>>28971501
>We should try to talk to 'Yumi' again
>Also, we need to put in a call to Central to see if there's any precendent for this kind of case

We're obviously missing something here, and it's apparently not something we have the tech on hand to spot.

>>28971501
>Talk to Yumi again. Ask about people she knows. And then ask the people around her about people she knows.
People who can hate you to death rarely do it to your face.
And I'm glad you're here, GhostMaster. I found out that I failed College Physics, my ticket still hasn't shown up on the County website, and my job schedule me to work during peak hours of Magfest. Let's do this shit.

> We should try to talk to 'Yumi' again
If we have time later on, preparing for the night's festivities wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

>>28971501

Yumi's problem may need a stake out. We should do it with...say...Star?

Split the party to follow multiple jobs?

"Let's go and talk to Yumi again." You say as you finish getting the last bits of waffle batter clean from your boots. "Ask who she knows, and such."

"Yeah," Star nods as she comes out of her room with a new jumpsuit on. "But that's probably going to be like pulling teeth. You know we can't let anyone know about what happened to Yumi."

"Sachiko's being way too protective." Akira says. "It's a big deal, and Yumi's done nothing wrong."

"You know full well that it doesn't matter." Star says with a sigh. "If news gets out, Yumi will...have a lot of difficulties." She nods at you. "I'll go with you Daisuke."

"Alright," You say. "Akira, contact Central again and see if they can give us any more info."

"We've used the different PKE variances to detect Psychic, Ritualistic, Sub-conscious, and all other known forms of PKE manipulation."

"Well, ask them to start thinking about the UN-known ways!" You snap.

Akira just narrows his eyes at you and heads over to the table with the laptop.

You and Star leave the Dumpling Factory and head across the street.

"You know you should try to be nicer to Akira." Star says.

"He's an overly aggressive ass, and I'll be nice to him when he's nice to me and Yurei." You say.

"Akira really doesn't like Ghosts." Star says.

"Yeah, I noticed." You say as you walk up the steps. "Why is that?"

"Ask Akira." Star says. "Not my place. Anyway, not like you don't have your OWN ego issues."

You roll your eyes as you pull on the bell chime of the temple door.

Sachiko opens it. She's back into her Miko dress. Bow, and quiver, both slung across her back, she's been getting in some early practice.

"Good news?" She asks.

"We need to talk to Yumi again." You say. "She needs to give us ANYTHING more than just the Opera thing."

"Names of friends, where she works, anything." Star says. "We've tried as much as we can."

Sachiko frowns and motions for you to follow. She mutters about 'incompetency' and 'false hope' under her breath.

(cont)

>>28972302
Yumi has settled in apparently. Her clothes and things are scattered across the floor. She's taken the larger futon as her own, and she's munching on a package of rice crackers as she watches a soap on tv.

You understand Sachiko's grumpiness slightly better.

"Yumi?" You ask.

The woman doesn't respond for a moment, until Sachiko clears her throat.

"Oh! Right, that's...that's me." She says. "Yumi...right. Can I go home now?" She asks.

"Well...not yet." Star says. "We're trying to get a little more information."

She frowns and her brow knits in anger. "You promised me that no one would know!"

"And they won't!" You say. "We'll make sure that no one knows you're involved. We just need to know...

> Odds are good that you'll only be able to get one piece of information out of 'Yumi' before she clams up to 'protect herself from shame.' Maybe two if you get lucky.

> Where you work
> Some names of your neighbors
> Some names of your co-workers
> Other

>>28972440

" 'Yumi that's me' ...are you possessed? Anway, I'd like to ask you a few questions about your neighbors. "

>>28972440
>Some names of your co-workers
From that we can find any of the other options.
EXCEPT anything about previous romantic entanglements which she will no doubt protect to the death in order to 'protect herself from shame'.
>VICTIMS llepetit

>>28972440
Where she works I guess?

She was attacked by a hate fueled astral projection that sang Opera right?

It's been a while.

>>28972521
Agreed. We'll also need to come up with a good cover story so we can ask them some questions without breaking confindentiality.

>>28972499
>" 'Yumi that's me' ...are you possessed?
She forgot that 'Yumi' was the fake name that she gave you for a moment.

So two for co-workers. (Just so you know, this will get you a couple of names of other OLs that Yumi knows and works with/has lunch with/goes out drinking with. They work in the same building as her, but they don't work at her same place of business. That's a separate question.)

>>28972879
So basically she's like any noir client in that she will actively stymie our investigation even when it's harming her?

>>28972950
Yup.

Well, do you know what'll happen to her if news gets out that she was 'attacked'? Not even touching the whole 'ghost' issue. In Japan it's really really unpleasant.

She'd probably be pressured to quit her job, which she would. Then her family would probably cut communication with her for a couple of months. Her fiancee would leave her, no doubt. She'd...well...she'd be at a very high risk of causing a Train Delay.

There's a reason Sachiko took photos of her on Musashi the Horse. It gave Yumi an explanation for some sensitive issues.

>>28972950
>>28973042

Then we gotta work around it the hard way.

