they patrolled, and they were actually liked and respected by the people: after all, they were one of the few "government" organizations in which the people could see their money going to work for them.

Art put in his resignation at Amalgamated Studios, and most folks were sad to see him go.  Sparky Ironsides informed him that he could always come back if he wanted and to stay in touch -- something Art told him he would do.  He packed up his belongings, gathered his savings, and headed out to the nearest Ranger station in Barstow.

Barstow also happened to be in the middle of the Mojave desert, and the climate reminded Art somewhat of his Hawai'ian homeland.  He wasn't prepared for what he saw once he reached the Rangers' station.  Instead of shining new cruisers, he saw a rag-tag assembly of cars, trucks, other vehicles that defied description.  Instead of officers in uniforms, he was greeted by individuals who were dressed in every style imaginable.  Had he found the right place?

Apparently he had.  He strolled in the front door, into a room full of people, and he asked for an application.  The room fell quiet, there were a couple of snickers, and then the whole room suddenly burst into laughter.  Jokes started flying about applications amidst all the laughter, and Art didn't know whether to be embarrassed or angry, so he did the only thing he could -- he simply stood there.  After a few minutes, it became apparent to the room's inhabitants that Art wasn't leaving, and the laughter died down.  Most folks went back to what they were doing, but one extremely attractive blond norm walked up to him and introduced herself as Sydney.  The two quickly started a dialog, and Syd (as she liked to be called) quickly explained that there weren't any "applications" to fill out for the Rangers.  If you had a vehicle and you wanted the job (and could prove yourself respectable), you had a home.

Art pointed out that he didn't really have a vehicle, but he could go out and buy one.  Syd started laughing uncontrollably, and Art wondered what he had done to bring on the latest batch of giggles.  After she regained her composure, Syd pointed out that the Rangers didn't "buy" vehicles, they built 'em.  Sure, just about everything started out as something off a shelf, but the Rangers all had vehicles that were as unique as their drivers.  Syd then popped the question about Art's abilities.

It became apparent to Syd that Art had true talent, but he was going to need a lot of help to fit in with the Rangers.  Since she wasn't stationed at Barstow, she thought it would be more appropriate to introduce Art to some of the locals, since he seemed to want to stay in town.  She took him out to the garage's last bay and introduced him to PorkChop Wallace.

PorkChop, as Art had guessed from his name, was a portly norm who appeared to be in his mid to late 30's.  He extended his hand and a smile to Art, and Art introduced himself.  After some brief talk (and a moment where Syd and PorkChop spoke in private), PorkChop proceeded to show Art all around the Ranger station.  The two discussed the Rangers, what they did, how they did it, and Art's favorite topic: rigging.

In the months that followed, Art shadowed PorkChop in everything he did.  Art learned that most of the Rangers took care of their own vehicles, and that they wouldn't have it any other way.  PorkChop's car, the "Gravy Train," was anything but standard.  It had a souped-engine, armor, guns, and just about every form of electronic gadget that could be crammed into a car.  PorkChop taught Art about engines, repairs, "police" procedures, vehicle gunnery, and nearly everything else it took to be Ranger.  The two rode together on patrol routes, worked in the garage together, and in general spent all their time together.  PorkChop whipped Art into "shape" and made him a Ranger.

When all was said and done, Art was nearly a new man.  He had learned more than he ever thought existed about cars and trucks, and he had gained a group of friends that he knew would never let him down.  He even picked up a nickname -- UART, presumably for his ability to talk and listen for hours on end.
 After some time, PorkChop told Art that it was time he got to work on his own vehicle.  Art didn't think he was ready, but PorkChop assured him that he had all the necessary skills.  It took weeks of never-ending work (and a whole lot of cred), but when Art was finished, he had built quite a beast.  He named his converted van "The Messenger," and after some tweaking, she was roadworthy.

Art started out on patrol shortly after that, and he enjoyed his job.  Things were fairly quiet most of the time, but occasionally he and the other rangers would have a hot chase or shootout on their hands.  It didn't take long for UART to develop quite a reputation.

PorkChop and UART continued to spend most of their free time together when they were in the station.  They'd catch up on road stories and talk about new techniques, and eventually the topic of UART's past and cyberware came up as a topic.  PorkChop was simply curious, and UART provided as much information as he could without putting himself in jeopardy.  After all, UART had come to discover that there were plenty like him in the Rangers; many seemed to have a past that they weren't fond of discussing.

PorkChop also convinced UART that it might not be a bad idea to pick up a few more 'wares for the job.  After all, "personal enhancement" was actually covered under their policy with the state of California, provided they could prove that it would help them do their job better.  The state would partially subsidize the purchase and implantation of "enhancements" in a state-sponsored clinic, and UART grabbed the chance to "enhance" his performance.  A few weeks and modifications later, UART was back on the job and doing it better than ever.

UART served as a ranger for nearly four years until the middle of 2058.  Once again, he began to feel the familiar urge to move on, and so he began to contemplate where he might go or what he might do.  He felt a loyalty to the Rangers, so he decided to discuss his situation with PorkChop.

PorkChop really helped UART look at things constructively.  He also helped UART see that although the Rangers would miss him, he'd always have a home if he chose to come back.  The conversation and reassurance were what UART truly needed, and he decided on a course of action.  He was going to go to Seattle and see what life was like as an "independent" in the UCAS.

