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Also, here's the (crudely rendered) crest of the SSA.

>>26913844

> Talk to Karen.

'Did you text me?'

Then call hotel to ask if they did any cleaning in our room. Check everything.

>>26913916

> Talk to Karen.

As you call, you step away from the desk with its apparently moved penholder, and the closet with its suitcase. A slightly sleepy voice answers.

'William?'

'Karen. Did you text me?' You almost spill what she might have texted you about, but then catch yourself. There's a moment of silence before she mutters something, probably obscene, under her breath.

'Shit. Just hang up.' Then she hangs up before you can, and the next text comes again from the number you don't recognise.

'Don't contact me on that normal line now, use this one. There has been discussion about moving the date of the visit back a little. The police in Leserin mentioned the possibility of armed people among the protestors. Can you corroborate.'

What? Armed protestors? You spent an entire evening trying to figure that from Hoofter, and it turns out they've told everyone back in Section E about it? Putting the phone aside, you growl while calling the hotel receptionist, who answers in a sweet chirpy voice that yes, indeed, they've cleaned your room a second time to prepare it for bedtime.

Thankfully, as far as you can remember anyway, everything that was in the suitcase is still in it. Penholder's empty after all. Paintings have nothing behind them, and there is only a condom under the bed. Well done, cleaners, so much for having a second go at cleaning up.

> Damn, you'll need more safety measures now man.
> What do/say?

>>26914071

> Arrange tomorrow's meeting with Gary.

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Nimbus thread is best thread. Lurkan.

>>26914071
>Get a video cam (smaller the better) and have it hidden to observe the room while we arn't there so if someone enters while we're gone we will know.

Also if possible check for bugs in the room.

>>26914245
>>26914308

> It's only as good as its responses ;_;

It is nearly midnight by the time you are reasonably sure nothing has been planted in your room, and you call Gary. There is loud music in the background, which is not quite what you expected from him. Oh well, university does things to you!

'What's up?'

'Hey, you up for breakfast tomorrow?' You have to keep in mind he is the one person in Leserin now who is unaware of your work, while aware of your identity. What a bleeding drag, seriously.

'Sure thing... if I can wake up. What time?'

'I don't know. Nine?'

'Nine's good! I'll try for nine!' He says the name of a cafe which he highly recommends, and then a wave of WOOOOO overtakes him in the background and he hangs up. The fucker had better come...

> Do anything more before showering and sleeping? Any plans?

>>26914350

You checked and there don't seem to be bugs. Video camera sounds like a possible idea, though you aren't sure if you can get one in Leserin that's small enough.

Try tomorrow anyway?

>>26914381

Agree with video camera if possible.

Shower, then text Sara saying we're fine and say sorry, then we sleep. More work tomorrow.

>>26914381

This >>26914425. Perhaps something along the lines of "we're fine, sorry for being an ass. Maybe workload is getting to me", perhaps tone it politely, but not as if we're expecting or wanting a response.

Maybe we could also have a chat with Dmitry, although this location is probably not secure enough, and running water is probably not going to cut it.

>>26914425
Seconding

>>26914541
>>26914425

While you shower, you realise something - while you strongly suspect that Mette and Heike are Peter Varind's daughters, you don't actually know. You didn't ask them, and they haven't admitted it.

... Better make sure tomorrow, then.

Lying in bed, you text Sara apologising for your little outburst. Just before you fall asleep, she replies saying that it's all right, and that she's under some stress as well. When was the last time, before last evening, that you saw Sara? Perhaps two or three months back, actually. She was with her boyfriend, but you could sense then that they were not getting along that well anymore.

Maybe that's where the stress is coming from. Not that it's your problem... unless maybe you make it your problem...

You get up at half 6, get dressed and check your phone. Karen's number, which you decide against listing in your contacts, sent you a text saying that you should perhaps relax and enjoy your Sunday, and wait until she comes over tomorrow before discussing anything.

... what on earth would make her say that? The police are in touch with Section E, no doubt... what are they saying to each other?

Also, one thing - you forgot to get Mette's number. Well, she'll wait for you probably at the PM statue... not that you actually know where that is.

> Call Dmitri, with as much discretion as you can muster.
> Go out for a jog or something.
> Prepare questions for Gary/Mette.
> Go through the police again, try to find another angle.
> Other.

>>26914603

Besides the police is there anyone else? How about the town staff?

Maybe we could go look for them?

If not, > Prepare questions for Gary/Mette.

>>26914603

Go for a walk in the park. There we can take a look at one possible attack scene and perhaps make a call to Dmitri.

Get a map and figure out where the monument we have a date at is.

>>26914603
> Go out for a jog or something.
Good way too scope the area without sticking out. Also good chance to see if we are being observed while we are out

>>26914603
>> Go out for a jog or something.
No use being a sitting duck.

>>26914742
>>26914760
>>26914768

Well, as much as the ideal government would be nice, you really don't think the town hall staff would be up and running on Sunday morning. So instead it is PT rig, and going downstairs. The morning receptionist, a man with wonderfully slicked back hair, gives you the benevolent smile reserved for devotees of morning exercise, or 'those luxurious idiots'.

The streets of Leserin are even quieter than anything you've known in Dragnav on the Sunday morning. The shops are all closed; the windows are all shut and the curtains drawn. If there is a good time to shake yourself down or spot any watchers, it is now.

But you don't see any watchers, just road sweepers, the occasional work crew heading for some building or other. At one point you see a group of tourists in front of the Church of St. Niels, clearly East Asian; their tour guide is half-hearted, and they look bored. Two of them turn around and snap pictures of you as you pass.

Goddamnit, Chinese tourists.

The Riverside Park is more noisy with ducks and geese, though here and there you see people - homeless people, perhaps, since it's warm enough to be sleeping outside now. You realise that from almost anywhere in the park, you can see your own room in the Coronet. You are definitely living in prime sniper territory, which is striking given that the police have mentioned firearms. (But then if they have, why did Hoofter not tell you? Why the vagueness?)

You see a policeman standing near the gate, watching the homeless. Then one of them comes up to you. 'Hey,' he says. 'Do you believe in zombies, man?'

> Yeah.
> No.
> Ignore.
> Observe the policeman.
> Go elsewhere.
> Other.

>>26914855
>> Other.
I've yet had to find any reason to.
Only give him peripheral attention, our eyes should be everywhere.

>>26914886

Second this. Also look for a map.

>>26914886
>>26914920

'I see no reason to,' you say, while looking all around you. Besides zombie hobo, there's also a group of three hobos talking on a bench, and one more sleeping alone in a corner.