"Could we get the names of some people who you work with?" You ask. "Anyone who might have seen something? Trust me, you'll never come up in conversation. They'll think we're trying to find a ghost in their building."

She looks at Sachiko. She nods.

"Haru, Koi, and Rei." She says as she writes down names and an address. "We all have coffee here, along with the other OLs. Please...make sure that they don't know anything about me."

You hand the paper to Star and you nod to her.

> If you want to push your luck you can roll 1d6. Or say 'Pass.' As always, Ghost Rolls are 4's and instantly bad.

>>28973344
Pass.

>>28973344
*sucks air in through teeth*
We can't risk it right now. Pass.

>>28973344
Pass.
We should do research on the location first, before talking with the people. See if we can do an actual PKE check with the owner of the place in order to strengthen our cover story.

And someone needs to call those rabbit girls back; they're paying a lot for our services and we shouldn't ignore them.

>>28973561
That's what we have a secretary...er, I mean, a head of public relations for.

>>28973561
Have we been promoted to head the branch when I wasn't looking?

Also, if we temporarily ghost trapped them, and let them out after the danger time passed, would they be safe from Oiwa's wrath?

"Okay, thanks. We'll look into this." You say.

You and Star leave. Sachiko grabs you by the upper arm. "Solve this, swiftly. I want that woman OUT of my house!"

"Saci?" Yumi calls from within. "Your lousy tv is giving off static again."

"I loathe all humans everywhere." The mike grumbles as she unleashes you.

"Okay," Star looks up from her smartphone. "This address is a coffee bar in a large building. It's got like, 20 or 30 business in it. So gnarly." She groans as you walk across the street.

"Well, we should be happy to give them a 'Free scan package' now, shouldn't we?" You say. "Also, we should call the rabbit girls back. They're paying us."

"Sounds good." Star says. The boys have finished cleaning up from the Waffle House job, and are practicing their paper football skills.

"I thought we forbade that sport in here!" Star snaps.

"This is Paper Rugby. Totally different." Sato says.

"Shut it. We got an address, get the recon gear ready again. All of it." Star says.

The boys grumble and drag themselves to it.

You get the number for the lead girl, Rini, and dial her up.

" Hi hi! Biba Jibun! This is Rini, who is this?" The rabbit says.

"This Daisuke, the Ghostbuster." You say. Huh, that's a whole month you've gone without giving people your family name. Is it out of obligation to them? Maybe you should call them.

"Oh! Finally!" She sighs. "Okay, so like, uh, I may have gotten a little drunk one night with this Rokuro Kubi I've known since forever. She was boasting about how she's got some posh safe-house in a big name shrine, and naturally I had to respond that I topped her." A pause. "Words were said, and you know how things can be with girls..."

"How bad is it?"

"Just a...mild curse. Nothing too bad!" She says. "But you...may need to be in a very safe place tonight. Or a place that's got no spirits or ghosts slumbering there."

"Why?"

"Because any spirits will arise and try to ice you." She says. "It was a 'Prove they're so tough' thing."

(cont)

>>28974162
We're going to need A LOT of beer after this is over...

Wait, hold on...oh fuck me, is this going to extend to Yurei as well?

>>28974162
"So your Rokuro Kubi put a hit out on us?!" You ask.

"Ikki is a VERY classy gal, and it's not a hit...it's just...kind of a lure. Anyway, it's JUST for one night, and she said, that if you were still alive afterwards, she'd come and give you her business and a recommendation, and if you think I've got money to burn, Ikki has got Trust Fund money. And no horde of children begging for new LuChoi shoes. Anyway...I gotta go, on a date! Just thought you needed to be warned. Okay, thanx, Biba Jibun, bai-bye!"

Click.

"So, what did the Playboy Bunny want?" Sato says.

You explain the situation.

Akira shakes his head and swears. "Fucking monsters!"

"So...does that mean ghosts are now just going to be popping up like weeds tonight?" Sato says.

"Yup, and we're the gardeners and business is good." Star says.

"I thought we were exterminators." You say.

"According to P-COC, we're the rats." Sana says.

"Excuse me, are we just IGNORING the death threat?!" Akira says.

> Yes, let's go to the coffee shop in Raku Plaza
> No, let's find a place that's safe and dead...or not dead as the case may be.
> No, let's just hole up here for the night. Home field advantage.
> Call that Dead Bunny back. NOW.
> Other

>>28974406
>Yes, let's go to the coffee shop in Raku Plaza

At least for once we're not getting taken comepletely by surprise, and we do still have a job to do.

>>28974406

>Call that dead bunny back

>>28974406
>Call that Dead Bunny back. NOW.
Paying customer is one thing.
Actively trying to get us killed is another.

>>28974862
Pretty sure that isn't going to do much other than mildly annoying our best paying client.

"We know what's coming." You say. "We'll be fine."

"But we WILL all be walking around with our packs on. All day...and night." Star says.

"Well...at least we'll certainly look the part. I suppose." Sato says.

"This long-necked lady better we willing to pay extra fees and an additional 'Oh I just kinda cursed you' fee." Akira fumes.

"Rini said that this woman was loaded." You say.

