Twitter: @ELHMk1
Archive Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RFjC4hLbsnPcoA8EZTNWj9THbki3yOLjADkiMidlmfk/edit?usp=sharing

Character Sheet & NPC References:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rzrQLrCE99M_fOu_RDG9zz5pemWhc_DPqXNOIv9kOuc/edit?usp=sharing

As we’re using a simplified Traveller system most rolls will be 2d6 versus a number (typically 8). In an attempt to allow the most people to participate in the rolls I let four people roll a single d6. The lowest two are then dropped and the remaining die added together with bonuses/modifiers (if applicable). Rolling three 1’s is a critical failure, while double 6’s is a critical success.

In the highly likely event that the Dice Gods are assholes you have the option of making a single roll result a 9. Most of the time this means an automatic success but it will come with a caveat of sorts in the narrative. Basically, I have a table for it. And it’s a FUN table. This can also only be used every other session so use it wisely.

There’s bound to be setting questions since we’re in a homebrew hodge-podge. Don’t be afraid to interrupt a monologue and ask! This is all very much an exercise in seeing what works and what doesn’t in a new system and a new world, so there’s bound to be times where something doesn’t add up right. Just speak up and/or call me a faggot and we’ll try to bridge the gap. Unless it’s about the Dice Gods - talk to Not!Moot about that.

Other than that, sit back and enjoy!

>>39661908

The moment Cathy’s spider-shaped abdomen vanishes behind the closed double doors Hatos speaks up.

“I should say one final thing, Mr. Weldon, before I turn you loose.”

You turn and look back at her to see look of stern consternation on her face.

“Once you step outside of that room you will be learning via ‘Trial by Fire,’” she continues. “And while mistakes will inevitably happen it’s up to you to realize how to correct them. We’re not the type of sort to coddle our recruits any more than is absolutely necessary.”

“Then the Scotch and the Coffee...” you wonder aloud.

Hatos nods, standing with several datapads slung under an arm. “A formality and personal act of compassion. While we’re a very tight knit group that tends to act like a family at times you have to prove yourself to that family. Don’t expect any more handouts from me or anyone else until you’ve earned it.”

It makes sense, given what you’ve seen of them thus far. Even if it turn out down the line you aren’t cut out for the SCU you should at least try to leave a good impression. Contacts are everything after all. As such you return a respectful, “Of course, Ma’am.”

“Good.”

The Chief’s previous look of concern dissolves into a smile as she escorts you from her office and back into the hallway beyond. “You can keep that datapad for now until we can arrange a more permanent solution to keep you tapped into our comms. As for where you should go from here, Interrogation is down on level B2. It’ll likely be an hour or so before Aria’s men are brought in though so feel free to wander.”

> [1] You’ll do just that
> [2] Head straight for Interrogation anyways
> [3] Ask where she got the Coffee from earlier - you could use a refill
> [4] Write in

>>39816700
>> [1] You’ll do just that

>>39816700
>[3] Ask where she got the Coffee from earlier - you could use a refill

>>39816700
>> [2] Head straight for Interrogation anyways

Hm. I'll see what I can come up with then. Writing...

Looks like I was a little too late to help break the tie.

>>39816700

After considering your options you reply, “Perhaps it might be best if I just head straight down to Interrogation. As much as I’d like to grab a new cup of coffee and wander for a bit I’d hate to get lost. Plus Cathy made it seem like I shouldn’t delay.”

Again Hatos grins. She points down the hall behind you as your datapad’s screen lights up to display a building map. “If you could get lost in here I’d be very impressed. Especially since you would have to fool seven highly-trained SCU members and countless security systems. In any case what you do now is your prerogative. I have to go prepare for the inevitable barrage from Aria’s suite of lawyers. This isn’t the first time we’ve brought some of her crew in.”

She nods and turns to begin walking away. Just before she’s completely out of sight around a corner, a little coffee mug icon appears with an arrow on your map. “Break room’s that way. Don’t touch Cathy’s stash if you value your life.”

And then you’re all alone in the hallway. When you glance at your map again you see several more icons with arrows leading off in various directions. Intra-building GPS, how thoughtful of them. You also note a list of SCU members off to the upper right of the map, all in green at the moment.

> [1] Explore a little now that you know you won’t get lost
> [2] See what tapping one of the names does
> [3] Break room coffee is still coffee
> [4] Go idle around Interrogation as you originally thought to

>>39817258
>[3] Break room coffee is still coffee

>>39817258
>[2] See what tapping one of the names does

>>39817258
>> [1] Explore a little now that you know you won’t get lost

>>39817258
>> [1] Explore a little now that you know you won’t get lost
>> [2] See what tapping one of the names does

[1] with [2] then. Progress!

Since you have Computers as a skill, let's try out a roll here while the thread's early. It can't hurt you, only help.

1d6 from 4 anons if you would.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>39817513

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>39817513
here we go.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>39817513

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>39817513

>>39817538
>>39817542
>>39817604
>>39817625

Another 9 to start off the thread. Someone upstairs is having a laugh.

Writing...

>>39817648
what was the DC?

>>39817258

Map in hand you start to meander along towards whatever catches your fancy on the map. As you go you consider the list of names. Given that you were able to hear their comms earlier you’re guessing that this must be who’s connected to the net and available at the moment. A thought confirmed when a little speaker fades in next to Mariet’s name.

## Hey you, new guy. Where are you going exactly? ##

You come to a stop and look around. It doesn’t take you long to spot a camera angled down the length of the hallway you’re in. For humor’s sake you give it a little wave.

## Yay you figured it out! ## She sounds pleased. ## Now have you figured out how to actually reply or not? ##

Banking on a hunch you tap her name on the datapad and reply, “Pretty sure I’ve got it. Though I’m guessing you’re just bouncing up and down waiting to show off again.”

Your playful tone goes over well, earning you a giggle. ## Please. I NEVER get to show off anymore. Demian stopped being interesting awhile ago and he was our last mea- er… Non-Synthetic Witness. Oh whatever. You know what I mean. But hey! If you’re bored and just trying to kill time come by! You might love to see what your pal Taras is up to… ##

Well you had a feeling she (and Cathy) probably knew about your “good bud” Taras from the email chains in your inbox. This just confirms it.

> [1] Ask her to stop going through your private life
> [2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)
> [3] Sigh and ignore her
> [4] Write in

>>39817723
I'm hiding them for now. Might change that in the future. Again - just seeing what works and what doesn't.

>>39818021
> [2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)

She sounds fun.

>>39818021
>[2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)
>[4] try to not be seen by her

>>39818021
>[2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)

>>39818021
>> [2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)

>>39818021
>> [2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)

>>39818021
>[2] “And what might that be?” (Go see Mariet)
> [4] Write in
>flirt with the voice in the speakers

[2] it is then.

>>39818080
If you really wanna try to be sneaky I certainly can let you. You'd get a +1 from your DEX but the difficulty will be pretty damn high still. If you still wanna go for it just roll as per usual (4 anons 1d6). Worst case I guess you just provide her humor or something.


Otherwise, I'll get to writing

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>39818308
For shits and giggles it is than.