The riverside bit of the park is quite densely planted, and therefore has quite a bit of cover for anyone trying to sneak through.

As for the policeman, you get the feeling he's been looking at you a lot. The zombie hobo continues babbling on, and then starts talking about 'people who've just come into the town suddenly, some of them just sleeping here as well... and those damn students, they must be experimenting with some of that zombie stuff. You know there's quite a lot of them from the occupied lands, you know.'

Well, no one calls them 'the occupied lands' anymore; they have been annexed, and are now Southern Geminia. You're not sure yourself that has been a good outcome for anyone. But what's he talking about?

'I'm just saying, man, it's just people want to control things, don't they, they control your mind, and there's people in this town right now I bet. You trust a man like me I see who's here and who's not here and there's weird ones around I'm saying. Like you. You're not from here man...'

For god's sake.

> Continue to ignore.
> It's almost 8 now, actually. Maybe you should head for Gary.

>>26915020

Wait, weird ones around town? Like who?

>>26915020

Smile.

"Thanks for the heads-up, mate, I'll be sure to be on my guard against foreign zombies."

Then turn to the officer and try to get something out of him. "How's shift, seen anything seditious lately, etc."

Uh, maybe not in these words, he might think we're mocking him.

>>26915122
Make it so.

>>26915096
>>26915122
>>26915142

Weird people around town? You glance at the man, but then realise there's no way to ask him any more without risking him blabbing to others. Much like he's blabbing to you right now.

Besides, even without weird people, what you see is worrying enough. An open space surrounded by cover, with an excellent vantage point. Maybe that is exactly why you were posted to the suite on top of the Coronet, then; you might need to look over your neighbours soon.

So you nod politely at the hobo and head for the policeman, whose reaction is one of slight surprise. He doesn't even say morning until you do.

'So how's the shift?'

'Shift? Oh, it's good. Nothing happens here, does it?'

He speaks with an accent you can recognise quite quickly - it's not a local accent, but a southeastern one. One of the many from that area who have left its chaos to set up elsewhere, no doubt. 'I don't suppose anything happens here, no. Do you know the way to the South Wards and the Prime Minister statue?'

He looks at you, eyes widening a little, and then hems and haws before pointing you to the tourist office, which he knows.

> Prod more.
> Go to the tourist office. Meeting Gary is the main thing now.
> Other.

>>26915203

>Prod more

This city seems very serene. Enjoying the peace and quiet, or are you one of the types who joined up with force to see some action?

>>26915279
Do we wanna miss our appointment?

>>26915279
>>26915317

Short talk shouldn't be a problem. We go when we have to.

>>26915322
Alright, let's jam.

>>26915203
>>26915203
This guy is quite suspicious. Cops would I suspect to be more knowledgable on thier city, especially landmarks like the statutes, that are vandalized regularly.

Also that accent is curious, as its from the region that is known to not like the Minister

I kinda want to prob more just to see how little of the city he knows

>>26915279
>>26915317
>>26915322

> You'll make sure to get there in time. South Wards... isn't that far away.

'So, this place is really quiet, innit? Are the the type who joined up to see some action?'

The policeman gawps again, and then blurts out, 'yeah well, I'm just here for two months to do the protection. I mean week, two weeks, well, the tourist office is over there, sir, so if you want to go South Wards...'

So he's one of those extra people the police hired? He seems quite eager for you to go now, so you do, waving and thanking him.

After getting a map, you quickly go back to the hotel to clean up before heading out to meet Gary. Sure enough, the ever-punctual man is already there, looking visibly tired - probably from last night - but still very well dressed, in a shirt and chinos. 'Hey there William! How're you, man?'

Ugh.

'Pretty good.' You sit down and look through the menu. Gary orders a full breakfast, and you settle for half; the waiter, an efficient looking student type, grins as he puts the plates down. You're in another square of Leserin now, except this one is even quieter. No shops; no tourists; one or two other families.

Oh, and some flute music coming from across the square. 'They're practicing today because there's concerts on Wed and Fri,' Gary says. 'That's the Nilsson College bunch. It's a conservatory. So what business brings you here?'

> What do/say?

>>26915398

>student waiter
I wonder if he was at the party... let's hope not.

How reliable is Gary anyway? Should we confide in him that we're here under different name? Or even that we're on the official business?

If not, maybe we could ask him to call us by a nickname. Do we have one? If not, maybe think of one on the spot. Something related to personal spirituality could pass as a valid reason.

That being out of the way, we could ask him about that tour of the university he offered yesterday. Or ask him if anything's happening tonight, thus probing him for information on his own likely whereabouts.

>>26915474

No, we cannot blow cover. Not to him.

Second ask him about information on his whereabouts though so we can avoid.

>>26915526

He does not even know our cover. Or more precisely towards him we have different cover - he knows our real identity and not what our job is.

>>26915577
>>26915474
>>26915526

You evade. laugh at the question, nod, and ask about the breakfast and the conservatory. Even you have heard about it before, Nilsson, and Gary sings their praises for a short while.

For a moment you consider telling him why you're actually here, but then he's probably not helpful enough to be worth telling. Well, you wouldn't know for now in any case. 'So what about you, Gary? What are you doing tonight?'

'Oh, it's Sunday,' he says, rubbing his head. 'And I've had enough of a hangover after last night.'

'Never had you down as a party boy.'

'No, I'm not. Still not. But Jule,' he pauses, clearly expecting you to ask, 'Jule loves clubbing. So I go along.'

'Girlfriend?' His response is to show you some pictures. Brunette, nice figure - well, why not? Good on Gary. Maybe you should get him to call you another name, though, but what? 'So you're staying in tonight?'

'Yeah. She's still in bed. I've got an essay to do; she's got her own essays to work on. So that's what we'll do.' Well, that's good to know.

> Ask for the university tour.
> Talk about his life here. (He seems eager to share.)
> Ask about uni in general.
> Other.

> The name question's still open, if you'd like him to call you something else, come up with something.

>>26915633

>about his life here
>about uni in general

How are people here? A lot of parties? Any events coming up?

Perhaps share a few anecdote from own days at uni so as to not keep the conversation too one-sided.

Could ask about the protest we've seen yesterday if we didn't already.

>>26915708

If the conversation is at first a little slow, soon the two of you are talking about the old times. Well, you say old times - it's only a year ago. But still!

At some point he tells you, 'you know, I remember you saying you wanted to be a government officer, and I thought to myself, if you went into the civil service, you'd be a bloody good *spy*. I mean, given how good you are at gathering gossip and stuff...'