"We can only hope." Star says. "It would be nice to get some big money that didn't involve us getting covered in slime or syrup."

"That would be a nice change." You say. "How much do we need in order to get the super-slammer installed in YOMI-1?"

"More than we have now."

You all get into the van, and you do take the Chyme with Yurei in it, just in case she's hit with the curse too.

Raku Plaza is a large blue-tinted monolith. There are bigger and there are smaller. It's a host of different businesses, ranging from Consulting to Accounting to Legal Advice, basically anything that requires a large amount of paperwork.

The thing that's most notable about this place is that the 'coffee bar' is actually part of a whole Anna Miller's. For some reason the chain put an entire restaurant inside the building.

It apparently does pretty brisk business too, lots of salarymen and OLs filling the booths and tables.

"The presence of maple syrup makes me uneasy." Sato says.

"I know...this job causes the weirdest aversions." Sato says.

> Try to get a table
> Ask if one of Yumi's associates are here.
> Start scanning the place.
> Check in with Security
> Other

>>28975005
>Check in with Security
It's only polite.
Also, they'll have our back in the inevitable firefight.

>>28975005
>Check in with Security

>>28975005
>Check in with Security

Pretty sure we're gonna get tossed out on our asses otherwise. Hopefully none of them have any children who's lives we ruined.

Check in with Security

File: 1387512641357.jpg-(53 KB, 540x720, 1470340_184087901791677_1(...).jpg)

53 KB JPG

You know you've been reading too much ghostbusters quest when you start seeing random vehicles that look like Ecto-1.

>>28975281
>vehicles that look like the Ecto-1
>that look like the Ecto-1
>look like the Ecto-1
>look like
Bitch, that is someone's attempt at the Ecto-1

You head up to security.

"Hello, four to sign in?" You say.

The speckle-faced kid sitting behind the desk just blinks at you all. You can tell that he has no idea whatsoever about what to do with the four of you.

Akira helpfully points at a small terminal with a keyboard. "Names, right?"

The kid nods. "And the business that you'll be visiting."

"Well, he didn't really give us a name...name...." Star says. "But he like...owns the building...I think...I dunno like whatever." She gives the kid a ditzy smile and bats her eyes. She can play 80's vapid bimbo DAMN well...and still looks good in that jumpsuit. But you figure that Star just loves her clothes, whatever they may be, and it shines through...or whatever. What do you know?

"Well...uhh...I mean..."

"Why don't we just wait for our appointment to, like, call and we'll totally chill in your hype cafe! SO awesome...thank you cutie! Mwah!"

She blows him a kiss and walks away.

"You are evil." Sato says to Star as you all walk up to the Anna Miller's.

"Oh, I have yet to begun to fight." She says. "When this Ikki person comes to call, I assure you she'll croak out 'Cornnuts' before the day is done, such is my wrath!"

"What?" Akira asks.

"Cornnuts...Heathers? It's a classic!"

"Stop her, or we'll have another movie night." You warn.

"Umm...welcome to Anna Miller's." A waitress says as you all come up. "How may I help you?"

> Ask for a booth.
> Ask if she's seen anything weird...other than you.
> Ask if Yumi's OL friends are here.
> Push past her and start scanning.
> Other

>>28975324
> Ask if Yumi's OL friends are here.
If they are not,
> Ask for a booth.

>>28975324
>Ask if Yumi's OL friends are here
"Ma'am, my colleagues and I are here on some very hush-hush business and we believe that these ladies have information that could prove VITAL for certain interests. Let's just leave it at that."

>>28975324
>Ask if Yumi's OL friends are here.

We can try the brute force approach later if this doesn't pan out quickly enough. For now let's try to stay professional.

"Ma'am, my colleagues and I are here on some very hush-hush business and we believe that these ladies have information that could prove VITAL for certain interests. Let's just leave it at that." You say.

Star says their full names. "The sooner we talk to them, the sooner we're gone."

Roll 1d6

>>28975608
Polythene Pam

Rolled 6

>>28975645
Dammit.

File: 1387513865556.jpg-(64 KB, 720x480, 1384855393017.jpg)

64 KB JPG

>>28975317
Huh. I know there's a few small businesses nearby and one of them's supposed to be an actual exterminator so I just thought my meds were off again.

Rolled 1

>>28975608
Noghostsnoghostsnoghosts

Rolled 3

>>28975608

"Oh." The waitress narrows her eyes. "Them."

You can almost HEAR the 'Loud, Rude, and Don't tip.' dripping off of EVERY letter.

"They're in the back, by all means...take your time." She says.

Well it looks like you won't be bothered by the wait staff either. Nice to have a little luck.

You come up to them. They're...well they're OLs. Nice looking dress suits, leaning more towards dress, plucked and tucked faces, and a look on all three of their faces that looks like they just got a thick whiff of spoiled milk as the four of you walk up to their table.

"Ladies." Sato says. "Hello, we're doing a bit of an informal investigation here. Asking a couple of people, and we were told that you all worked on different floors of the building. Correct?"

The women all look at each other and then back to you. Social Order has defenestrated itself, and they are at a loss.

"Yes. We do." One of them says.