Rolled 6, 6 + 1 = 13 (2d6 + 1)

>>39818308
eh fuck it why not./

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>39818324
>>39818389
God damn

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>39818308
Ok

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>39818308

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>39818308

Some of you sure do roll 1d6 strangely

File: QM's face when.gif (1.51 MB, 250x250)

1.51 MB GIF

Soooo that's a crit success (see the OP if you're confused). Someone just got brownie points down the line from a certain Chief.

This will be interesting to write, back in a bit.

Also for the record - you don't roll with the modifier. It gets added to the dice total at the end.

>>39818446
sorry for rolling 2 dice, thought I had it set as one, also we could have used that memo about the bonus earlier.

>>39818471
Doesn't matter, both dice got the same score so regardless it was a nat6

These dice, what the FUCK!?

I have an erection, I will not attempt to conceal it.

>>39818021

Hatos’ earlier comment about fooling the security systems echos in the back of your mind as you glance around and try to a get a lay of the land. From what you can tell there’s at least one visible means of detection (i.e. a camera) on every hallway and important door. You hold no delusions that you’ll actually be able to avoid notice but you figure it’ll at least be a fun diversion. Worst case? You’ll just provide Mariet with a laugh and kill some time.

“And what might that be?” you ask of her as you continue to nonchalantly scan for a means of going off the grid. There. A bathroom. If your days on the streets taught you anything it’s that there’s always an HVAC vent to be exploited if you look hard enough. Of course, it’s liable to be just as wired for sensors as any other place in the building but it’s something to go on.

## Come and see~ ## Mariet teases back as a new set of directions pops up on your datapad. You commit them and the immediate map to memory.

“Sure thing, just let me use the restroom real fast.”

With that you calmly walk into the Head and slip the datapad into the space between your cloth armor and actual clothes.You doubt there’s a tracker in it but you can’t worry about that for now. At the moment you have to figure out how to get into the vents. Luckily, it seems there’s a rather large access duct above the stalls.

A few interesting acrobatics later sees you in the vents proper. Your leg protests greatly from the exertion but the adrenaline high lets you ignore most of it. You haven’t been able to do an infiltration-type thing like this a long while. It’s exciting as all hell to be active again. Still, your going is somewhat slow due to the nature of the vents. Though they’re constructed rather firmly they’re very cramped. Between them and your leg it takes you a good twenty or so minutes just to get in the general area to where you think Mariet is.

>(cont)

>>39818861

By now you’re confident she and several SCU members are just laughing their asses off at you somewhere. But then as you pass by another opening you hear Mariet’s voice:

“It doesn’t take THAT long to take a shit. Though I guess if he’s got some disease… Where are his medical records…”

You back up and look through the hole. Sure enough, there’s the twintaled brunette. Now that you have a few moments to take in her appearance you note her green jacket matches both her eyes and the bows in her hair. She seems extremely at home in her command center - an assembly of countless monitors and towers that makes even you with your limited computing knowledge drool.

The moment she’s consumed by her delve into your past you kick off the vent cover and roll out into the room. Mariet shrieks at the noise and whirls around, falling out of her chair in the process.

“WHO ARE YOU?! HOW DID YOU-” She blinks, then puffs out her cheeks as she realizes it’s you. “Oh. OH. So that’s why you took forever. Meanie.”

> [1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?
> [2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?
> [3] Hey I’m not the one going through people’s medical records about their shitting habits.
> [4] Write in

>>39818888
>[1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?
> [2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?

>>39818888
>[1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?

>>39818888
> [1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?
> [2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?

>>39818888
>> [1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?
> [2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?

>>39818888
>[2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?

>>39818888
>> [1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?

>>39818888
>[1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?
> [2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?

[1] with [2] I believe.

Writing...

>>39818888
> [1] Hi to you too. What’s this about Taras then?
> [2] Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensors in there (the vents)?
"Were you just not monitoring the vent sensors, or is this a whole 'the hunter never expects to be hunted' deal and there are no sensors?"

>>39819086
Can we flirt?

>>39819113

I try to sprinkle that sort of thing in with dialogue rather than rely on rolls or write-ins all that much. But if you ever have any specifics just shout and I can take them into consideration.

>>39818888

“Hi to you too,” you reply with a smile. Pointing back behind you at the vents you add, “Shouldn’t there be some sort of sensor or array of such in there?”

Mariet grumbles to herself as she picks herself up and resituates in her chair. “There are. I didn’t think to check them because of your leg. But now that you’re here…”

She tilts her head to the left slightly, eyes going slightly distant. “Well now, that’s interesting.”

“Mind filling me in?” you ask.

She snaps back to the here and now, sighing softly to herself. “Wouldn’t have mattered if I did. The maintenance routine for the HVAC system on this floor has been stuck in a loop for the past three hours. So you got luckily. REALLY LUCKY.”

You’re trying very hard not to laugh at how flustered your little stunt has made her. In the back of your mind you also realize that it’ll get back to the rest of the SCU in time, which just serves to further improve your mood. “Guess it’s a good thing I’m on your side then. Who knows what else might have been lurking in those vents all this time.”

“Three rats, a cat, and a pigeon,” Mariet quickly replies. “Scratch that, the cat just killed the bird. And one of the rats is standing in front of me.”

The last comment is punctuated with a wink and the return of her earlier mirth. You take it as a good sign for now. “So what’s this about Taras then?”

She spins in her chair to face the monitor wall. On cue several change to show live-feeds of the man getting a breakfast burrito down in the Lower District. “I did a little more digging and found out he lied to you about the Lancer contact last night. It wasn’t anything glamorous but a small group DID do something.”

> [1] Go on…
> [2] That bastard. You wouldn’t happen to have something better than a camera near him, would you?
> [3] You don’t sound put off that I was looking into being a Lancer
> [4] Write in

>>39819319
>[1] Go on…
> [2] That bastard. You wouldn’t happen to have something better than a camera near him, would you?

>>39819319
>> [2] That bastard. You wouldn’t happen to have something better than a camera near him, would you?

>>39819319
> [1] Go on…

>>39819319
> [1] Go on…
> [3] You don’t sound put off that I was looking into being a Lancer

>>39819319
> [1] Go on…
> [2] That bastard. You wouldn’t happen to have something better than a camera near him, would you?

>>39819319
>[1] Go on…

>>39819319
>[1]
>[3]

>>39819319
>[1] Go on…
> [3] You don’t sound put off that I was looking into being a Lancer

Hrm. Definitely [1] but let me see what I can cook up between [2] and [3] as side notes.

Writing...

>>39819319
> [1] Go on…
> [3] You don’t sound put off that I was looking into being a Lancer

>>39819319

“That bastard,” you interject. “You wouldn’t happen to have something better than a camera near him, would you?”

Mariet chuckles and waves her hand over one of the keyboards in front of her. “I’ll see about having one of the air quality control drones leave him a present.”

“Air quality control drones? What do you mean?”

“Shhh. Just watch.”

So watch you do. About a minute later a rather large bit of bird dropping splats right onto the apex of Taras’ head as he’s mid bite. You shouldn’t be surprised that the government would use birds, synthetic or not, to help control the air quality, but there it is.

Another giggle from Mariet follows. “To be fair, he didn’t ENTIRELY deserve that.”

“But you do so love showing off,” you finish for her.

“Yep!”