Heheh, well said, Gary. You ask him about his life here, and he says he's gotten quite into the school politics. 'It's strange, you know, because in Dragnav there's none of this. But out here in Leserin, the conflict between the students and the town is really quite intense. It's like, half jealousy, half fear, on both sides. And you know how there's going to be a visit next week? By like some minister?'

'Is there?' Focus on the sausage, William. It's pretty good sausage. Gerald? No, William. 'So, what, is there going to be a riot over it?'

'Well, not from the students it isn't. Actually I'm not sure we should be protesting at all, since, I mean, it's not actually the government that's trying to wreck us. As a private university it's just got the money to sustain it and the town dislikes that. Hoofter, right...'

'Who's that?'

'He's like... vice-chief? But he runs half the show here. He's been beefing up the police presence for a while now, and he's been trying to prod us into reacting. Jule said they once hurled abuse at one of her friends, called him a faggot, tried to get him into a punch up. Have it in for us.'

That... does fit your general picture.

> Prod more? If so, how prod?
> Shift subject.
> Other.

> Time-check: it's 10.30 am now.

>>26915923

> Prod more? If so, how prod?

Who's doing the protest? Where's Jule from? You said 'a while' for police? How long? We heard it was two months. That's not the visit then.

>>26915923

When's our appointment with the girl again? We don't want to be late for that.

If there's still time, by all means stay and extract more information.

"Sounds nasty, man. I'm sorry you've got that to contend with... beefing up police, you say? Maybe it's just because of that visit? Or did it start long ago?"

(that copper did say 'months'. Is that when he joined the force, or when he moved in to plot trouble?)

>>26916014
>>26916112

> That's a lot of questions! Well done.

You're meeting Mette at 1, at the PM statue. When you ask Gary, he tells you it's quite a walk around. 'You've got to get to St. Hilde's church, and then down the road from there. But you'll see it.'

Oh well. By now the breakfast is done, and the two of you are heading into coffee. The town is also beginning to wake up while you prod, as gently as you can, for any information from Gary. You don't think he'll have any leads; that's for later. But for background...

'The protest? Oh, it's the CLS and the Liberals doing the organising, see, but about half of the societies in the UL are marching. Even the Congregation of Students is joining in.'

'But what on earth is there for all of them to protest?'

'Oh, I mean, there's the immediate issue with moving campuses and developing South Ward. But there's also, you know, the military occupation... the Northern and Southeastern Commands... the general...'

Repression, you think, is what he's trying to say. Repression. And here you are. 'And the police beefing up, it's a long term thing.'

'Yeah, yeah. They're also mulling extra laws like a curfew to keep students away from residential areas and the like. But it's ridiculous - we already keep away, most of the time. Basically, they just want to throw their weight around. But I don't know why Hoofter just doesn't like the UL. We once tried to invite him to a talk to break the ice and he refused. There's something weird about him, I'm telling you...'

This is a lot of free speech, you think. But definitely you can see the faultline of a town conflict... that mainly has nothing to do with the minister. You could ignore it, probably. Could you?

> Do something else with Gary?
> Leave Gary and do something else?
> Just pass the time while waiting for Mette? (Timeskip)
> Also, would anyone like some historical information?

>>26916205

Thank him for the chat, wish him and his girl luck with exam and perhaps also peace from pestering police officers. Then we could head, leisurely, towards the memorial. Perhaps stopping by at the church if the PC is religious - or maybe having a chat with the priest who might also have an opinion worth hearing out.

>>26916205

Anyway, for a short timeline of Geminia's modern history: http://pastebin.com/1png93tZ

>>26916255
I support this.

>>26916255
>>26916277

Well, it doesn't seem like Gary is good for much else beyond this. After a few more anecdotes, you offer to pay the bill, for which he is very thankful. 'Well, you and your girlfriend should take care,' you say, waving.

'Yeah sure! Maybe we'll see you - wait, will you be around? For the week or something?'

You mutter something noncommittal, and then walk off, already considering ramifications. Does the town's internal conflict have much to do with your task?

No. Probably not.

But is it also the only currently visible avenue of trouble?

Unfortunately, yes.

Is there another avenue of trouble you haven't seen?

The police, perhaps. They're just generally... beefing up? You suddenly remember that the strangely un-knowledgeable policeman you saw, who was probably one of the extra hires, actually did have a revolver in his holster. Why would they be armed?

More crucially, though, what interest does the police have in shooting Peter Varind through the head? It would avail them *nothing*.

'I'm sorry?' You wake up just before bumping into someone, and realise you're in front of St. Hilde's church now. A kindly looking woman, with greying hair, is the person you nearly bumped into; and you can hear talking from inside, the pastor giving a sermon.

'Oh, nothing. Beg your pardon.' Going to the church might be interesting - a lot of tense people with things that need doing end up heading there. But not now, not while they're busy.

Just then, you hear someone saying something that's a little more comforting.

'Gerald? Hey, Gerald!'

It's Mette, bright-eyed, hair in a ponytail, with a green shirt and skinny jeans. She's like an hour early!

> What do/say?

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>>26916387

Why good morning, Mette, fancy meeting you here!


Greet her courteously.

>>26916444
Sounds good to me.

Did we prepare any additional security measures before leaving our room this morning?

>>26916464

Well, you remembered the number on the lock of your suitcase, so that if someone tampers with it, you are more likely to spot it. That's about it, though.

>>26916464
>>26916444

You blink, thoughts fogging over into the present again, and smile while walking up to her. For a moment you wonder if she'd prefer a hug or a handshake or something, but then she invites you to a short embrace.

'Morning, Mette. You're pretty early.'

'Well, I had work to do in the university. Organising... things.' Her eyes narrow a little. 'Speak for yourself, though, you're here at noon too. Are you organising things as well?'

'No, just enjoying quiet Leserin on a quiet Sunday. I mean, it's my-' is this your first time here? Should this be your first time here? '-it's been some time, and you know, Dragnav's such a busy place.'

'Oh tell me about it!' She laughs. 'I can't really stand it when I go to see- uh- family. Anyway! So where do you want to go? Are you hungry? I'm not that hungry either so maybe we could walk around? Or is there anywhere you like to see again, like the Library or the Chapel?'

You think about the resemblance to Varind again. You do need to make sure about that, actually.

> Take a walk and look out for opportunities.
> Go to the Library of the UL.
> Go to the Chapel of Nilsson College (where you heard the flutes earlier).
> Other.

> Whatever you choose, you'll have to keep up conversation, so think up something to say!