"Well, so before we go ahead and start tramping through ALL the floors and make a PUBLIC statement that GHOSTBUSTERS are LOOKING AT THINGS." Star says. She has become almost psychotically vicious at this point...it's kinda hot. "We'd thought we'd just ask if there was anything 'weird' happening around your businesses. Odd noises? Weird smells? Oozing you didn't notice before?"

The women are shaking their heads frantically before Star can finish.

Okay, now it's your turn to get some actually useful information.

> Pick your tactic

> Divide and conquer
> Good Cop
> Bribery
> Other

> Dialogue to accompany your tactic is welcome if you feel inspired.

Rolled 1

>>28976037
>Good Cop

"You'll have to excuse her, she just gets so passionate about her work that sometimes she'll just barge ahead, not caring who's toes get stepped on or if something gets said to the wrong person. Honestly, we just want to get this whole messy business over with as quickly and QUIETLY as possible, so we can all move on with our lives."

>>28976037
Bribery isn't gonna work since we don't know what they want (aside from us leaving) and we need all our money. Divide and Conquer would work better if we had an idea of what we should be looking for.
Let's play Good Cop.
"What my associate is trying to say is that we really don't want to intrude on your time any more than we absolutely have to and we'd all like to keep this as quiet as possible. We have reason to believe that someone is being... followed. Is there someone at your workplaces who seems... off? Maybe they stare too long, wear their hair over their eyes? That sort of thing."
Also:
>it's kinda hot
Shame on you! Our heart belongs to Sana!
Oh yes, and we should tip the waitress who helped us when we leave.

>>28976037
>>28976166
Japan doesn't tip servers, the same as much of the rest of the world.

>>28976037
>Good Cop
"Now, I'm sure that we can keep this all quiet with a little bit of cooperation from you ladies.
"Has there been someone who seems off, or isn't a regular, in this building? Perhaps follows people around, doesn't talk to people, keeps to themselves and really only stays in corners?"

>>28976195
All the more reason to be nice.

>>28976195
(Then they're just rude, normally)
>>28976345
"Please excuse my partners. They just get so passionate about their work. We don't want to intrude on your time more than we need, and we'll keep it quiet and we can all move on with our work?"

You bow and give the ladies your card. As is proper.

They almost sag with relief. Dutifully take your card and all smile at you as you push the barbarians away.

"Has there been someone who seems off, or isn't a regular in this building? Maybe stares more than they should, or is not social at proper times?"

The girls all look at each other for an instant, and then back to you.

"Floor 22, Suite 13." One of them says.

"Thank you." You say and walk away.

"Think that was enough?" Star asks as you head to the lobby and wait for the elevator.

"Not sure, but a lead's a lead. How's the scan going?" You ask Akira.

Akira has the PKE meter out. "It's above average PKE activity, but nothing higher than say...the Scramble at Noon."

"Bit much for an office building though, right?" Sato asks.

"Maybe." You say as the elevator opens and you four cram in with a salaryman who looks bewildered.

You all ride up in silence.

"Roaches?" The salaryman finally asks.

"Silverfish...big ones." Sato says.

"How big?"

"Take your head off." Akira says.

The door opens to the twelfth floor and you all get off.

"Okay," Sato says. "Directory list...let's see...Efficiency Consultant...Accountant...Legal Aide...Legal Aide...Accountant...The Gentleman's Club...and another Accountant."

"The what?" You ask.

"That's what is says." Sato points and you see the little white plastic letters. 'SUITE 13 'THE GENTLEMAN'S CLUB: APPOINTMENT ONLY'

"Yeah, we've got something." Akira said. "I've got a massive amount of background PKE here. Nothing hostile, but the only place that has this much energy is the Factory."

"Well we found something." Star says. "So, we going in like Cowboys or like Japanese?"

> Kick in door
> Knock politely
> Other

>>28977291
(That should be Twenty-Second Floor, not twelve, apologies. Error on my part)

>>28977291
>Other
Knock, but don't enter. Wait on either side of the door and see what happens.

>>28977338
Sneaky, I like it.

>>28977291
>Knock politely

We've played it cool so far, no reason to mess with success.

>>28977291
>"Maybe." You say as the elevator opens and you four cram in with a salaryman who looks bewildered.
>You all ride up in silence.
>"Roaches?" The salaryman finally asks.
>"Silverfish...big ones." Sato says.
>"How big?"
>"Take your head off." Akira says.
It's little things like this that make me keep following, GM.

>>28977291
>Other
Listen at the door, because it's a 'Gentlemen's Club' and I have a feeling I know what's going on here.
Also, it seems that the GB Handbook also has a section of talking to normals written by Peter.

>>28977355
And we get a good defensive position if things go south.

>>28977392
You hold up a finger to your lips for silence and you put your head up to the door.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 20

>>28977456
Smooth Criminal

Rolled 18

>>28977456
Fingers crossed.

Rolled 11

>>28977456
SATAN GUIDE MY DICE

>>28977475
The smoothest.

>>28977475
You can clearly hear the sound of a computer humming and a keyboard tapping.

