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>>45120443
>>Who should you take with you to investigate Lazy Susan’s?
Maybe split into pairs, someone we haven't hung with yet. MacKay?

Then send a pair to the Boardwalk and Drydock respectively. Tell them to immediately call in anything suspicious and not to engage unless they absolutely have to.

Also, first for Best Daughterfu.

>>45120443
>Who should you take with you to investigate Lazy Susan’s?
Mackay

>The Drydock

>>45120443
>Who should you take with you to investigate Lazy Susan’s?
Fitz

>Where should the others investigate?
>The Drydock

>>45120443
Fitz
Boardwalk

>>45120567
>>45120583
but aren't we here with just 5 people not six.

>>45120641
Are we? I thought we were six? If we're five, then yeah, ignore that.

>>45120443
Fritz, we can fake being a couple IF we have too.

>The Drydock

>>45120680
yeah the commander is just here to monitor the rookies if i'm remembering right.

>>45120703

Bingo. Alger has gone off to his own condo to set up shop and monitoring equipment.

Out of your party members, the choices are:
>Brady
>Fitz
>MacKay
>Victoria

You can also bring more than one person to investigate the crab shack, but just three at the most. The remaining will be sent to the location of your choice.

>>45120738
>Fitz
We can fake being a couple, and frankly there's no sushi here for VIctoria to sperg over.

>>45120738
Take Fitz.

The rest go to Drydock. Maybe Victoria can Mechanic at the workers there.

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>>45120582
>>45120626
>>45120684
>>45120826

Fitz seems to smirk when you ask her the question. “This your way of askin’ me out on a date, Sawbones?”

You roll your eyes and reply with a dry tone of voice, “If the need should arise for a part of our cover, then yes, this is a date. Out of all of us, you’ve got the most experience in investigations as a former cop. It makes sense to take you with me to a place where I’m going to be asking some questions.”

You decide to leave the comment about Victoria reacting over cooked food out of your mind.

“And the others?”

“Just gonna have them scope out the Drydock. Brady’s an Englishman. He should be able to keep his beer down should the need arise, and I don’t think that MacKay and Victoria are too fond of drinking. Besides, I’m just dropping them off there. We’ll pick ‘em up after we’re finished.”

“Well as long as you’re payin’, then I’m in,” she says brightly. “Haven’t had seafood in the longest time…”


>Fitz approves +5


You relay your orders back to the rest of your group as you settle down in the car. Try not to drink (too much) since it’s not even five o’clock yet, and get as much information as you can without coming off too strong. MacKay and Brady nod, with Victoria accompanying them in a more reluctant gesture with a slight frown.


>Victoria disapproves -3

One quick drop-off at the bar finds you parking in the lot adjacent to the crab shack. It’s no five-star restaurant, but it looks homely enough. Single-story residence, outdoors eating area, and simple white exterior. It looks like something that a mom-and-pop would run.

“Welcome to Lazy Susan’s!” The blonde at the front gives the two of you a prize-winning smile, as well as two menus. From her accent, she seems to be foreign, at least East European. “How can I help the two of you today?”

>Table inside (less people)
>Table outside (more people)

>>45121321
>Table outside (more people)

>>45121321
>>Table outside (more people)

>>45121321
>Table outside (more people)

>>45121321
>Table outside (more people)

Got ambushed by parents. Want to talk about next year housing. Please keep thread bumped. Should be back in 20 minutes or so.

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Apologies for the delay.

“Table outside,” You say with a smile of your own. “It’s too nice of a day to spend cooped up indoors.”

“Oh, yeah, I totally agree,” she replies, “But are you sure you want to sit outside? It’s gonna be hard to talk with your…” The waitress looks Fitz up and down briefly before settling on a word, “…date since there’s a lot of folks in our outer area.”

“Nah. It’s fine. Good food’s meant to be eaten with others.”

The waitress isn’t kidding. There are more people out here than there are inside by a wide margin. At least three times the number. Clustered underneath an awning, families with kids, balding old folks, and college students eat crab, drink fountain soda and generally conduct themselves in a merry manner.

Your hostess, Olivia, finds you a table close to the entrance. “Can I start you off with anything to drink?”

“Just water, thank you.” You don’t feel up for any soda, and since you’re the designated driver, drinking was a big no-no.

Fitz seems too thoroughly engrossed in the menu to respond with anything except for a reflexive, “Yeah, I’ll have what he’s having.”
“Okay, then. Are you ready to order, now?”

>You have $500 in allowance right now.
>Recommended: one from each category.