>>26916641
>> Go to the Chapel of Nilsson College (where you heard the flutes earlier).

>> Whatever you choose, you'll have to keep up conversation, so think up something to say!
OH SHIT SPAGHETTI.
No seriously... I got nothing.

>>26916641
>Whatever you choose, you'll have to keep up conversation, so think up something to say!

So, do you CATAN?

>>26916752

> Go to the Library of the UL.

Will have to agree with this.

Serious questions can come later.

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>>26916752

...no catan pls.

>>26916641

Chapel sounds good for a start. Keep an eye out for seditious elements.

>uh, family
sounds pretty unambiguous to me.

>convo topics
What a nice weather we're havi-

no, that will not do. Hmm. How about inquiring how are studies going? We do have a friend here after all and they are preparing for exams...

>>26916673
>>26916752
>>26916824

'Uh... I'm fine with Chapel or Library,' you say. Nothing to commit to, really...

'Then let's go to the library!' To your surprise, she raises a hand in a clear signal of what she wants you to do, and then loops her arm around yours before setting off. 'Wait, where're you going? That's chapel, man.'

'Oh! Hah, bloody hell, I'm lost now in Leserin...'

You walk for a few minutes in silence, deepened by the still slow-to-wake city. This being the university quarters of Leserin, even noon is probably too early for activity. Yet Mette mentioned organising things, and you can't but wonder...

Truncheon, face. Broken jaw. You glance at her as she points. 'Righto! Congrats, you - I'm going to the library on a Sunday.'

'You're going about it in a very Victorian way as well,' you gesture at your linked arms, a little thought coming to you. 'It's almost like we're settlers in a colony. If only we had lumber. Or ore...'

'Hah! I'll trade you bricks for ore!' She grins in recognition. 'What, are you going to the Library to play board games? Anyway there's only two, that's not enough for Catan.'

> Yeah, sure.
> Well, a quiet room would be nice.
> Think of somewhere else to go.
> Other.

>>26916942

Actually yeah, why are we going to library? Unless there's no one inside.

>>26916942
...this post just confused the fuck out of me.


>> Other.
Let's grab a bite somewhere.

>>26916942

Ask her whether she could point out any particularly interesting Tomes of Forbidden Knowledge. Is the PC familiar with any author related with our field of study? Like, I don't know, Hobbes? Or Plato?

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>>26916924
>>26917028
>>26917018

> To be sure, Dragnav is full of families. Even prominent families. It being the capital and all that.
> Which bit was confusing? The truncheon bit - look at the previous thread.

You stop in front of the library, both of you suddenly slightly confused. 'What *are* we going to the library for?'

'Is there anyone in there today?'

'No! I don't even know if it's open. Or maybe yes. I don't know.' Mette, for some reason, starts giggling, and you smile despite yourself. 'No, I refuse to set foot in there unless I have to, let's go elsewhere!'

'Chapel.' You say firmly. 'My feet said chapel just now. So how're things going for you in uni?'

'Oh god, essays, and more essays. And then LibSoc stuff! And then more essays! I'm actually considering what to do for National Day now.'

National Day! Damn, that's just a month away now. You didn't even remember.

The Chapel is a large space, as all churches are, and right now it is filled with music. Not very good music though, mind you; the choir and orchestra are still rehearsing up front at the altar. As a result you decide to sit in the corner, in one of the rearmost pews.

'I love this place. I'm not even religious, but it's really peaceful, isn't it?' Mette releases your arm and looks around her at the stained-glass windows. 'How about you, Gerald?'

You hesitate, and she takes the hint. After a short while more, she turns to you.

'Let's play Questions. Whatever question I ask, you'll have to tell me the truth.' Then, before you can say let's *not* play questions because the truth is not to be handled, she starts. 'How exactly did you get to know Heike if you don't know me?'

You glance at her. The previous jocularity, almost romantic, had faded somewhat in her eyes. Even when in a friendly mood, it seems, she's an awake person.

> Damn. What do you say?
> And what do you then ask?

>>26917160

Argh, sorry. Didn't see your post. The two of you are just meandering around Leserin anyway.

>>26916924

>filename

Go on then. Make with the pasta.

>>26917220

Well, easiest way out would be telling the truth - she was first to meet us on the party upon which we intruded completely by accident.
She has the distinct advantage of knowing her sisters' history and daily routine. We on the other hand know fuck all.

We could risk saying we met her on summer two or three years ago. (and found party on accident), but if we screw up, we might as well pack it up and go look for leads elsewhere.

>>26917322

The previous evening we got past her by saying we knew Hieke though. So she thinks we know. Being honest would be weird.

I don't know how to get out of this. Some... summer camp?

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>>26917321

>>26917357

Shit, shit, shit

Uh... maybe high school? Are they the same age?

>>26917451
>>26917357
>>26917322

> Well, so much for telling the truth then...

So what would you like to try? You remember from the dossier they're two years apart, but you can't remember their exact age now. If they're both in university now, though... so one first year, and one in last year?

> How lie, fine spy?

>>26917501

I'm now imagining the spy tells the truth:
"I only know what she'd managed to spill before taking me to you. My turn: Do you plan to kill your father?"

I wonder what sort of reaction that would yield. But it would be revealing our hand too much and too soon, and possibly also to wrong person.

>>26917608

Let's not do that man.

"I met her in high school." is the best i can think of.

>>26917629

Well, we're quite at a terrible disadvantage here. Guess we'll be done with the girl after our answer regardless what it will be. Then again, there are still avenues we have not yet travelled. Like Town hall, for instance.

>>26917723
>>26917629
>>26917608
>>26917451
>>26917357

You calculate their ages for a short while, and come up with the best answer you can think of. 'High school,' you say.

'High school?' She gives you a quizzical look. 'What, were you the resident ephebophile? Are you that creepy man she talks about who stalks around the gates of Andersen Girls'?'

'What? No.' Fuck, how do you meet someone at high school? But at least you now know she's from Andersen Girls' school, which is certainly an elite school. You might still be able to backtrack from here...

What do you say?

> Try to lie your way through.
> Admit your lie and tell the truth.
> Some other brilliant move.

>>26917859

Ah, damnit. Reverse course.

>>26917859

I'm not that old!

>>26917859

>lie.

Tell them you were a substitute teacher. Of literature.

>>26917859
Punch her and run away

>>26917949

Seconding this. Only way out.

>>26917946
>>26917949
>>26917999

> Obfuscate and lie.
> True to form, you spying person!

'Hey, who're you calling an ephebophile? I'm not that old.'