It's odd because there's no pause or stop or any sense that the person is pausing to think. Also they are typing amazingly fast, like...175 Words Per Minutes at the very slowest.

Other than that there's no sound of movement, furniture shifting, people breathing, nothing, just a computer and someone typing at a keyboard amazingly fast.

>>28977603
Hot damn, we just heard the shit out of that room.
The typing is most likely fast because the typist ISN'T pausing to think: you don't need to think when all you're typing is "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"

>>28977603
Okay, who's creeped out? I'm creeped out.
Let's knock and then make up something about routine bug inspection or something while looking around on the sly.
That is, of course, assuming Little Words-Per-Minute doesn't swing open the door and look at us creepy-like.

>>28977603
Okay, we definatly need to have Star and Akira stack up on either side of the door before we knock.

>>28977685
You're in my way, sir.

>>28977696
I WILL BOSON-DART YOU IN THE BALLS, HOLLYWOOD!

"Umm, get behind me, and stay on the sides." You say.

They do...but they are leaning away as you get close to the room.

You knock on the door...and it swings open. The room is a typical office that'd you find in all the other suites and floors in this building. The thing is that...well...it's empty.

Oh someone WAS here. There's marks on the carpet and the walls. Whatever the Gentlemen's Club had here has been moved out. There's also signs that there were rituals here. Little bits of wax, some ashes, and chalk dust here and there.

From what you can tell this place was what happens when Salarymen open up shop in Spook Central. Then get downsized.

Finally you find the source of the sound.

There's a laptop in one of the offices. It's physically closed, but you can see that the screen is still on and you can her the keyboard continuing to type.

"Well...that's creepy."

> Open the Laptop.
> Bag it. Tag it.
> Back away slowly.
> Blast it.
> Other.

>>28977904
Read through our handbook for what to do in such matters?

I'm inclined to do bag/tag.

>>28977904
>Bag it. Tag it.
It's clearly possessed. Maybe it'll form an Oversoul and we'll get to meet Wooden Sword Ryu

>>28977904
Do. NOT. Touch it.
I say we could try to talk to it before bagging+tagging/blasting.
"Excuse me, creepy laptop; we're the Ghostbusters and we'd just like to know what you're doing and have you seen any disembodied people trying to hate someone to death lately?
>Bits of wax, ashes, chalk dust
They summoned something. Shit.

>>28977904
>Open the Laptop

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

>>28977904
Check with the PKE meter.
Is it a blue entity or a red one?

>>28978020
If it's a blue on on the meter, it's simply a cursed item but should be safe for bagging and tagging. Potentially we have better scannning devices back at the base.

If it's a red entity, we got a ghost, better go hot this one or bail out.

>>28977991
They summoned something to do their work for them.

Only much like those stories about golems and whatever that you hear, they made the classic mistake of never telling it to stop working.

>>28978020
>>28977904
>Use PKE meter

>>28978020
Seconding

"Excuse me, creepy laptop; we're the Ghostbusters and we'd just like to know what you're doing and have you seen any disembodied people trying to hate someone to death lately?" You say.

"Seriously?" Sato asks.

The Laptop makes no reply, just keeps typing.

"Blue read." Akira says with the PKE. "Thing's passive."

"Then let's bag this thing." You say.

"I left the PKE-Proof bags back in the van." Sato says.

"Are those the extra-heavy duty garbage bags with the logo on them?" You ask.

"Well...yeah, but when we fill it with our Green Slime and throw the haunted junk in with it, THEN it becomes Anti-PKE bags."

"Fine." Akira says. "Got get it with Star. We'll stay here and watch it. Also hurry...last place I want to be here at sundown is here."

The two leave.

"You know," Akira says. "I'm glad you've joined and survived man, but it's thanks to you saying yes to those rabbit monsters, that we're in this mess."

> Akira, what is your problem with ghosts and monsters?
> Shut it Akira, it's good money.
> Let's just hose the laptop with some slime now and save this argument for later?
> Other

>>28978207
"I don't really see how. This whole Oiwa thing is a big event that we'd have to deal with regardless. At least now we're not caught unawares."

>>28978207
Dammit, I really want to know what's Akira's problem (probably HIS PARENTS ARE DEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAD because of ghosts and/or monsters) but it has to wait.
That said, >>28978245 this guy is what I'm voting for.

>>28978207
I'm pretty sure hosing the laptop with slime directly would just de-curse it, not much use for it as a clue then, but they probably meant wrap the laptop in plastic, then put it in another bag with slime.

Also >>28978245

>>28978207
Listen, 28, you've been hating on this for a while. I think you need to get this off your chest and I don't think the possessed laptop will object to a little group therapy. Isn't that right, laptop?" *pause for response*
"See? I told you it wouldn't mind."

>>28978207
>Akira, what is your problem with ghosts and monsters?

Seriously, the hell's your deal, dude? I'd bet pretty much everyone on the team didn't even believe in this shit until our first day on the job.

"I don't really see how. This whole Oiwa thing is a big event that we'd have to deal with regardless. At least now we're not caught unawares." You say.

"Okay, yeah...but we'd probably find out about it in another way...probably just as violent." He rolls his eyes. "I saw that you brought the Chyme with us. You really think that ghost counts?"