She spins back around to face you. “Technically it’s only half his fault. That ‘Don’ guy asked him to tell anyone who didn’t show that the Johnson was a bust. Whether to protect the Johnson, his crew, embarrassment, or something else I couldn’t say. It’s been forever since I ran with that sort of crowd.”

“Ah. This explains why you don’t seem all that concerned or surprised I was thinking of going Lancer then.”

A nod. “Mhm. Besides, I don’t think you would have enjoyed the job all that much anyways. They mostly just visited a bunch of coffee shops and warehouses best I could tell.”

A literal coffee run then. As you watch Taras sputter and try to clean himself off you almost feel bad for him. Almost.

> [1] Delve a little into Mariet’s background while you’re here
> [2] Thank her for the diversion and start to head down to Interrogation
> [3] Let her show off some more until you're needed downstairs
> [4] Write in

>>39819791
>[2] Thank her for the diversion and start to head down to Interrogation
Let's get acquainted with the holding and interrogation cells.

>>39819791
>> [3] Let her show off some more until you're needed downstairs
let her have some fun.

>>39819791
> [2] Thank her for the diversion and start to head down to Interrogation

>>39819791
> [2] Thank her for the diversion and start to head down to Interrogation

[2] has it. And you may have a new-found paranoia about birds.

Writing...

>>39820050
is it really paranoia if we know we are right.

>>39820050
>>39820099
I think, in character, we already know on some level everything is out to get us, or somebody in any case. I think the surprise comes from the specific details.

>>39819791

Between the wandering, the vents, and now this you’re definitely running up to the hour deadline Hatos gave you. So you start to excuse yourself from the room.

“Well, thanks for the laugh, Mariet,” you say. “And for the information. I think I might swing by later to hear about your Lancer days, if that’s alright.”

She beams and motions at the screens behind her, arms wide. “Trust me, this is much more interesting, but I’m flattered. Now go run along before Cathy or someone else starts yelling at me for keeping you. Especially because then I’ll get another lecture about talking someone’s ear off.”

You chuckle and head towards the door. “Fair enough…”

“Oh and Weldon? Next time just knock. I may have a brain case by my heart’s still organic.”

You don’t give her a reply either way as you step out from her control room. The air temperature is remarkably different, several degrees higher than usual. You figure you simply must have gotten used to the flow of cold air from being in the vents for so long. In any case, you find your way to an elevator and begin the descent down to the basement.

The interrogation rooms seem like most stereotypical police ones: heavily EM-shielded metal walls, sturdy doors with eye slots, and one-way mirrors. In fact you now note that most of the people walking around down here are members of the Ocrania Police Department proper and not the SCU. But one person sticks out in particular, least of all because that spider body is impossible to miss.

“Ah, there you are,” says Cathy as you hail her and approach. “Here.”

She holds out a rather large mug of fresh coffee to you with her claws. “I figure you’ve earned at least a little treat from me as well for showing us a security hole, temporary in nature or not.”

You take it and…

> [1] Ask if it’s made from her private stash. And what’s up with her and coffee.
> [2] Ask if you’ve missed anything yet
> [3] Thank her, then let her do the talking for now
> [4] Write in

>>39820361
> [3] Thank her, then let her do the talking for now

>>39820361
> [3] Thank her, then let her do the talking for now

>>39820361
>> [3] Thank her, then let her do the talking for now

>>39820361
> [1] Ask if it’s made from her private stash. And what’s up with her and coffee.
> [3] Thank her, then let her do the talking for now

>>39820361
>[3] Thank her, then let her do the talking for now

[3] it is. Writing...

>>39820361

“Thanks, Cathy,” you say as you take a test sip. It is, without a doubt, the best damn coffee you’ve ever had in your life. Whatever lingering fatigue you had from the lack of sleep and earlier exertion vanishes. For her part, Cathy seems content to see your eyes widen as you go back for a second sip.

“I’m sure the Chief gave you the whole ‘no handouts here’ speech, plus that’s from my personal stash. So enjoy it while you can.”

She then turns to the nearest interrogation room. You follow suit to see Sako grilling one of the two mafia men. “He’s been very tight-lipped thus far. We’re letting his friend stew for a bit to see if that has any effect but Aria trains her goons well.”

Even through the wall you can hear Sako shout as he stands and slams his fists on the table before him. “Listen you bastard! I don’t give two shits if you were just looking for an old friend this morning. The fact is we have you dead to rights busting up a bar last night.”

Cathy extends a clawed hand to tap at a panel on the wall. You’re then able to hear the conversation much better.

“Ah, ze bar,” replies the well-dressed goon. “Zis is, how you say, redecorating. My employer, she is the owner. Entirely legal for us to be doing so.”

Sako’s hand twitches. “And what about the fifteen people you and your ‘employer’ slaughtered before we showed up? Huh? What about that?”

The man waves a hand in front of him dismissively. “You must have been seeing zings. I understand zat is a common problem with you cyborgs, no? If anything, I’d say your ‘SCU’ did more damage zan we did.”

Cathy’s gaze locks on Sako as the latter twitches again. Then both relax as Cathy turns back to you. “Like I said, we’re not going to get a whole lot out of this guy.”

> [1] What about the other guy? Can I help somehow?
> [2] I guess this is why having someone like me around is important
> [3] I’m not in any danger being down here, am I?
> [4] Write in

>>39820779
> [2] I guess this is why having someone like me around is important
>> [1] What about the other guy? Can I help somehow

>>39820779
>[2] I guess this is why having someone like me around is important

>>39820779
> [1] What about the other guy? Can I help somehow?

>>39820779
> [1] What about the other guy? Can I help somehow?
be useful, people like that.

>>39820779
> [1] What about the other guy? Can I help somehow?

[1] it is. Writing...

>>39820779

You look down the hallway past her to see Sergio watching in on another room. You’re guessing the other mob guy is in there. “Anything I can do to help?” you ask.

Cathy tilts her head to the right, stone-faced. “Well if you want them to know you’re alive then just poke your head in either room.”

You catch the joke for what it is. You really don’t know what to make of her between everything that’s happened in the last few hours but at least you’re getting good vibes. “Pass. I prefer living thank you very much.”

It’s hard to say but you think you notice the corner of her mouth twitch. “Well now that you’ve seen them in person with your own eyes and not through a camera we just need you to give a statement on behalf of the SCU. Something that will let Hatos work with the OPD to keep these guys locked up.”

“Not that I’m objecting, but isn’t that not going to have any effect on Aria?”

Cathy relents a small sigh. “Not in the slightest. At best this will just be good press for the OPD and us by extension. Aria has so many underlings it hardly matters. I doubt she even cares they’re here except for the fact it gives her a chance to harass us with her lawyers again.”

“She sounds like a lovely person,” you remark after another sip.

“Had she not decided to use her connections and wealth in the way she has… Well, I can go over that after you’re done with the statement. This way.”

Your next hour and half is spent filling out a rather tedious set of legal forms and statements. It’s not that they’re hard to do so much as there are quite a bit of them. Cathy keeps watch from outside as you work in an isolation room with a Lieutenant from the OPD and an attorney.

> cont

>>39821252

All said and done, both men thank you for your time and statement. You then reunite with Cathy on the other side of the door.