You sigh inwardly in relief as Mette gives you one more moment of her questioning look, and then goes 'pssh' and breaks down in giggles. That will soften her up for the lie itself: 'I was a substitute teacher in Heike's class.'

'Hehe, what?'

'Yeah. For literature.' She had better fucking take literature. You realise you don't know what her major was, and that this is therefore a wild guess-

'Oh, so *you* are the guy who covered for Henrikson?' Mette's eyes light up. Dear god did you really hit that? You lucky, lucky person. 'So you just found out about the party last night, then?'

'No, I literally met Heike by coincidence.' You then invoke the rules of Question. 'That's the second serious question you've asked. I get two now.'

'That's not fair!' She then glances up in panic at the altar, but the rehearsal goes on, having completely not heard her. Then she sighs. 'Okay, that's fair. Two questions from you now.'

> Okay. You now have two questions to ask Mette.
> Damn, not looking forward to the next round, are we.

>>26918089

They should be sufficiently personal, but useful to our actual business here. Hmm...
shining blade attracts attention
>what was your first crush like?

and oi fuck, let's be tactless too.
>you mentioned you're 'organizing' something, what's that?

>>26918192

Agree with 1st.

For 2nd, so whos that family you have in Darnav?

>>26918260

I'd rather ask that Dmitry or Karen as it's something that we might have already known.

>>26918270
>>26918260
>>26918192

> First crush
> Organising something

Her eyes widen a little at your first question, and she gives you a hard nudge. 'Going on the attack, aren't you?'

'Returning the favour, is all.'

'Well, I-'

'Excuse me,' the young woman snuck up on you two and you actually jumped a little at the words, 'um, sorry, but we're about to close for the rehearsal now...'

So that's how you found yourself outside, under a strangely cloudy November, while Mette talked about her crush. 'It was in high school. I started a little late. And he was... a nice person. Secretive. Like, very intelligent, but you could not tell. You know the sort?'

'Kinda... the watcher.'

'The watcher, yes. Just... quiet... but eventually you get this sense he would know everything. He taught me how to play Questions, actually.' You catch her glancing at you, and then suddenly you glance back, convinced you've seen someone dodge into the chapel. Mette walks two steps before turning around. 'What's wrong?'

'Oh...' whoever it is, it's gone. 'Nothing, I think. So did you do anything with him?'

'I didn't! I was painfully shy. I guess he was painfully shy too. Didn't see him anymore after high school, which is a bit of a pity I suppose. But I've changed since then.'

'I can tell,' you mutter, and she gives you another hard nudge. You are walking, you realise, towards the river. 'Second question. So you said you were organising something... what was it?'

> cont'd.

>>26918516

This time she looks down, eyes narrowing a little. 'Do you really want to know? Let's go somewhere quieter first.'

That seems hardly possible, until you find yourself in sort of green quadrangle, with lush vegetation and surrounded by brick buildings on all sides. How did she even guide you here? Mette glances around and sits you down. 'Where's this?'

'My college's side quad. What I'm organising is... the vice-minister for development is coming down to visit. He will be joined by all the dignitaries of the town. Now. A few of our people have moved to volunteer for the town hall, and we'll be pranking them.'

You feel a chill. Pranking? So... at least the police were right?

> Apply for the right to ask another question.
> Receive one of her questions first.
> Other.

>>26918530

You certainly are not lacking in courage and ambition.

>oh dear oh dear. They are about to play 12 monkeys to some violent separatists.
>Should we warn her?
>There's still time left...
>We are no closer to uncovering the true plot. She may be playing us. She certainly seems bright enough. But if there's one thing we can be certain of it's that violence is not subject to general consensus among the students at least.

>even if we fail to prevent the incident itself, we need to keep it from escalating out of hand!

>>26918530

Just ask. What is it they want to do?

>>26918714
>>26918721

> So, prod on?

I mean, a pie in the face of the vice-minister would be *embarrassing*. But you don't know which would be worse - students getting the shit kicked out of them, or the pie in the face. If it was on tv, which it might well be...

> What do?

>>26918836
Can we arrest this dissident?
If so, arrest her

>>26918836

"Prank, you say? Are there pies involved? Aren't you worried of reprisals? A friend of mine told me the police have been gearing up recently."

>>26918942
Not sure this is a good idea...

>>26918970
Why not?
She's threatening the stability and unity of this country, arrest her

>>26918968
>>26918970
>>26918983
>>26918942
>>26918721
>>26918714

> You want to arrest the daughter of the person you're protecting?

'So, Mette, what exactly is it you want to do?'

'What? That's a serious question,' Mette grins, but then her grin fades when she realises you're being quite serious. 'Woah. Why're you interested?'

'Oh... no, I'm just wondering. It doesn't sound like a very good thing to do, does it? Like, university politics is fair enough, but pranking a televised visit could be all sorts of trouble.'

'Oh, we don't mean that sort of- what did you think we were going to do, spray custard on the procession or something? No.'

'Then what is it you want to do?'

'To be honest? I'm not sure either.' You manage to prevent yourself from giving any strangled cries or tearing at your hair as she shrugs. 'Look, you know how the LibSoc works. We'll figure something out. It's already a wonder we managed to infiltrate the town hall volunteers. Now it's my turn!'

You make to speak, then sigh. She leans a little closer. 'So are you with anyone now? What's your sort?'

> What say to that?
> Also, if you'd like to prepare the next question...

>>26918983

While she's possibly of no more use in our search for conspirators, arresting her - even if we could pull it off in a way that did not attract (even more) unwanted attention towards our person - would bring us absolutely no benefit whatsoever in our mission. It was a silly idea.

>>26919022

It's one of those guys who give ridiculous suggestions in attempt to make quest "more randumb". I hope you'll be sufficiently adept at ignoring facetious sugestions, although I suppose it's your call.

>>26919067
>more randumb
Sorry, I will now go along with the moralfag/waifu-bait programm

>>26919022

>>26919022

She wants hints.

Fuck, give her hints.. Say someone that sounds quite similar to her. Mischevous, intelligent, but a little idealistic and maybe naive.

It could be a bit of a warning too.

>>26919022

Hmm...

"We-ell, there's this girl I recently met at class reunion, but I handled our encounter with a foot in our mouth. I suppose you could say I'm 'free'. As to my 'sort', I suppose that would be a smart one. Sophisticated. Mysterious even. Maybe a little idealistic."

>>26919108

>a tragic heroine
>damsel in distress
>martyr for the cause

>>26919086
>Sorry, I will now go along with the moralfag/waifu-bait programm
The what now?