"Okay, Akira? What is your deal?" You ask. "I get that Star wants to relive the 80s and is having fun. Sato's got a giant hero complex, and Sana likes a paycheck...but you're the one who founded this franchise, right? Why all the hate?"

Akira pauses. He nods. "Alright, you know that story of the two brothers, and one night the boogeyman drags one of them under the bed, and the other brother screams to everyone about what happened? But no one believes him and the kid is just gone?"

"Yeah?" You say. "That was you?"

"No. I was the kid that got dragged under the bed."

>>28978552
Oh shit. He's like that dude from Tithe who got an eye blinded because he could see fairies and he was bright enough to say he could only see them in one eye.
Lifelong grudge. And trauma. Lots of trauma.

>>28978552
I'm not entirely sure if I should be hoping or dreading this leading in to a Little Fears crossover.

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>>28978552


OH SHIT

>>28978552
>Involuntary step backwards

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>>28978552
>that reveal

>>28978602
>Lifelong grudge. And trauma. Lots of trauma.
Powerful stuff that is.

>>28978552
"Holy...how?"

Akira swallows. "I don't remember much. I've talked to Central and did therapy through them...but I remember it being dark, and cold...like a giant rusty warehouse filled with piles of old rags. Lots of whispers, shifting things in the dark, and little bites, like rats, whenever I would close my eyes."

"How did you..."

"I ran. I ran and I ran and I ran until I saw a light. It was at the top of this pile of...stuff. It was dark sharp and pointed, and occasionally soft, all of it slick and wet." He shakes his head. "I climbed up that, and out into the light...they found me in a storm drain. Covered in black slime."

"And you chose to become a Ghostbuster?"

"Heh, I got lucky, really really lucky. My Dad was working for Perpetual Motors at the time, and at the same time Dr. Stanz was...taking his sabbatical there. Dr. Venkman gave me good advice, this poor little five year old... 'Don't Get Scared. Get Mad. Punch them In the Face, and Bill them for the Therapy."

Akira smiles. "So this job is my big Fuck You to the Nightmares. They didn't get me then, they aren't getting me now, and I'M the one getting THEM." He nods.

"So forgive me if I'm less than charming with Yurei and the Rabbits."

>>28978770
No no, I get it man. Whatever gets you through 3 am is cool with me. Just... just remember that not everything wants to hurt people, okay? Some of them were like you once; lost, alone, and scared.

>>28978846
You know, I'm pretty sure this isn't something we're going to work through in a long afternoon over beers and pop-psychology.

>>28978552
Did the laptop respond to us saying "Oiwa"? Or did it continue the typing?

Because if it didn't at least pause, then it might not be sapient.

>>28978770

>>28978753
No kidding.

I wouldn't be surprised if Akira had developed latent psych abilities from his rage and will.

>>28978882
This is the kind of thing you NEVER get over. I don't think we'll ever change his mind, but either we keep him in the back when dealing with certain entities or we get him to at least have a fake smile.

>>28978770
>>28978846
>>28978882
Well, even Egon (in the comics) said "We leave the quiet ones alone" [in response to the question of do they bust peaceful dead relatives who want to stick around for a bit]

>>28978894
It's a Blue. It's not sentient, I don't think. It just does what it does.

>>28978770
"Totally understandable man, but it's cool with you if you let me do any negotiating right? I figure a content Nightmare is better than an offended one."

>>28978919
That's not to say it couldn't have programmed or inclined responses to what we type, but yeah it's basically a computer charged with PKE.
Not very different from other cursed artifacts the GB have encountered like a clock that tells the time of death near a ghost or body or an endless bottle of rum.

>>28978959
Or Ghostbusters on DVD.

>>28978959
>...or an endless bottle of rum.

Which must have come in really handy at the annual Christmas party.

>>28978998
Heh yeah, seriously Central fucking horded cursed artifacts for shits and giggles like it was nothing.

Vigo probably makes for good conversation these days.

>>28978770
You blink. "Yeah...uhh...wow. No, no I get it. But...you know that not...everything is THAT bad...right?"

He nods. "Yeah, I know. And Yurei helped us with Sadako. I know. The world's complicated and you can't brush everything with one blah blah blah. It's just..."

"Yeah..." You let out a breath. "Yeah I get it. But, let us do the negotiating okay?"

"Heh, that was the plan."

"So what happened to the other nine people who came before me?" You ask.

"Seven were back in cow town, before Star got things finished with the factory. Six of them freaked out when they saw their first spook. Last one was a total prick from our school, but Sato liked him. Thought I could make it work, didn't.

"The three from here, two more freak-outs and one who was an actual con-artist who wanted to get in on 'our score.' We kicked him to the curb, via his shins."

Sato and Star are back with the bags.

"So...we sliming the laptop and then throwing it into the bag, or are we just grabbing it with out gloved hands and chucking the laptop into the pre-slimed bag?" Star asks. "Or are we putting a bag around the laptop first and then filling it with slime?"

"This should not be this complicated." Sato grumbles.