“I promise they won’t all be that bad,” she says. “This one’s just important to get right since Aria’s involved and because you’re new.”

> [1] Shrug it off. You did worse stuff in your old job.
> [2] So about what you were saying about Aria…
> [3] Why do I get the sense I’m going to be a glorified pencil-pusher for awhile?
> [4] Write in

>>39821264
> [1] Shrug it off. You did worse stuff in your old job.
> [2] So about what you were saying about Aria…

>>39821264
> [1] Shrug it off. You did worse stuff in your old job.
> [3] Why do I get the sense I’m going to be a glorified pencil-pusher for awhile?

File: file.png (554 KB, 900x585)

554 KB PNG

>>39821264
>[1] Shrug it off. You did worse stuff in your old job.
> [2] So about what you were saying about Aria…

>>39821264
[1] Shrug it off. You did worse stuff in your old job.
> [2] So about what you were saying about Aria…

>>39821264
>> [2] So about what you were saying about Aria…
>> [3] Why do I get the sense I’m going to be a glorified pencil-pusher for awhile?

[1] with [2] I think. Cool.

Let me scarf down some leftovers real fast and I'll get to writing.

>>39821264
>[1] Shrug it off. You did worse stuff in your old job.
> [2] So about what you were saying about Aria…

>>39821264

You shrug, motioning with your now empty-mug for her to lead on. “Mr. Finnigan had me do a lot worse. And that’s not even including the times I visited the OPD now and again.”

Cathy lets out a small, satisfied hum before leading you back upstairs to SCU-controlled levels. As the pair of you travel you bring up the subject of Aria again. She quickly resumes her earlier train of thought.

“Right, Aira. Used to be a pretty upstanding member of the Fokir Board of Directors. Still is, albeit now as reclusive CEO, as far as the public’s concerned. That’s where most of her cybernetic-related connections come from.”

“Seems odd she’d be involved with the black market in such a fashion then,” you remark. “She must be undercutting her own bottom lines.”

“You’d think but she’s very shrewd about it all. There’s several ‘Low Cost Cyberization Clinics’ owned by Fokir that, as you can probably guess, are just fronts. Get the average Joe stuck on a payment and maintenance plan he can’t afford, threaten to take away his new limbs or organs if he doesn’t do what you say, you get the idea. It’s extortion built on the lowest common denominator on Meridian. After that’s it’s just a matter of stealing the latest and greatest from her competitors and all sorts of other illegal matters.”

The elevator dings and lets the pair of you off. Eventually you arrive at a lounge of sorts where Sako, Demian, Mariet, and the Chief are waiting. The latter of which comments on your arrival.

“Ah good, Cathy and James. I understand you’ve been briefing him about her then?”

Cathy nods as she steps past the couches to a currently-blank screen that takes up most of the wall. “Indeed. Though it was mostly a high level overview.”

Hatos replies, “That will have to do for now. Right now we have a different problem that will need our attention.”

> cont

>>39821921

On cue the screen changes to a satellite image of the docks next to the smallest of the space elevators. It keeps zooming in until it’s at ground level, at which point it splinters off into several recordings from various cameras. All of it’s focused on one man in particular.

“Mr. Eric Huan, son of the Atrusian Union’s Ambassador. He’s been poking around into things he shouldn’t involving the use of our space elevators. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem for us specifically but it seems he’s somehow managed to uncover the tendrils of a drug racket.”

Various chemical loadouts appear on the screen. From what you can understand they’re all cyborg-related. Hatos continues, “I’m sure most of you are familiar with the drug Spice. It’s used to induce a high even in users with full prosthetics. Highly addictive stuff for non-Cyborgs, if not doubly so. And Mr. Huan has gotten himself kidnapped by the people behind it all.”

> [1] Uhhh… you sure you want someone as new as me for something this important?
> [2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is
> [4] Remain silent
> [5] Write in

>>39821941
> [2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>>39821941
>[3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>>39821941
>> [2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>>39821941
> [2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>>39821941
>[3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>>39821941
>> [2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>>39821941
>[2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

>Spice

>>39821941
> [2] Comment about how the OPD was never that great at tracking down drug deals from what you observed in the old days
> [3] Ask if the cartel knows who he is

File: sandworm.jpg (113 KB, 620x877)

113 KB JPG

>>39822039

Dune confirmed. One more thing to look forward to explore if/when we get into spess.

>>39822065
man Luth really needs to get back into updating BtK

[2] & [3] I think. Writing...

>>39822065
Well, in both Dune and Star Wars "spice" has other names. Melange, Glitterstim, Ryll...

>>39821941

You figure this is a good a time as any to ask questions. “So are we being brought in because the OPD hasn’t ever had its act together when it comes to the cartels or because they know who Huan is?”

Sako lets out an amused huff from your left. “Kid speaks his mind, I like it. He’s got a point Chief. I’m still not seeing why we’re involved unless these guys know who they’ve got or if they’re sporting some cyborgs themselves.”

The Chief dips her head in acknowledgement of the pair of you. “It’s twofold: we know they have at least one heavy cyborg that handles their shipments personally around the elevator, and because we need to extract Mr. Huan unharmed before the Cartel figures him out.”

“Assuming, of course, he hasn’t already blabbered his father’s name everywhere thinking that will save him,” comments Cathy. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Demian shares in her view. “Is not uncommon, for sure. How do you want to be playing this?”

Hatos steps aside and lets Cathy take the center stage. “Our newest recruit and Demian will verify the situation best they can. From what Mariet’s dug up we know they’re a relatively small group with only a few dens where they sell their product. It’s likely they’ll be keeping Huan in one of them based on their size. We just need to figure out which one it is. After that it’s just a matter of going in fast and quiet.”

“Hah, enjoy your first day kid,” says Sako jovially. “Try not to get shot, eh? Makes the rest of us look bad.”

> [1] I can take care of myself fine, thanks.
> [2] Any chance of narrowing it down even further? With birds or something?
> [3] Playing a junkie is certainly more interesting than pushing papers, I’m in.
> [4] Write in

>>39822337
> [2] Any chance of narrowing it down even further? With birds or something?
> [3] Playing a junkie is certainly more interesting than pushing papers, I’m in.

>>39822337
>>[3] Playing a junkie is certainly more interesting than pushing papers, I’m in.

>>39822337
>> [2] Any chance of narrowing it down even further? With birds or something?
> [3] Playing a junkie is certainly more interesting than pushing papers, I’m in.

>>39822337
>> [1] I can take care of myself fine, thanks.
>> [2] Any chance of narrowing it down even further? With birds or something?

>>39822337
>[2] Any chance of narrowing it down even further? With birds or something?

>>39822337
>> [2] Any chance of narrowing it down even further? With birds or something?
>> [3] Playing a junkie is certainly more interesting than pushing papers, I’m in.

>>39822337
>[2]
>[3]

“Hey it’s better than pushing papers and worrying about Aria,” you reply. “Playing a junkie will be a nice diversion. Any chance of narrowing it down though? With birds or something?”

Mariet coughs loudly as Cathy’s gaze passes over her. “We could do that, yeah. I kinda was waiting to do that or attempting to back hack a few cyborgs in the dens in case Cathy wanted to do something different.”