>Appetizers:
>Onion Rings ($6.99)
>Hot/Spicy Chicken Wings ($7.99)
>Dozen Bacon Covered BBQ Shrimp ($12.99)

>Seafood:
> Steamed Crabs ($11.99)
>Steamed Clams (11.99)
>Steamed Seafood Platter [Scallops, muscles and shrimp steamed in Old Bay sauce] ($16.99)

>Entrees:
>Fried Scallops ($18.99)
>Hand-breaded Flour ($14.99)

>After ordering...
>Make small talk with Fitz.
>Listen to what the other patrons are saying.

Having eaten at Lazy Susan's before, these are, in my opinion, the best things that they have to offer.

>>45123004
>Onion Rings ($6.99)
> Steamed Crabs ($11.99)
Can't go wrong with good crab.

>Listen to what the other patrons are saying.

>>45123004
>Hot/Spicy Chicken Wings ($7.99)
> Steamed Crabs ($11.99)

>Listen to what the other patrons are saying.

>>45123004
>Onion Rings ($6.99)
> Steamed Crabs ($11.99)
>Hand-breaded Flour ($14.99)

>Listen to what the other patrons are saying.
Occasionally making small talk to keep cover.

>>45123004
>Hot/Spicy Chicken Wings ($7.99)
> Steamed Crabs ($11.99)
>Fried Scallops ($18.99)
>Listen to what the other patrons are saying.
Sup Kaz

>>45123004
>Dozen Bacon Covered BBQ Shrimp ($12.99)
> Steamed Crabs ($11.99)
>Hand-breaded Flour ($14.99)
>Make small talk with Fitz.
Gotta talk a bit first to blend in properly

>>45123004
....okay

>>45123004
>>Onion Rings ($6.99)

>>Steamed Clams (11.99)
crab is too fiddly to be able to eavesdrop while eating
>>Hand-breaded Flour ($14.99)
>>Listen to what the other patrons are saying.
take some back to feed to demons

I swear to God, I'm fucking retarded. That's supposed to be 'flounder', not flour.

>>45123284
I was wondering if that was some East Coast thing.

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>Appetizer: Onion rings
>Seafood: Steamed Crabs
>Entrée: Hand-breaded Flounder

>You have $466.03 left in cash.

With your order taken, Olivia smiles and departs back into the building with a, “I’ll be back with your food soon!”

Fitz snorts. “‘Soon’ she says, when it takes a long time to cook fish right. I give her at least fifteen…maybe twenty minutes before she comes back. That’s hopefully enough time for them to get a good steamin’ on the crabs and a nice sear on the fish.”

“I never pegged you for a seafood connoisseur.”

“Where I grew up in, this shit right here?” She points to a slightly overweight lady munching on some crabs. “It’s rare as hell in the ass-end of nowhere. And when I got to eat some from the local market, it’s usually shit. Trust me when I say that I know what good fish tastes like and what isn’t.”

Oh God. You repress the urge to shudder. Not another one.

“Be that as it may,” you lower your voice to a murmur. “We’re on the job. And I’d love to continue this discussion later. Right now, I’m gonna need you to keep a close ear on the other patrons. We’ll occasionally make small talk to cover up our eavesdropping.”

Fitz nods. “Yeah, I can do that…but don’t be surprised when I initiate cover before you do, got it?”

“Got it.”

>Roll d100 for Perception.

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>45123621

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>45123621

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>45123621
HEARING GO!

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>45123621

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>>45123641
>>45123676
>>45123699

“…and I swear to you that he’s into me…”

“…that’s not how you’re supposed to use your napkin, honey…”

“…heard that the beach is opening again tomorrow…”

“…yeah, the little property off there…”

“…these crabs are fucking delicious…”

“…should be in the clear. Coast Guard didn’t…”

“…I mean, we save twice as much at that store…”

“…the bitch doesn’t even look good in skinny jeans…”

“…should be less depressed now that Phi Delta’s fundraising is still on…”

“Here are your onion rings!”

You blink, and Olivia sets down a tray of steaming hot onion rings at your table. Wow. That was fast. “If you want to order anything else, don’t hesitate to let any of us know!”

Fitz takes one of the onion rings and starts munching on it thoughtfully. “Not bad. These are some pretty good onion rings. We should order another pair when we demolish this one off.”

“You mean that I should order another pair when you finish those off,” you wryly retort. The onion rings are definitely better than the ones you’re used to eating at fast food joints. “Because at the rate you’re going, I’m not gonna have too much to myself left over.”

“Oh hush. I have a faster metabolism than most people. Doesn’t help that my old and new job require me to burn just as much calories as an Olympic athlete, if not more than. You of all people here should know that more than anyone else."