>>26919247
Your first quest?

>>26919174
>>26919129
>>26919108

> Okay, if it needs to be said: you cannot arrest Mette right now. Geminia isn't quite a liberal democracy, but you do need a crime to have an arrest. Not to mention it's best that the criminal isn't a vice-minister's daughter.

'Well...' you fumble around, wondering if there's anything you ought not to say, and then you realise you're completely missing the point of the Questions game. But then you have long since stopped playing Questions the 'right' way.

Dmitri used to play Questions with you as well. He would spend a day mentioning little facts to you, implying he knew them, and then ask you a list of questions in the evening over vodka. And you had to tell him exactly what he knew; no less (so he would catch you), and no more.

'One day, someone will play this game with the odds in his favour, because he might be attaching electrodes to your testicles,' Dmitri told you once. 'But you must still try your best. You'd be surprised how habit makes for ease.'

'Oi, Gerald. Answer.'

'Right!' Mette knows nothing. If anything you say is true, you've already lost. 'Well. Recently I met this girl at a class reunion, but it ended quite badly.'

'Oh dear,' she says, sounding genuinely a little sympathetic. Or maybe just relieved?

'But well, my sort... I'd say someone who's intelligent... but also idealistic. So it's a bit odd, isn't it? You'd have to be dumb and smart at the same time.'

'I'd have to?' She arches a flaxen eyebrow.

'She'd have to,' you shrug. 'Maybe a bit mysterious too. Blonde wouldn't go amiss but I don't mind.'

She nods slowly, and then stands up. 'Do you want to head down to the river? For your turn?'

You follow her, because why not?

> What ask now? You know something's at hand... from this bunch. That's it.

>>26919262
No, I'm running one and "waifu programme" is not what's going on here.

>>26919309
Lucky you.

>>26919292

Who are the people in your group and are they protected from consequences?

>>26919292

>you know something's at hand...

yeah, and - provided she was speaking the truth, or indeed not lying and faking emotion extremely well - that it's not what the apprehended criminal back in capital mentioned, and what vice-chief is worried about.

I suggest we ask something innocent (ex.: if I asked for your number, would you give it to me?) and part ways, continuing our inquest elsewhere.

Catching or at least losing our tail would be nice, too.

>>26919292
>tfw you read it as 'Do you want head down by the river? For your turn?'

Fucking hell, brain.

>>26919562
>>26919528
>>26919356

> You randy bastard!

The geography of Leserin is beyond your comprehension, but Mette seems to have mastered it. You go in one alley, out another, turn left, stroll across an incongruous roundabout, and there you are on the walkway next to the river.

It's not much, really, 10 or 15 metres wide at most. But it's nice.

But you're not really thinking of niceness now. 'So how many people are there in the... pranking group, and are they protected from consequences?'

'You know, you sound really quite concerned about what I'm plotting,' Mette says. 'No, one, is, going, to, be, hurt. And you want to know why no one is going to be hurt?'

You glance at her. The worst position to play Questions, what writers call the Dark Corner - when you don't know what the other person knows. She gives you a charming smile. 'Full disclosure. The vice-minister coming over? He's my dad.'

'What - so you're Mette Varind?'

'You sure know your cabinet,' she says. You smile, and she says 'my turn', but just then her phone rings. She seems completely unconcerned that you are around to hear her.

'Hello. Oh, Anselm! Yeah, why? I'm just outside. With a friend.'

You notice her frowning, and then glancing at you and back.

'No, well, no... um, dinner, I don't know. Look, I'll call you back later.'

Just then you realise there is, in fact, a tail. Now that you have stopped, the man has also found a stationary position; but he is awful at it, since you can easily see him through a window he must think is opaque, around a corner you just turned. Fuck.

'Well,' Mette puts down the phone, 'I guess my question will have to be would you like to have dinner with me?'

> Huh. What do? The tail *is* there. Mette doesn't notice.

>>26919614
Take her up on her offer, try to lead the conversation into something irrelevant as possible, without boring Mette.

>>26919614

Well... what does spy training say about apprehending a tail? It has some answers we would like to extract.

It could be something as innocent as someone from Mette's society being worried who she's going out with (i.e. stalking) or perhaps a man hired out by her dad to watch over her daughter (although he didn't strike us as too parently, but hey, tough love)

>also she did not say vice-minister of WHAT her dad is. We have revealed knowing too much and should ritually self-flagellate upon our return to the suite.

>also damn she's pretty forward.
and we should tell her so. And agree of course. It would be horribly unbecoming to turn her down. If we know a place that would make us not very susceptible to surveillance, pick it.

We need to tell Karen that the real menace isn't coming from the students (two viable sources confirm it). It looks like Hoofer is trying to stir up trouble and may attempt to use the visit to his advantage. Could it be under a foreign country' influence? Does he want that badly to get rid of the student movements he will plot a fake assassination attempt, blaming the students? Plus the fact we are tailed, and it's unlikely to be a student doing the tailing. Also, armed extras when they were supposed to get non -lethal weapons. Ask Dimitri for advice, too.

Also, we need to get our hands on the second vice-chief, and hope he isn't a Hoof.

>>26919948

I wouldn't be too quick to condemn Hoofer. He knows (or feels) something is up, does not necessarily have to be behind it.

We have noted some suspicious people among the police force however, and those are not the students.

>>26920038

Also, our intel on students is semi-convincing, but still superficial. There's plenty of individuals in uni (and outside of it of course) that could be using student movements as a smoke screen.

>>26920038
>>26920038
Of course, but we do need to switch the suspicion from one side to the other, at least partially.

>>26920018
>>26919948
>>26919871
>>26919772

Belatedly you realise that you have stepped into a trap yourself, and given away too much. But then you might be in a position where you have seen the news - which would in turn mean, a government position.

Why has Mette never asked you what your business was in Leserin?

As for the tail, you realise you first have to know which of you the tail is after. There is a way to find out, of course, but if someone means Mette harm...

'I don't think I can refuse your offer, forward though it is. Almost *too* forward, really.'

'I used to be shy,' she says. 'It didn't work.'

'Then I must ask for your number,' you say, and you get it within a minute. When you glance over to the tail's position, he's gone. Probably shifted, then, since you've stopped for a bit. It's a good thing he's clever only after he's dumb. After she gives you her number, Mette leans back against the parapet between walkway and river and heaves a happy, long sigh.

'Where are we having dinner? Anselm's at home, which is a bit weird. He normally has... basketball or something.'

'That's the guy who called you?'