“I suppose that’s not a bad thought actually. James is no expert but he can at least help you sift through the data.” Cathy looks at you pointedly. “Up to you, since it’s your first day. Sako can always go in your place.”

Sako, of course, scoffs at this. “Bah…”

> [1] Go into the field
> [2] Stay back and help Mariet

Soup captchas pls

>>39822517
>[1] Go into the field

>>39822517
>> [1] Go into the field

>>39822517
>>[2] Stay back and help Mariet

>>39822517
>> [1] Go into the field
well time to get shot at.

>>39822517
> [1] Go into the field
Gotta look good for our new 'workmates'

>>39822517
> [1] Go into the field
can we get some gadgets first? we really need some gadgets

>>39822600

You'll get to stop by the armory with Demian on your way out. Unless [2] gets a massive amounts of vote here shortly, that is.

>>39822617
what kind of backup will we be getting?

what the fuck captcha, you ask for hamburgers and have 9 pictures of beer and wine

>>39822517
>[1] Go into the field

[1] it is. Writing...

>>39822653

Is a cloaked tank killer enough backup for you?

>>39822668
Depends on how many tanks we run into

>>39822517

“Not to worry, old man, I’m going out.”

He snorts as he stands. “Dibs on tailing Demian then.”

Hatos interjects, “It’s not as if that was ever up for debate. Until the Aria situation’s been put to rest it’s best to keep Cathy on James whenever he’s out and about.”

You smile hesitantly at Cathy, unsure how she feels about all this. You get nothing back other than a shrug. “Let’s get a move on then people.”

With that you all filter out of the lounge/conference room. Demian grabs you and leads you to the armory. Once there he lays out several weapons on a table: a .357 Magnum, a standard OPD .45, a strange collapsing SMG, and a shock gauntlet.

“All should be easy to conceal and for you to use. Best case you will not be needing it but important to have backup plan.”

What’ll it be?

> [1] The .357
> [2] Standard Issue .45
> [3] The SMG
> [4] The Gauntlet

>>39822789
> [3] The SMG

>>39822789
> [3] The SMG
> [4] The Gauntlet
if we can take two, the SMG if we can't

>>39822789
> [1] The .357

>>39822789
> [3] The SMG
> [4] The Gauntlet
A lethal and non-lethal options.

>>39822809
>>39822865

Sure I'll let you try it for shits and giggles. You know the drill for rolling by now I think. The goal is a 7 overalll.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>39822879

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>39822879

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>39822879

Well with that 4 that's all you need. You get both.

Writing...

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>39822879

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>39822879

>>39822789

Your first instinct is to reach for the SMG, but you also eye the glove. “Could I have both?” you ask of Demian. “It couldn’t hurt to have both a lethal and non-lethal option.”

He considers this for a moment then pushes both over to you. “Is fine I suppose. But small correction. The gauntlet will work to subdue most and is street legal. The SMG is not. It is special SCU issue. Fires concentrated energy burst that can stun or punch holes. Based on design used by Meridian Navy up among the stars. Has limited shots but recharges overnight. Use wisely.”

“Right, I’ll do just that.”

You slip on the shock glove and slip the SMG away on your person. As you do Demian takes note of something.

“Is simple armor you are wearing, yes? Good. Saves time if you already have. Not SCU quality but will do with the time constraint. Let us be going then.”

From there he leads you back to the elevator. But instead of going down he punches the button for the roof.

“Uhh…” you say, looking at him confused. “We’re not going on foot?”

He shakes his head. “Nyet. We’re to be airdropped near each den. No time to deal with cars.”

“Makes sense I guess. I should have figured you all would have a private helicopter or something.”

“Indeed. But is better than helicopter - is VTOL personnel carrier. Designed to transport a tank if need be.”

That answers how Cathy will be coming along you suppose. True enough when you get to the roof there’s a rather impressive looking aircraft waiting for you with its back hatch down. Already Cathy and Sako are aboard with a pilot android. The moment you and Demian are secured the hatch closes and you feel the craft slip into the air.

“You should feel honored,” comments Sako. “You get to ride down with Cathy. No one’s done that in years.”

Cathy simply gives you another shrug, yet Sako’s tone of barely concealed joy tells you there’s definitely something there.

> [1] Ask about it
> [2] Try not to think about it for now
> [3] Write in

>>39823128
>> [2] Try not to think about it for now
we got enough shit to worry about, this can wait.

>>39823128
> [1] Ask about it

>>39823128
> [2] Try not to think about it for now

>>39823128
>> [1] Ask about it

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Well unless a vote comes in as I post this I'll just roll and go with whatever tie-breaker pops up.

>>39823128
>[1] Ask about it

>>39823269
>>39823275
I think 30 seconds counts

>>39823295

Yeah I'm inclined to count it. Asking ([1]) it is. Guess I should expand the vote window to 15 minutes as well since we're hitting the twilight hours.

>>39823128

You sit on the fence about whether to ask for the longest time. Your curiosity gets the better of you, though. “What do you mean? Aren’t we just going down a line or something?”

Sako laughs, “Hah. No you’re the only non-cyborg here. The rest of us can drop without any special equipment save for a safety line. But since you’re going with Cathy she’s going to have to let you ride on her back.”

Oh.

“Or I can carry him under an arm. I haven’t really decided which yet,” Cathy says rather matter-of-factly.

“Is funny - new guy here not even full day and already he embarasses our women. I like it.”

“Demian?”

The man shrinks at Cathy’s verbal steel. “Understood. Shutting up now.”

Thinking about what’s ahead of you is slightly more difficult after that. From what you get off the datapad via Mariet you’re looking at a back-alley den sandwiched between offices close to the smallest space elevator. Easily mistaken for a legitimate business from the street. Attached to the den itself is where Huan is mostly being held - a small segregated office and additional storage area. Getting back there won’t be easy unless you go through a window, but you’ll think of something.

## Drop in five, ## says the pilot as the back hatch begins to open. As it does a blast of cold air hits you in the face and sends everyone’s clothing and hair whipping out.

“Showtime, people,” shouts Cathy.

> [1] Tell her you don’t mind being carried
> [2] If she lets you, you’ll be honored to ride on her back
> [3] Remain silent and just let her figure it out
> [4] Write in

File: Cartel Den #2.gif (7 KB, 576x383)

7 KB GIF

>>39823441

Bah. Forgot my pic. Sorry.

>>39823441
> [2] If she lets you, you’ll be honored to ride on her back

>>39823441
> [3] Remain silent and just let her figure it out

>>39823441
> [3] Remain silent and just let her figure it out

>>39823441
>[3] Remain silent and just let her figure it out

>>39823441
>[4] "It's up to you, obviously, but what if you need your arms free as we go down? It might be safer if I ride your back..." trail off, watching her face

>>39823441
>> [3] Remain silent and just let her figure it out
Respect.

>>39823441
>[3] Remain silent and just let her figure it out

I think [3] has it for now. Writing...

>>39823441

You opt to remain silent and let Cathy make the choice for you. Before you can react you find yourself scooped up and slung under her arm as she leaps from the back of the aircraft. It’s definitely not the most comfortable thing in the world, the wind biting against your skin as you two plummet towards the street below. For a spider-shaped tank killer she falls remarkably well, artfully even. As you get close to the ground she even produces several bio-organic cables to swing you both safely to the ground.