> Slime first
> Chuck it into a slimy bag.
> Bag first, then slime
> Other

>>28979068
Bag first.
Put it in another bag filled with slime.

Not that hard. Just don't contaminate the sample.

>>28979068
>Bag first, then slime.
We must study this thing. It will tell us many things. Like how to type up TPS reports and why Ted from Procurement is a total douchebag.

>>28979068
Bag and seal it, then put it in to another bag filled with slime. We need to keep it contained but uncomprimised.

>>28979152
A doubled-up rubber huh? I thought they taught you against that in sex-ed.
Yeah, this

>>28979164
"Bag it, and put it into another bag that's slimed." You say. "We don't want to contaminate the sample."

The others agree that it's a great idea and do so...but they let YOU have the honors of actually touching the typing thing.

You take a deep breath and scoop it up.

Roll 1d6

Rolled 3

>>28979259
Ctrl-Alt-Del

Rolled 5

>>28979259
GHOST

Rolled 2

>>28979259
White Collar Holler

>>28979259
I have a bad feeling about this.

Hmm I wonder how were gonna analyze this thing. The spectronalizer is meant for pictures and photos, I don't recall and explicitly tech oriented methods.

other than just typing st this thing with our ecto goggles on.

>>28979405
if she's gotten strong enough we could hook up the chyme to it and Yurei could suck up all the PKE and see what it was for
A first step towards making her powerful for the cult of Yurei!

>>28979280
You feel a light static twinge and a little pull like a magnet but you shake it off as you pull your hands back from the laptop as it pops open.

The keys press themselves and the screen just has a open document on it, you can see what's written:

Chosemetobetheonetypingtopleaseherthatdamnwitchcan'tletmestopwritingevenwhenI'mnotasleepanymorenotfairnotfairnotfairshetauntsmeandtricksmeandit'snotfairtheothersletmeouttodryandevenwhenI'mrunningrunningIcan'tstoptypingIfeelmyfingerspressthekeysanditdoesn'tstopitjustdoesn'tstopandI'msotiredandShekeepsmewritingandit'snotfairsowehadalittlefunwithsomegirlsbigdealandthatbastardToshideserveditafterallthosetimesthathehumiliatedmeinschoolwellishowedthebastardwehadtomovethingstotheoldclubandnowwehavetomoveagainandI'mafraidthatIforgotsomethingandImusthaveforgottensomethingthatorSheismakingmedothisbecauseit'sfunnyandIknowShethinksitsfunnybecausethat'swhatshetoldtheotherGentlemenanditisn'tfairIwassupposedtogaincontrolandbeamasterofallandtakewhateverandwhomeverIwantandnowallIcandoistypeandifIdon'ttypethenIsaythingsoutloudlikethattimeonethesubwaywhereItoldeveryoneaboutthefirsttimethatImasturbatedandnowI'mthinkingaboutitagainsowhatifitwasforaposteraboutturkeystuffingthewomanwashotandshehadbigbreastsandyoucouldseehercleavagedownthatdressontheadandohgodI'mdoingitagaintheoldclubonKarasuand25thplaceiswhereIleftitandIneedtogogetitbutIcan'tbecauseIhavetowatchthestupidbabiesandIcan'tbeaGentlemantonightIhatemymotherandIhavefantasiesaboutkillingherandthenItakemyohpleasetellHertomakeitstopsmakeitstopmakeitstopmakeitstopmakeitstopMYFINGERSAREBLEEDINGandIcan'tstoptyping

And it keeps going. More and more letters stream onto the screen.

"Dai?" Sato asks. "Do we need to spray your eyes with slime or can we all look now?"

The others have all got their hands over their eyes. And Sato is looking in the opposite direction.

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>>28979425
This idea can't be going anywhere good, but it's likely going somewhere fun.

>>28979425
I'm pretty sure starting a cult is against the rules. Or at the very least, Central and Akira would frown upon it.

>>28979482
Getting our goggles on is a good idea.

>>28979482
>shedeservestodie
Guys, I think this is.... A CLUE.
Now shove it in the bag.

>>28979504
Well I mean you never know what kind of cryptic text could have hidden messages meant to inflitrate our minds in this field. Especially after the TV tape incident.

>>28979529
If we're looking for clues, then
>theoldclubonKarasuand25thplaceiswhereIleftit

>>28979482
"I have no idea. I'd say put your goggles on to be safe and tell me if I start speaking in tongues.
This looks to be just a text document tho"

>>28979482
We're kind of on a tight schedule here. In to the bag it goes.

>>28979529
Whoops, nevermind. It's a bit hard to parse out the text. It didn't say 'shedeservedtodie', it said 'shedesrvedit'

>>28979482
"Looks like someone decided to curse a few...people, for what they did to others. And it spiraled out from there.

We should totally freak these guys out and go crazy.

C'mon, venkman would do it.

>>28979613
>>28979641
Sounds about right

"No idea...put on your goggles and hose me if I start babbling or stuff."

"Got it." The others all fiddle with their equipment.

"This looks like just a text document though." You say as you scan throughout it, scrolling up and down. "One that's being written right now at this moment...by someone not here."