>“So what did you hear on your end?” (Fitz goes first)
>“This is what I heard…” (You go first)

>>45124082
>“So what did you hear on your end?” (Fitz goes first)

>>45124082
>So what did you hear on your end?” (Fitz goes first)

>“…should be less depressed now that Phi Delta’s fundraising is still on…”
Wonder if this is something

>>45124082
>“So what did you hear on your end?” (Fitz goes first)

>>45124191
probably

>>45124082
>“So what did you hear on your end?” (Fitz goes first)

>>45124234
>“…should be in the clear. Coast Guard didn’t…”
also sets off alarm bells

>>45124082
>“So what did you hear on your end?” (Fitz goes first

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“So what did you hear?”

Fitz shrugs as she munches on another onion ring, and begins ticking off fingers. “Well, in spite of the fact that he’s four years old, Timmy over at table nine seems to be developin’ a taste for crabs over scallops. Andrea at table five thinks that Damian is into her and that she’s more than willin’ to jump his bones at either her place or his-”

You scowl, cutting her off. “I’m being serious.”

For a moment, it looks like she took great offense, but her features soften. “Yeah, so am I, Sawbones. Look, when ya pull off this kind of thing, ya gotta report everything that ya hear, even if it seems like irrelevant bullshit. You’re off the hook once since ya didn’t know any better. Just don’t interrupt me again, got it?”

“Yeah, got it, my bad,” You raise your hands in apology. “Thanks for that little tidbit. But please, do continue.”

Fitz’s smirk returns. “On a more relevant note, the governor had the beach closed so Coast Guard could do another sweep. Since they found jack shit, he’s planned on re-opening it tomorrow at nine AM. Looks like we got a real ‘Jaws’ moment, and these poor bastards are caught right in the middle of it. ‘cept of course that the shark is a demon and not a shark.”

You make a face. The memory of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 summer hit is still fresh in your mind. You don’t remember much of the night your old man showed you Jaws, what you do remember is the TEETH and mom making pop sleep on the sofa for a month.

It’s in the best of interests that you decide to change the subject. “Anything else?”

She frowns momentarily before slowly enunciating, “Heard something about a charity for cancer on the beach, the brunette lifeguard over there bitching about how they aren’t paying her enough and how one of the soccer moms at table seven is telling her friend to keep ignoring her ex. Other than that, that’s all I’ve got to say. How about you?”

>Write-in.

>>45124775
The beach is opening tomorrow
Phi Delta's fundraiser is still on

>>45124775
>“…should be in the clear. Coast Guard didn’t…”
>“…should be less depressed now that Phi Delta’s fundraising is still on…”

>>45124775
She covered most of what we've heard except the Phi fundraising so bring that up.

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“More-or-less what you heard,” you admit. “Beach is opening tomorrow, which is bad, and unless I’m mistaken, Phi Delta is holding a fundraiser tomorrow, and someone isn’t going to be depressed anymore. Probably a Greek life frat or sorority. Think it’s your charity?”

“Could very well be. The ones talkin’ about the charity were girls wearin’ identical pink tube tops. Couldn’t make out the lettering due to the fabric bunchin’ up around the chest, but it’s more than likely that the fundraiser’s connected to a sorority.”

“And I heard that someone isn’t going to be depressed anymore.”

Fitz shrugs. “Probably the sorority leader. I was GDI in college, but I had a few friends in sororities. They got really into their projects to the point of emptyin’ out a metric fuckton of tissue boxes whenever something got cancelled. I can empathize.”

You tilt your head in confusion. “GDI?”

“God-Damn Independent,” she finishes the last of the onion rings with a very satisfied lick of the lips. “Means that you didn’t join a frat or sorority.”

“Ah. I was the same way, too. Just didn’t have enough time for all the social things.”

Just as you’re about to say more, Olivia comes out of the doorway, nearly staggering at the amount of plates she’s holding. “Okay…there!” She sets the plates down on your table with a very notable THUNK. “That’s fifteen crabs cooked in the Lazy Susan way, and the hand-breaded flounder. Hope you enjoy your meal. Bon appétit!”

So she's French. One small mystery solved, one huge one left to go.

Fitz nods in approval as she checks the underside of the flounder with her fork. “A damn good searin’ if I ever saw one. Compliments to the folks in the back.”

“They will be glad to hear it!” With a polite incline of the head, Olivia scurries back into the kitchen with the now-empty bowl of onion rings.

(cont.)