'Yeah, my flatmate. Nice guy. Quiet. A watcher.'

You ought not to be flinching at that description. Maybe you didn't.

> You'll need to devise a plan to figure out the tail.
> Contact Dmitri? Or Karen?
> Other.

The idea being, section must not only know about the prank, but keep a look out for the cops as much as the students. Since they are armed but not that trained. Accidents happen.

>>26920018

Oh yes there is another vice chief!

We should wait for Karen to come and then go find him.

Clearly we need to split up to see who the tail is after. But then meet somewhere we know.

>>26920087

If we did flinch, it would be good for our cover.

>paranoia: Anselm. Quiet. Introverted. Could be planning something? Could be part of it? Anomalous behaviour on his part. What is "something"? Don't ASK any of this, God forbid. Just something to mull over.

If we know a fitting place (hopefully away from Gary), pick it. Would the hotel work? Or some restaurant on the square? If at a loss, we can always let her decide. Maybe even chicken out with a suitable excuse...

Contact Karen! This: >>26920173
>>26920125
>>26920080
>>26920073
>>26920038
>>26920018
>>26919948

Get writing, Nimbro.

>>26920038
>>26920073
>>26920080
>>26920125
>>26920173
>>26920210

You are well aware that your intelligence on the students is insufficient - and will, probably, remain quite insufficient given you've only got a week to ferret it out. Nonetheless, between police volunteers with guns (incongruous by itself) and unarmed students (but who knows)...

Would Mette really hurt her own father, though? You are unsure about that. But if she is in charge of her group, it seems unlikely they would result to that. If.

Meanwhile. 'Well. How about this, Mette; I think I need a shower after my long walk today, and then we could meet for dinner after? Does the Coronet have a good restaurant?'

'You're living at the Coronet, eh?' She narrows her eyes, inscrutably, retaining a slight smile. 'I was actually thinking of making dinner - just drop by Besco before they close. I'm rather skint now.'

'So you're asking me to come over then, is it?' What's in this girl's mind? Does she want something from you? But there is nothing much you seem to have that might be useful to her. She nods.

> Hotel.
> Her place.
> Once you're alone, what do?

>>26920396

>admiral ackbar.jpg
Fortune favors the bold, though. Graciously accept her offer, with a raise of an eyebrow. Ask for a shopping list, and make sure to be wary of the tail.

>she did not ask what our business was
she's building her own suspicions I'm sure. I'd rather not confide in her before we know more. Indeed I would have preferred for it to be completely unnecessary for her to even know there might be a terrorist attempt in making. (provided she does not already know, which we can't rule out)

>>26920520

Oh and contact Karen, Dmitri, or both (up to debate) as per >>26920394
, but only after we really *are* alone.

>>26920396
Take this shower. Call Karen. We need Hoofy's background. Get section E to pressure him into desarming the extras, if anything happens, bodyguards and regular cops should be enough lethal force.

>>26920520
>>26920546
>>26920548

'Well, if the lady says yes to a visit...' you shrug. 'What do you need? I'll drop by Besco.'

'What? No, Besco's on my way. You go back and take your shower.' She leans in with a quick movement and sniffs at your chest. 'Yeah, you smell funny. I'll see you. You know where I live.'

You wave to her as she crosses the road and ducks into another alley. Mette's pretty confident you can remember where she lives; in this case her confidence is not misplaced. 62... Fletwood, or something. You'll figure it out.

Meanwhile, you move on yourself, making use of the thickets along the riverside walkway to shield yourself as you get a position to see Mette still walking down the long alley, slowly curving out of sight.

... and then the figure appears, interposing between you and her, and walks in her direction. It's her then.

> Take action against the tail first?
> Go back and contact backup first?
> Another ingenious plan?

>>26920689

> Go back and contact backup first

The tail probably won't harm her. We need to get in touch with Karen.

>>26920689

I'm torn between capturing (if we can) and interrogating the tail and walking away, taking advantage of ourselves not having one.

Contact Karen with what we've got. Maybe she'll mention keeping tabs on minister's family herself, but don't bring it up - at least not right away. We could also ask Dmitry what he had in mind when he told us this would be a "liaison" job...

>>26920775
Disagree. We can't take any risk. Tail the tail.

>>26920775
>>26920808
>>26920845

The temptation to tail the tail is strong, but you decide not to. Instead you take a circuitous path towards St Hilde's wherein you almost get lost, to make sure you are clean yourself, and then head for the Besco where you know Mette will be going.

No Mette. No tail. But then after a few minutes Mette walks out, and you do not see her shadow.

This has become rather too un-routine for your first assignment, you think as you make your way back on foot to the Coronet and go back upstairs again. Karen texts a reply to your request, allowing you to call her, and when you do she sounds quite awake this time.

'Hello,' she says. 'You got my text earlier? They will continue talking about whether to move tomorrow. I might only be coming down to Leserin on Tuesday.'

'Karen, do you have a direct line to Hoofter? You know, the Vice-Superintendent?'

'Yes, actually. Why?'

'Look. I've been doing some investigations as you requested. The students will be holding protests.' You take care not to mention the pranks for now. No one even knows what they are, including Mette.

'Yes, but that's a given. What about Hoofter, though?'

You pause to consider what argument you want to give. So what do you want to tell Karen? What do you want to emphasise?

> Students are planning something, maybe
> Police are escalating
> There is something else afoot (though you have no evidence)
> Other

>>26921022

"Students are planning something, but so far my findings are indicating that it's nothing even close to a terrorist attack. Real terrorists, if there are such, could use their actions as a smoke screen and even misdirect police against them."

Should we share our suspicion that separatists are infiltrating the police through the temprorary reinforcements? Has there been any activity noted two months ago?

>>26921163

I think we should. At least raise the two months thing. That doesn't sound right.

>>26921255
>>26921163

'Look, Karen, the student groups that you mentioned which are protesting... for now, I can say that there are no intentions of a terrorist attack. Nothing to physically harm the Vice-Minister, or the entourage.'

'So you're implying that Hoofter might be doing something unjustified or excessive?'

'It's more than that, I think. I found from some people here that-'

'Some people there? Have you been interviewing people yourself or something?'

Goddamn it. 'Yes, but only through chance conversations. Listen, Karen! The police reinforcements hired to 'deal with the protests' were hired two *months* before the protest, according to those people I asked.'

'Hired for two months?' A pause. 'Did you talk to any of them?'

'You need to get Hoofter to get those reinforcements to stand down. Also, they are armed, which is itself against regulations. Protecting Varind is a key priority, but then so is ensuring there is no bloodshed during the protests. Having armed, untrained people there is simply too much of a risk.'