"Spirit writing?" Sato asks as he looks. "Not uncommon. People typing randomly to communicate with ghosts."

"No...this reads like he's being forced to do it." You say. "Either he cursed someone or "She" did. There's a lot of She's and Her's with capital letters here."

"Oiwa?" Star suggests. "I would guess that she would merit a capital letter."

You shrug. "Maybe. These Gentlemen say they moved around a lot. Does anyone know of a club at 25th and Karasu?"

"I know that there's a closed building there. Some nightclub or restaurant or something like that." Star says. "That's in Shirakawa though."

"It's getting late though." Akira says. "We go to that place, we're going to be there at Sundown."

"Which means the Curse activates there." Sato says.

"Well, if we go now," You say. "We might have a chance of getting something connected to the Gentlemen's Club. Something important."

"We do have the laptop. Maybe it'll have more secrets." Star says.

"Never trust cursed artifacts." Akira says. "This thing is dangerous enough. Bag it, and let's move."

"Yeah, but where?"

> Bag the laptop and go home.
> Bag the laptop and go to the club.
> Continue to try and read the laptop for clues
> Other

>>28978770
>r. Venkman gave me good advice, this poor little five year old... 'Don't Get Scared. Get Mad. Punch them In the Face, and Bill them for the Therapy."

It probably sounded less angst ridden when he said it.

>>28979790
Drive to the clubhouse while reading this thing in the backseat.
Gotta get those clues.

>>28979790
>Bag the laptop and go home.

We've made a lot of progress for one day, but it's time to bunker up.

>>28979790
Hunker down and wait for the assault.
If we can get comical sandbags and a tinpot helmet, even better.

>>28979790
>Bag the laptop and go to the club.

If the spirit says something is there then it's worth checking out.

Could be a horrible trap but that's still something.

>>28979790
> Bag the laptop and go to the club.

And read for more clues on the way.

>>28979790
I think its best to we go back to the dumpling factory and bunker up. We fortify our selves and surroundings so when the curse hits, we are prepared.
I don't want any collateral damage caused by the curse to happen to other people. Besides, any injury to any one of our friends or ourselves makes it so much harder in the days ahead.

>>28979863
I just arrived recently, have the three youkai shown up yet and what's up with them?

>>28979790
>Bag the laptop and go home.

>>28979790
>Bag the laptop and go home.
Unfortunately right now things are rough enough before we investigate further.

Though maybe we should leave the laptop unbagged so after the night of fear is over, we can see if the guy posted the current location?

That's actually not a bad idea.

>>28979904
>three youkai
Do you mean the ladies who hired us?

>>28979922
So yeah, let's just go home.

Hell even the curse or whatever might provide more info on what the deal with the laptop is.

>>28979945
If you mean the girls we signed a contract with a few threads ago then yeah.
They wanted a safe place right? We never did build that secondary containment so putting them in the main unit won't work unless we plan to let them out with everyone else in there, but they could hide comfortably in a ghost trap till the thing boils over

tro8979975
" Just think of it like those cube hotels. Snug as bug."

Just letting you guys know, reading the Comics in the voices and inflections of the actors makes them, somehow impossibly, even more entertaining.

"Just bag this. We're going to try and keep it to see if this Gentleman's Club screw up again." You say. "No slime."

"Got it." Sato says as he carefully wraps the laptop up in garbage bags, it's still typing away.

"Now, let's go home and batten down the hatches." You say.

The ride home is quieter than usual. Sato keeps looking at the laptop as if it's an unexploded bomb. Star is unhappy that you've not made as much progress on soling Yumi's case as you'd like. Akira is trying to break land speed records and laws of physics with his driving. And you keep looking from the laptop and it's endless spouting of tortured stream of consciousness typing, and then to Akira and his story.

Still you get home, to the factory. Pull out Sachiko's arrows, and find that Sana has taken a half day (Though her note says that she intends to be paid for the full, and that she'll return the Coffee Fund/Petty Cash jar tomorrow, provided you guys aren't dead.

The laptop is placed in a secure glass case with meters and other GB tech on it to monitor it.

The containment field is triple checked and the failsafes are triple checked as well. Whatever is going to happen...it's not going to involve that. It's WAY too early in your career to have a Containment Breach.

Rooms are locked down and loose items are secured. Old sacks of flour are made into a triangle wall of sandbags and the four of you in the middle, with colander helmets ready.

"And the first night of the Hundred Moons begins..." Star says looking at her watch. "Now."

"Bring it on, spooks." Akira said. "Bring it on."


> Kind of crashing, and I don't work tomorrow, so the Battle of the First Night will occur tomorrow

> Friday, December 20th 3-5pm PST

"So...what's her thing? More flying crap? Weaponized fruit topping? Rubella?"
"She scalps people."
"Oh lovely, axe, knife?"
"Her clawed fingers...which means..."
SMASH.
"That we're dealing with a ghost that can rip a van in half with her bare hands."
"MY BABY! ISORA, YOU BITCH!"

>>28980184
>Two days in a row
Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy

>>28980184
I hate my life if only for the reason that I cannot participate in GBquest tomorrow, due to D&D at the same time.