Like when you first met her her six legs give off a telltale hiss and bring you to a complete stop. You’re then carefully stood upright before Cathy takes a step back.

“Still with me?”

“Best I can tell, yes.”

“Good. Now get going. It’s the next alley over.”

Then she vanishes from view as her thermoptic camo kicks in and she leaps up the side of the nearest building. Since you came down in an alleyway it doesn’t seem that anyone’s noticed you save for a very startled dog in an apartment up above somewhere.

Time to get into character, you suppose. How do you want to play it?

> [1] Full on junkie - pretend you know a guy on the inside, that sort of thing
> [2] Newcomer - you hear this place is where the good stuff is
> [3] Don’t even bother with a charade - get close then put whatever guards are present down

>>39823662
>> [2] Newcomer - you hear this place is where the good stuff is
Would be more easer to pull off.

>>39823662
> [2] Newcomer - you hear this place is where the good stuff is

>>39823662
>[1] Full on junkie - pretend you know a guy on the inside, that sort of thing

>>39823662
> [2] Newcomer - you hear this place is where the good stuff is
do we have any contacts we can namedrop?

>>39823662
>[2] Newcomer - you hear this place is where the good stuff is

>>39823662
> [2] Newcomer - you hear this place is where the good stuff is

The "guy on the inside" tactic would be blown the moment they ask who, or nobody there actually recognizes us.

[2] it is. Writing...

>>39823662

It’ll cause some friction at the door playing a newcomer but that shouldn’t matter once you’re inside. Besides, you’re good at playing the new guy. Right?

A brisk walk back out into the light sees you again walking among people who couldn’t be more different. This is what equates to the Middle District of Ocrania, and as such you’re a little less out of place. Instead of full Cyborgs they’re mostly partial ones with single limbs or organs best you can tell. By acting liking you know where you’re going you simply become one of the crowd. No one seems to care or give you a second glance.

When you get to the alley in question you immediately spot two guards in suits and shades standing on either side of a red door. It’s about halfway down the space between skyscrapers, in what you’d guess is a camera blind spot. Pretty clever of them. Offhand you don’t see any visible weapons but you’re sure the pair have something at least.

Getting into character, you start nervously scratching your neck while keeping your head down as you approach them. Once you’re within several arms length one of them calls for you to stop.

“There’s nothing for you here kid. Turn around and go back.”

“But I heard this was where I c-could get the good stuff,” you stutter purposefully. You may never have been a druggie yourself but you’d certainly run into plenty during your days on the streets. Their mannerisms are pretty easy for you to imitate.

The Suit doesn’t seem at all impressed though. “I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. Go back.”

> [1] Mention Spice outright
> [2] Beg him to let you get a hit. Just one
> [3] Go for a shocking touch
> [4] Try to appeal to his buddy

>>39823892
> [2] Beg him to let you get a hit. Just one

>>39823892
> [2] Beg him to let you get a hit. Just one
play up our leg injury and how we need our fix to deal with the pain

>>39823926
This is a good plan.

>>39823892
>[2] Beg him to let you get a hit. Just one
sounds like the best answer. maybe we'll get some extra evidence for em

>>39823892
>> [2] Beg him to let you get a hit. Just one
look like a chump to, look desperate, just barley holding it together.

>>39823918
>>39823926
>>39823947
you know they'll probably just look at eath other and hit you in the face right?

>>39823997
Then do you have an alternate suggestion Anon?

>>39823997

It might help.

>>39823997
I don't see you proposing a better idea

>>39824019
Nope, just came to deliver a punchline.
I'd go with
>[4]
maybe?

[2] it is. Writing...

>>39823892

The fact you have an actual leg injury makes it all the more simple for you to fake stumbling and falling towards the Suit. “Come on man. I just need… need a single hit. Something for my leg, let me do something other than worry about the pain. Please I just… I need s-something. Anything.”

By now you’re making quite a racket. Enough so that you feel the telltale prick on the back of your neck that means at least a few people are glancing your way from the street proper.

The other Suit sighs and calls over, “Let the sap in for now. If he can’t pay or turns out to be wearing a wire shoot him.”

“I can pay,” you mutter as the first Suit takes you by the arm, wrenches you up, and leads you inside. “And I’d never work with those pigs. They’re why I’m like this now.”

“Yeah yeah, just get in here before you cause a bigger scene. Fucking junkie. Should just the damn thing replaced.”

Once you’re inside the den he gives your leg a swift kick from behind and sends you to the ground. You cry out but you’re mostly just taken off guard than actually hurt. From your new vantage point you see what you’d expected: a dimly lit open area with a bunch of slumped over figures in the corners. Before the doors leading into the back rooms there’s a desk with what looks like a bookie flanked by two rifle-wielding guards on either side.

“Get up,” orders the Suit as he picks you up once again and pushes you towards the desk. “Get your shit and hit up.”

“Y-Yes sir, thank you sir,” you blather back, wincing as you walk towards the desk.

Once there the bookie looks up at you, bored. “I assume he’s good?”

“Didn’t set off any alarms. He ain’t broadcasting to no one. Didn’t feel anything on him either.”

That explains the kick then. It gave him time to check you over. Good thing you’re capable of concealing things on your person better than the average mook will be able to detect.

> cont

>>39824134


“Very well then…” The bookie shifts his gaze to you. “How long do you want it to last?”

You think about it for a moment, weighing what cash you actually have on hand against what you think Spice might be worth. “Just… just an hour’s worth. That’s all I want. Just an hour.”

He rolls his eyes and nods at one of the guards. Said guard steps into the backroom for the moment and returns with a bag about the size of silver dollar filled with orange powder. After it’s set on the desk in front of you the bookie tells you the price: 1,000 up front.

Which is a small problem since you only have about 50 on you. Time to play your strengths.

> [1] See if you can’t negotiate a line of credit or something (vs a 7)
> [2] Three guards and one bookie. You might be able to handle that if you’re quick about it (vs a 6)
> [3] Go for the bag and try and use it as a small distraction grenade of sorts (vs a 6)
> [4] Write in

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>39824143
>> [3] Go for the bag and try and use it as a small distraction grenade of sorts (vs a 6)
And drop a line or something that might help. 2d6 right?

>>39824143
> [3] Go for the bag and try and use it as a small distraction grenade of sorts (vs a 6)

>>39824162
we only roll when called for anon

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>39824143
>[3] Go for the bag and try and use it as a small distraction grenade of sorts (vs a 6)
We know we can't shoot, but we're fast

>>39824162

No rolls yet.

>>39824175
hot damn, roll another folks

>>39824181
damn iggy, if you give us a target...

>>39824175
why you waste a good roll?

>>39824195
The line did sort of make it out to look like we needed to roll.

>>39824195
didn't know we weren't supposed to roll. usually when you have a goal number, it means roll. Besides, rolling now would mean he can write out what happens

>>39824205
>>39824210
we only roll when votes are decided, otherwise you get bandwagoning issues and such

>>39824232
hm true enough. we lost a crit fail and a crit succeed so... it evens out.

>>39824246
read the rules in the second post anon, only three 1's are a crit fail, and 2 6's are a crit success

>>39824246
Uhh nope, refer too >>39816658
>Rolling three 1’s is a critical failure, while double 6’s is a critical success.