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“Well, you heard what she said,” Fitz gleefully states as she readies her utensils. “Time to dig in!”

“Oi. Split the flounder. I’m paying for the meal.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t get your scrubs in a twist, Sawbones.”

One dexterous maneuver of the knife later, and half of the flounder sits on your plate. Just as you’re about to reach for the crab hammer, Fitz nudges your leg under the table.

“What?” She frowns at your jolted reaction. “Just wanted to get your attention is all. You’re actin’ like I bit you or somethin’…”

Perhaps the nervousness of your dream hasn’t worn off yet. But, digressing from that, you cough before replying, “Startled me is all. What is it?”

The crooked smirk once again makes its way to her face. “Good mark of a good sleuth is to be able to multitask. Think you can maintain a good enough cover without compromisin’ what you can hear?

>Yes/No
>If yes, roll 1d100 – 10 Perception
>-10 for multitasking

Rolled 13 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>45125556
Yes, easy

Rolled 69 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>45125556
Let's test

Rolled 70 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>45125556
>Yes

Rolled 55 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>45125556
Yes. Don't get too nervous about our date with best human girl

Rolled 26 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>45125556
Check my nat 1

>>45125633
Adrian is too alpha to get nervous

>>45125633
>chaosfag
>best
Objectively wrong.

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>>45125592
>>45125616
>>45125624

You match her smirk with a smile and a challenging eyebrow. “Let’s put it to the test, then.”

It is with restrained control that you dig into the crabs. Your eyes widen as soon as the soft meat underneath the exoskeleton hits your taste buds. Alger must’ve struck it real lucky when he said this place was a hotspot, because these are the best goddamn crabs that you’ve ever eaten in your life.

But you don’t let your mind stray too far. While carefully maneuvering the crab mallet and making small talk with your not-date, you strain your ears to filter through the dull roar of the restaurant for the interesting tidbits of discussion.

“…even if he is her father, he has no right…”

“...over there by the door. That blonde chick’s a real looker…”

“…we should’ve brought Alyssa…”

“…Timmy, that’s still not how you use your napkin…”

“…a high sodium diet isn’t healthy for someone of your…”

“…halfway across the world with no mailing address…”

“…we serve seafood here, sir, not steak…”

“…show her a thing or two back at my place…”

“…needs fresh air, not cooped up in the house by herself…”

Time flies faster than you expect. By the time you reach for the next crab on auto-pilot, the only thing you grab is air. Much to your growing embarrassment, it looks like Fitz knew a long time ago when the food had ran out, because she’s giving you the smirk with her hands folded over her chest.

“Yeah, yeah, I done goofed,” you mutter as you wipe your hands on the napkin. “Shut up.”

>“So here’s what I heard…” (You go first)
>“Let’s not break tradition…” (Fitz goes first)

>>45126133
>“So here’s what I heard…” (You go first)
Well I heard a few people talking about how hot you are.

>>45126133
>“So here’s what I heard…” (You go first)
“...over there by the door. That blonde chick’s a real looker…”
Can't say I disagree, then again everyone on the team is a looker compared to most people. Are demon summoners naturally good looking?

>“…halfway across the world with no mailing address…”


>“…we should’ve brought Alyssa…”
>“…needs fresh air, not cooped up in the house by herself…”
likely tied into the Sorority.

“…even if he is her father, he has no right…”
Might be important?

>>45126297
I think downplaying her attractiveness by mentioning the rest of the team is a little weird/rude

>>45126416
I don't think that was Adrian dialogue. Just food for thought.

>>45126133
>>“So here’s what I heard…” (You go first)

>>45126297
>Are demon summoners naturally good looking?

Damn right. Have you seen Raidou's sideburns? Umph

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You decide to break the mold and go first. Maybe you shouldn’t start off with how the guys over at table ten by the edge of the awning want to have sex with Fitz. “If we want to get irrelevant bullshit out of the way first, Timmy still hasn’t figured out how to use his napkin. The nurse at table three is getting real tired of her brother’s diet, and the couple at the front door mistook this place for the steakhouse two blocks down the road.”

You take a brief moment to take a breath and a sip of your water before continuing, “And the soccer mom’s friend over there is still going on about how her friend’s ex is someone’s father, but doesn’t have a right because he lives halfway across the world without a mailing address.”

Fitz raises her eyebrows. “And now that all the irrelevant bullshit is out of the way…?”

You jerk a thumb towards the girls at table eight. “Something about Alyssa needing to get out of the house. From those girls in the pink tube tops. Probably something from the sorority.”

“Okay, so is that it? Is it my turn now?"

You look her straight in the eye and...