Current Day
UART's "residence" (which is more of an apartment with a large garage) is in the Lynwood suburb of Everett.  He lives near the Independent Information Network Building.  IIN is a metahuman-owned news agency that is similar to the Associated Press.  IIN, however, gives precedence to metahuman issues and stories.  Numerous metahumans have been moving into Lynwood as a result, and a strong metahuman community is springing up there.

Relatively new in town, UART has started frequenting various establishments in Everett and downtown Seattle.  He has done a few low-profile jobs, but he hasn't seen the kind of exposure he'd like.  His skills have gone largely underutilized, but he has started spending some time with a "street samurai" who promises to remedy the situation.

"Cage," as he's called, is also relatively new to the Seattle scene.  He and UART have run into each other in numerous establishments over the past month or so, and the two have pulled several small jobs together thus far.  UART and Cage come from very different backgrounds, but the two have shared enough background with each other to realize that they were former "corporate warriors" (but in very different ways).

UART still has "The Messenger," along with several other remnants from his Ranger days.  He still maintains contact with PorkChop on a regular basis, and every now and then he'll put in a call to Sparky Ironsides.

Although he has learned to deal with his past, UART still hopes that some day he'll be able to speak with his parents and Lanie again.  He misses Hawai'i but knows that he simply can't go back.  He also does his best to avoid anything having to do with Yamatetsu, since he really doesn't know whether the corp thinks he's dead or not.

Hooks
The most obvious hook into UART is the fact that Haihatchi Fujiwara is still looking for him in an attempt to honor the chairman's desires to bring Art Mullaney back in.  Fujiwara has picked up enough information to know that Art Mullaney is still alive, although he doesn't know where he might currently be ...

UART's time with the California Rangers is something else that can be used to draw him in.  He is still very close with PorkChop, and he knows that it was PorkChop that helped set him on his current path.

Although he isn't overly close to Sparky Ironsides, he owes him a lot.  Sparky gave him a shot when no one else would have, and he feels that he owes him for that.

Art also loves his aging parents, and he still loves Lanie.  He isn't too sure what has become of them (or Gordon Asano, who helped him in his time of need), but he would love to find out and somehow make contact, if he could do it without causing excessive grief and harm.

Being a troll, Art also is sympathetic to the metahuman cause.  He isn't an active "crusader," but he doesn't mind helping out when he can.  He's only seen limited prejudice, but that has been enough to polarize him towards "the cause."

As a tech-head, Art's always looking for what's new and cutting edge.  His drive to learn is second only to his desire to rig, and it can be a strong motivator for getting him into something.

Contacts

PorkChop Wallace:  PorkChop is the norm who UART feels got him where he is today.  PorkChop drives his "Gravy Train" for the California Rangers, and he's a wiz with all manner of vehicle.  UART regards him as a close personal friend, even though he doesn't see him much.  The two stay in relatively regular contact.

Sparky Ironsides:   Sparky is the dwarven head of security for one of Amalgamated Studios' studio sets.  He's mentally sharp and on-the-ball.  He gave UART a chance when he needed one, and it was a move that worked out well for both of them.  Ironsides and UART speak with each other on occasion, but it's never very regular.

Carla Gassina:  Gassina is the Chief of Seattle Operations for the Independent Information Network.  Gassina is a fairly attractive ork, and she and UART originally met when Gassina was out doing a publicity stint in Lynwood.  The two have met for coffee and dinner a few times, but their relationship is simply one of friendship.

"Dually" Darrell Coventry:  Darrell is the norm mechanic that UART goes to when he has something that he can't fix by himself.  Dually also lives in Everett and came highly recommended from PorkChop, who has pulled him over numerous times for "speeding" through CalFree.  After it became apparent that Dually knew his way around a vehicle, he befriended PorkChop and many of the other Rangers.  They're always happy to pull him over and bring him down to the station for a few drinks whenever he's near Barstow.

"Slim":  Slim is a middle-aged troll bouncer who works nights at Balloony, an Everett party-bar near UART's place.  Balloony seems to be a popular hangout with some of the younger "rave" crowds, and UART likes the upbeat atmosphere and music.  UART and Slim started talking after it became apparent to Slim that UART was going to become a regular.  The two don't have too much in common, but Slim respects UART's vehicle advice and always saves his questions for UART's next trip back.

Denzil "Style" Slemming: Denzil is the norm who owns and manages Balloony.  Formerly part of a band himself, Style took his earnings (when the band went bust) and opened up Balloony.  Biz has been good ever since, especially with the ravers (who he caters to).  "Smart" drinks and thumping music are always available, and the atmosphere is never anything but upbeat and festive.  UART has helped Style out when he's been in a pinch (typically involving some drunk youths), and Style is always glad to have such a helpful regular.  He always shares the latest news with UART and occasionally slides a drink his way.

Spindle:  Spindle is an attractive elven female who serves as UART's connection for work and equipment.  She's a shrewd businesswoman, and the two have nothing more than a working relationship.  She doesn't trust UART fully yet, but he has performed admirably on the jobs she's gotten him thus far.  Of course, UART doesn't fully trust Spindle yet, either, since he's not used to their sort of "working relationship."