Another pause, this time longer. 'William.'

'Yes.'

'I will take note of what you've said. But also bear in mind that the students are a rabble. Someone might use them.'

'Duly noted.'

'Also, I will update you on what the Ministries are saying. You know how the civil service is with arranging things. You might be on a train back by tomorrow or something, yes?'

And with that she hangs up. You sigh. But then Karen sends you a text saying 'text if anything'.

> Call Dmitri.
> Head for Mette's.
> Other.

>>26921371

>Call Dmitri

>>26921496

You call Dmitri, and can distinctly hear classical music behind him. As always.

'Malchik? Enjoying Leserin?'

'I'm not sure if this is what you had in mind, Dmitri, when you sent me here as a liaison officer.'

'I can assure you, malchik, I didn't have anything particularly in mind when I sent you. A security liaison is a routine job. Or perhaps you are being asked to do other sorts of snooping around, but that too is a routine job.'

> What did you want to discuss with Dmitri?

>>26921606

Just... ask him for advice, I suppose, with him we can be a bit more honest?

>>26921606

>Do you believe that apprehended separatist was telling the truth when he said there would be an attack?
>Why the high-roller suite? Isn't that too attention-attracting?
>We're not the only agent deployed here, are we? (not sure if this is actually wise question to ask, there's no way we had clearance to know anyway)
>Any professional tips?

>>26921797
>>26921766

'It is a routine job, except... a lot of it has not been really routine, has it? Do you really believe that intelligence, for instance? From the apprehended LMSG cell?'

'There is no reason to disbelieve, and neither is there reason to devote massive resources to a single event centred around the likes of Peter Varind. Section E does what it ought to.'

'How about the suite?'

'What suite?'

Damn. Dmitri doesn't know. You explain it, and he sighs. 'It's the position. It gives you overwatch. I suspect you won't be having it too long once the bodyguards roll in. Look, you sound a little frazzled, and it's not even a big task I'm giving you now, son.'

'I just... look. I'm not sure if there are any leads to follow right now. Normally there'd be a team, but right now there is no team.' If there is one, he would react a certain way; you know for sure. But he does not.

'I suspect Karen is already deviating a little from her brief when she theorised about the threat to Varind. But then perhaps there are other targets about, which are not as obvious as attempting to take him out. Is Varind really worth the trouble, other than his background in the Southeast Command? He might be worth more alive. Or someone else might be worth more as a target.'

The last sentence sounds like a bell. Someone else might be worth more as a target. That could well be true. And if so, then that someone else...

When you snap back, Dmitri has hung up. He tends to know when conversations are at an end, for some reason.

> Get anything on the way to Mette's?

>>26921970

Like capturing his family to gain leverage on him, for instance?

Well now I feel bad for not capturing the tail. What about the other daughter though?

Besides, it might still be that our target is elsewhere entirely. Still, Mette's tail is first irregularity we've witnessed firsthand.

>grab that shower. But don't take long.

>>26922059

A short shower, and a hurried cab ride, and you're right in front of 62 Fletwoad Street. The fact that Mette answers the door, in a t-shirt and shorts, makes you probably look a little more relieved than you ought to.

'Hey, Gerald. Come on in.'

Whoever it was had done an admirable job of cleaning up after the party; the whole place is back to becoming a normal, rather old and slightly musty sitting room. The smell of something nice is coming from the kitchen - it's a relief that she knows how to cook.

'Look, you didn't tell me!' Well, looks like there's more in the kitchen. 'And last night you throw a huge party, and-'

'Okay, Anselm. You said yes to the party when I asked a few days ago. You locked your door, I told everyone not to go near it. It's what I ought to do, I know, but I *did* it. Get me?'

Well, it's always nice having front row seats to the argument. After a pause, Anselm just says 'I'm going outside for a walk.' What appears at the kitchen door is a tall chap, who gives you a strange look and actually stops to keep looking for a moment. Then he nods at you and walks off.

'Dinner's going to be ready in 20,' Mette calls, and through the open kitchen door you watch her checking the oven. 'Water, Coke, Diet Coke, Stella in the fridge.'

You go for the water, and then Mette leans over and sniffs you again. 'Better.'

> What do/say?

>>26922234

Ask about Anselm. What was that?

>>26922234

"Anything I can do to help?"

Take a look outside when opportunity arises, check if the house is being observed. Although the tail might have been Anselm himself. Did he look the part?

>>26922602
>>26922408

> Right, petering out. Last post then.
> Next session will be on Sunday, 2000 GMT. Hope to see you then!

'So that's Anselm,' you say, turning around a little in reaction to her move. She doesn't look like she's showered yet - probably waiting for after she's done cooking. 'Anything I can do to help?'

'No, no, I'm fine.' Then, standing straight, 'actually, yes, yes, maybe you should work on the salad. Quarter the tomatoes, toss the leaves, you know the drill.'

'What's with the argument, if I may ask? He's a bit of a reclusive, I take it?'

'It's a bit more than that.' A wave of heat as she opens the oven and closes it again. 'He's not... he's not much for loud noises, or too much company. Had a rather rough childhood. He's from Kashrun, you know.'

Kashrun. One of the cities in South Geminia, a central point of the Southeast Command and its military occupation. To grow up there these days - unrest, shootings, bomb attacks. 'That sounds serious. So how did you get to know him?'

'Funnily enough, I spent a few years in Kashrun as well. Caught him speaking in their slang, and we just got along okay.' No doubt her being in Kashrun was a result of Varind's military background, then. 'So we decided to get this place. Also, bless his soul, he's got a little thing going for Heike. Okay, I think it's done!'

Another wave of heat as Mette fishes out a hot tray of lasagne and puts it on the table. 'Hurrah! Now I'm going to shower, so don't touch that yet...'

And with that, she disappears upstairs. Soon you can hear the spray of a shower head.

> What do now? You're alone in the house.

>>26922854

This sounds like opportunity to take a quick cursory look for seditious material, just to be sure. Look for possible hiding spots, don't touch anything you would not have excuse for touching seeing as some common intrusion-detection techniques could be employed.

Be careful, though, and don't rely too much on sound of running water - just because shower's running doesn't mean the girl is underneath it.

When looking, rather err on side of subtlety than risk getting caught, seeing as we don't really expect students to be behind a plot. Anselm's background sounds mildly disturbing though...

>>26923048
Can't disagree with any of this, second.

Maybe focus a bit more on Anselm, social isolation is one of the prerequisites for radicalisation after all.