[3] it is.

I'll re-add the line about rolls not counting until called for into future OPs. Somehow it got dropped. Doing rolls at the same time as votes just makes people flock towards good rolls.

NOW you can roll.

>>39824256
Oh sorry.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>39824275

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>39824275

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>39824275

>>39824275
Now I can do this.

>>39824290
>>39824291
Well, we made it anyway

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>39824295
ah fuck me. >>39824275

>>39824280
>>39824290
>>39824291
>>39824302

Yeah a 10 means you have little issue snagging the bag and making it into a little smoke bomb of sorts. Writing...

>>39824143

Looking at it the bag of Spice doesn’t seem all that sturdy. A quick toss and proper shot should send the powder cascading out like a cloud over a small area. An hour’s worth spread across three people if you do it right. You just have to hope the stuff’s fast-acting like most of the harder compounds out there.

“Yeah sure,” you reply, reaching slowly into your pockets in guise of going for your wallet. As expected the two guards in front of you stiffen a little. “Thousand. I can do that. More expensive than the stuff in the Lower Dist but I don’t care. Just need the hit. Yeah…”

Once you get a good grip on your SMG you smile. Before anyone can react you grab the bag of Spice and toss it into the air above the bookie. At the same time you fall backwards to put the desk between them and you and pull out your weapon. Lining it up, you place a single shot into the bag. A bright blue pulse emanates from the barrel and slams into the bag, exploding and superheating the contents over the two rifle guards and the bookie. They immediately begin to cough and sputter as their eyes water and the drug starts to take effect. Good thing your aim’s good today.

“Why you little…!”

Oh right. Guard #3. The asshole who kicked your leg.

> [1] Shoot him in the dick
> [2] Punch him in the dick
> [3] Shoot him in the chest
> [4] Punch him in the chest

>>39824351
>[1] Shoot him in the dick
We already have our gun out, and it's not fatal, most of the time. Plus he's probably wired to ignore normal wounds.

>>39824351
>> [3] Shoot him in the chest
Center of mass people, center of mass.

>>39824351
> [3] Shoot him in the chest
We're legit now guys, got a boss and everything. Do you want to explain to her why we thought it was a good idea to shoot someone in the 'nads?

>>39824351
1
Fucker probably has protection on his chest.

>>39824351
>[1] Shoot him in the dick
>>39824390
>thinking we have rules about taking sown guys

>>39824351
> [3] Shoot him in the chest
we can kick him in the dick later

>>39824390
>Do you want to explain to her why we thought it was a good idea to shoot someone in the 'nads?
interrogate him maybe?

>>39824369
>>39824375
>>39824392
>>39824433
>>39824390
>>39824433
Why not both?
We can let the recoil help us go from balls to chest.

Well since we're tied let's go with >>39824445

2d6 from 4 anons. First set versus a 7 (It's a small target) and the second versus a 6.

Rolled 2, 3 = 5 (2d6)

>>39824470

Rolled 4, 4 = 8 (2d6)

>>39824470

Rolled 3, 4 = 7 (2d6)

>>39824470
here we go.

>>39824470

>>39824493
>>39824500
>>39824478
It's always 1d6 per anon, guys

Rolled 1, 6 = 7 (2d6)

>>39824470

>>39824478
>>39824493
>>39824500
>>39824508

Cool you hit both. Writing...

Seems the Dice Gods are making up for earlier rolls.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>39824504
oops

>>39824504

Nah this time it was specifically 2d6. If I don't say anything it's just 1d6.

>>39824504
learn to read anon

>>39824351

Partly out of vengeance and partly in case he’s partially cyborg, you send two more blue bolts into the man’s crotch and chest respectively. He goes down almost instantly, clutching himself and his heart. Between his cry of alarm, the other two guards firing wildly at shadows, and the high pitched whine emitted when you fired you’re starting to wonder why no one else has come yet. Either this room is very well shielded against noise or they’re preparing to rush en-masse. This can’t be all of them, can it?

For good measure you put two bolts into the rifle guards to stop them shooting. They collapse unconscious onto the ground face-first. As for the bookie he looks like he’s soaring on clouds in his chair. You might have a moment to try and get something out of him here. Or you could try and disguise yourself as a druggie in the corners for when the next wave comes. Failing either of those, you might even head on into the backrooms.

> See the diagram I posted up in >>39823450 for reference
> [1] See what you can get out of the Bookie (vs a 8)
> [2] Go hide and wait
> [3] Head through the left door
> [4] Head through the right door

>>39824560
>[2] Go hide and wait
but toss the bookie below the obvious line of fire first, so he can be questioned later

>>39824560
>[2]

>>39824569
Seconding.

>>39824560
> [2] Go hide and wait

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>39824560
>> [1] See what you can get out of the Bookie (vs a 8)

>>39824569
Also seconding

[2] with >>39824569 then.

Writing...

>>39824560

You’ve been pretty lucky today. No sense pushing that luck any further. As such you quickly push the Bookie over in his chair to get him out of the line of fire. Then you scurry off to hide amongst the refuse of society. For their part they don’t even seem to care the some of their “fellows” have caught a straight bullet or two. Even those shot have the same overwhelmingly mindless blank stare of bliss on their face as before. Whatever this Spice is, it’s a good thing you didn’t get hit by it during your earlier stunt.

That’s when both of the doors into the backroom fly open. Out of it comes a full cyborg sporting heavy duty lifting arms like forklifts and two other suits with handguns.

“SPREAD OUT,” yells the Cyborg. “The bastard couldn’t have gotten far. He’s probab-”

And that’s when the wall towards the entrance explodes. Debris goes cascading everywhere as Cathy makes an entrance. At the same time, one of the suits points and fires his weapon at his fellow.

“Well hello boys,” tease Cathy as she flexes her claws threateningly. “Shall we dance?”

Even just the sight of the light behind her should send a sane man running. Horns flared, skin patterns glowing, and a mask that dropped from somewhere unseen. But the crazy loader cyborg goes for it anyways with a yell. He’s easily caught by Cathy and flung aside like a ragdoll.

“Go check the back,” she shouts as she advances on her prey. “Huan’s back there tied up in the bathroom.”

“How do you-” You stop mid sentence. You can ask that later. For now you scramble into the back to find a very large pile of Spice ready for distribution and a very disoriented Ambassador’s son.

“Hey woah woah woah,” he screeches as you reach toward him. “I told you my Dad’s the Atrusian Union Ambassador! He can get you whatever you want!”

You quickly fire back, “Calm down. I’m with the SCU. We’re getting you out of here.”

If anything this makes him seem more fearful. “T-Then you know I have diplomatic immunity!”

>cont

>>39824728

This guy. He’s getting rescued and all he can think about it hiding behind his father. Pathetic.

Another crash reverberates from the warehouse you just left, followed by Cathy calling, “It’s done. You can bring him out now.”

When you do you see that the loader cyborg has been reduced to just a torso and head. Still alive, but limbless. Cathy’s returned to normal as well.

> [1] That… works I guess
> [2] Thanks for the assist
> [3] One diplomat, as promised
> [4] Write in

>>39824739
> [2] Thanks for the assist
> [3] One diplomat, as promised

>>39824739
>[2] Thanks for the assist
>[3] One diplomat, as promised

>>39824739
> [3] One diplomat, as promised

>>39824739
> [1] That… works I guess
> [2] Thanks for the assist

>>39824739
>[2] Thanks for the assist
> [3] One diplomat, as promised
Though he doesn't seem to be very high quality.

Also, a huge load of Spice
>point at the cowering bookie
And one bookman, so PD can chase down the distrubutors

[2] and [3] it is. Writing...

>>39824739

You give her a thumbs up and prod Huan forward. “Thanks for the assist. One diplomat, unharmed as promised. Plus there’s a bookie behind the desk and a load of the drug in the back.”

Cathy nods approvingly, walking toward you looking this way and that. When she’s finally with arm’s reach she smiles. Then flicks your nose.

“Next time give us a *little* more time to back hack, would you? But I guess it all worked out so I can’t be too cross with you. Plus you pissed off Mariet so there’s that.”

“I... what?”

## YOU SHOT ME IN THE BALLS, ## shouts the datapad from its spot hidden behind your armor on your chest. ## Well you shot my puppet in the balls. BUT I STILL FELT IT. ##

Oh. “Oh… Uh… sorry?”

Cathy bites her lip like she did this morning when Mariet dropped the “fresh meat” comment. Now that you’re seeing it again you realize it’s not out of anger, frustration, or annoyance but out of concealed mirth. “The perils of not having him hooked up into the comms 24/7. Sorry, Mariet.”

## Hmph. Just laugh it up Cathy. Next time you’re the one who has to take care of the door guy while I get the good ones in the back. ##

Then the pad goes silent. Cathy notices your confusion and explains, “She took over the first suit, the one that let you in, by piggy backing off your datapad. Once she was in she opened up a bunch of security holes in their network for me and let me slip in. It also let her help you fake being pat down. The only problem was she couldn’t tell you about this beforehand.” Then as an afterthought she adds, “Oh and you shot her metaphorical dick. So there’s that.”

> [1] This is going to mean a lot of paperwork, isn’t it?
> [2] Eh, I still call it a successful first day on the job.
> [3] So, to be clear, you’re overall neutral about this then?
> [4] Write in

>>39824886
> [2] Eh, I still call it a successful first day on the job.
> [1] This is going to mean a lot of paperwork, isn’t it?

>>39824886
> [4] Write in
"I have a dick for her right here."

just kill me now

>>39824886
>[2] Eh, I still call it a successful first day on the job.
> [4] So, to be clear, you’re overall happy about this then?

>>39824903
that was terrible anon

>>39824903
We can't be saying things like that in front of our robo-drider waifu, come on now anon

>>39824886
> [1] This is going to mean a lot of paperwork, isn’t it?
> [2] Eh, I still call it a successful first day on the job.
> [4] Looks like I'm gonna have get an In on your network then.

>>39824390
>>39824408
>>39824439
>## YOU SHOT ME IN THE BALLS, ## shouts the datapad from its spot hidden behind your armor on your chest. ## Well you shot my puppet in the balls. BUT I STILL FELT IT. ##
Oh wow...

[2] has it I think. Writing...

>>39824945
That....was not our fault. We weren't hooked into the comms, and we didn't even know that was the plan.

>>39824886

“Eh, I still call it a successful run out and first day on the job,” you reply. “Better than a coffee run.”

Cathy raises an eyebrow. “But coffee runs are amazing. Why would you not want to go on one?”

Smooth Weldon. Clearly Mariet didn’t let that detail slip. Yet. “Oh uh, not that kind of coffee run. The Lancer kind.”

“Ah. Right. I suppose you would have been looking into that sort of thing before everything went down.”

“Um, excuse me…” interrupts Huan. “But…”

Cathy rounds on him and glares daggers into his soul. He quickly shuts up as a result. You would feel sympathy for him but from the little you’ve interacted with him he seems like a waste of space and effort. Typical Meridian noble.

“We’re glad you’re safe,” she says flatly. “As soon as the OPD arrives we’ll be handing you over. I believe our Chief has already smoothed things over with your Father.”

“R-Right…”

---

It takes the OPD twenty or so minutes to secure the scene and begin cleaning the place up. It’s only then that you depart with Cathy. By now it’s getting to be the twilight hours.

“Should we head back to the office?” you ask. “I feel like I probably have a bunch of paperwork waiting for me, if only for the nutshot.”

Your spider companion shrugs. “Not anymore than the usual really. I wouldn’t worry about it. Well, maybe worry about the retaliatory harmless prank from Mariet. But it’ll happen in the SCU offices rather than out in the field.”

“Great. So what then? Is it time to head to the safe house?” Also known as your new “home” where you’ll be watched over by Cathy even more until the Aria problem goes away.

“If you’d like. Up to you. We have tomorrow off anyways unless there’s emergency so you could technically go drinking again if you’d like.”

> [1] You’re dead tired. Rest sounds good.
> [2] Would she come along if you went out?
> [3] Maybe you’d best get the paperwork done so it’s not waiting for you on Monday. You can sleep afterwards
> [4] Write in

>>39825070
>> [3] Maybe you’d best get the paperwork done so it’s not waiting for you on Monday. You can sleep afterwards

>>39825070
>[4] Write in

"How about we pick up something and go to the safehouse? I think I'd rather not be a public target for a while."

>>39825070
>> [3] Maybe you’d best get the paperwork done so it’s not waiting for you on Monday. You can sleep afterwards

>>39825070#
>>[3] Maybe you’d best get the paperwork done so it’s not waiting for you on Monday. You can sleep afterwards

>>39825099

Eating in sounds like something we might do in this situation. It's only Fridays we don't stay in iirc.

>>39825070
>[3] Maybe you’d best get the paperwork done so it’s not waiting for you on Monday. You can sleep afterwards

Just had an idea, bear with me here:
>Wearing a suit and tie, obsessed with paperwork, but then in undercover, becomes the disguise.
In other words, let's be Mr. Bland(in) to make sure we stay out of the radar.

>>39825115
Well, I meant more getting some booze than food, but that'd work too.

>>39825128
>In other words, let's be Mr. Bland(in) to make sure we stay out of the radar.
But they already know all about us. They listened to us pour our heart out to Vern the Fern, who was a plant. We aren't going to be able to fool them with our personality, nor do we want to, as they're the only ones who want to keep us alive.

>>39825145
Nah, meant for everyone else outside the office.

>>39825070
> [3] Maybe you’d best get the paperwork done so it’s not waiting for you on Monday. You can sleep afterwards

[3] it is then. We'll end it there with Cathy escorting you back to do some work before dragging you off to the Safe House later. That's where we'll pick up next time before a time skip since we've been going for... awhile.

Generally I think that went over better. I'm a little on the fence about 3 vs 4 rolls since the dice gods got their shit together but we'll keep it for now. Think that's it for now.

Next session next week sometime. Watch twitter.

>>39825211
thanks for running boss

why the time skip?

>>39825219

It's just a small one of a couple days or a week to keep things interesting. Showing every waking moment isn't all that great for viewer engagement imo. You'll still have plenty of time to interact with the world though so don't worry.

>>39825227
ah cool

>>39825211
Thanks for the thread ELH

>>39825211
thanks for the thread, cya in the next