>Tell her the truth.("So those guys over at table ten...")
>Say that’s it (Roll 1d100 + 10 Social to Bluff).

>>45127060
>Tell her the truth.("So those guys over at table ten...")

>>45127060
>Tell her the truth.("So those guys over at table ten...")
I don't see why this a big deal. Not worth lying about. You don't even need to make it all serious. Just go 'Oh yeah, those guys over at table ten think you're cute' or something.

>>45127060
>>Tell her the truth.("So those guys over at table ten...")

You asked.

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“So those guys over at table ten…”

Fitz raises a cursory eyebrow. “Yeah? What about ‘em?”

“They think you’re real cute and want to take you home so they can show you, and I quote, ‘a thing or two’,” you finish as fast as you can. “Their words, not mine.”

Fitz approves +8

You wait for her to tear the guys a new one, and brace yourself in preparation for playing the straight man. But instead, all she does is laugh. No joke. All she does laugh to the point where some of the other patrons are giving her some pointed looks.

“Uh…Fitz?” You ask. “You okay there?”

Her laughter subsides to a few chortles underneath her breath. As soon as she brings her head back up to look at you, the urge to flinch back struggles with your manners. There’s something in her eyes, something dark and full of ill intent. But not towards you. In fact, you can’t even tell who it’s directed to.

“Oh, I ain’t all hot and bothered if that’s what you’re askin’, Sawbones,” She calmly states with an unnerving smile growing across her face. “I’m takin’ it as a compliment that they want to fuck me just like any other woman here. Because the way I see it, it’s just a mark on how good of a job I’m doing at hiding all kinds of fucked up shit underneath the clothes on my skin.”

There’s a slight edge in her voice that wasn’t there a few minutes ago. This isn’t the kind of edge that she gets when she’s serious about something. This is a completely different tone that you’ve never heard on her.

(cont.)

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“Ah, but that’s…that’s a discussion for another day,” she says, and the edge in her voice backs out to be replaced by her usual sardonic drone. “But yeah, I can’t believe I missed that. Wow, I was completely focused on how Alyssa’s the leader of Phi Alpha.”

You decide to follow her lead and return to the status quo, and ask with great interest, “…oh really? Must’ve missed that.”

“Apparently the girl’s been worried sick about her fundraiser being cancelled. Locked herself in her room and everythin’. Apparently her brother’s got some kind of cancer going on, so it’s real personal for her.”

You nod sympathetically. “That would make sense. I’ve seen enough cases back at the hospital to know how bad cancer affects a family’s life…”

“I wouldn’t doubt you,” Fitz drawls as she takes a long swing of her water. “You see all kinds of messed up shit behind the doors of the emergency room…nothin' like the medical dramas on the boob tube.”

>“Seeing as we’re out of food…” (Ask for the check)
>“How about some desert?” (Stay awhile)

>>45127742
>“How about some desert?” (Stay awhile)

>>45127742
>“How about some desert?” (Stay awhile)
Give the others a text.
'We are just about wrapped up here. How are things on your end?'

>>45127742
>“How about some desert?” (Stay awhile)
"So I am spitballing here but maybe this fundraising thing could be a possible motive? That's if this isn't just a wild 'animal' motive. You think someone could be using a demon to kill people to cause a stink that things get shut down? Like the beach or this fundraising? All conjecture I know."

>>45128068
Why would anyone want to sabotage a fundraiser? Makes no sense.

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“How about some desert?” You ask, waving for one of the servers to come over. Sweets never hurt anyone when trying to diffuse a particularly tense situation. Olivia is quick to come over with her usual smile. “Can we get some desert menus?”

As she bounces back to the front of the restaurant, you reach for your pocket and fish out your Mobile COMP. A few pushes of the buttons, and you’ve composed a text message to the others at the bar. “Just about wrapped up here. How are things on your end?”

“Just sending a text to the others,” you explain to Fitz and her cocked eyebrow. “We’ll head out to grab them after whatever’s on the menu for dessert.”

“I’m not one to turn down free food when it’s offered,” she drawls, tugging the collar on her shirt. “But if it’s any consolation, I’ve got a penchant for ice cream right about now. It’s really fuckin’ hot out here.”

>Ice Cream ($1.00/ea)
>You now have $464.03 left in cash.

Midway through eating, your phone vibrates. You fish it out to see that MacKay has replied to you.

<Fidelus> Could use a lift right now.
<Fidelus> Brady and Victoria already have information
<Fidelus> Need to share with you in person
<Fidelus> Don’t worry, not drunk, all sober
<Fidelus> Just don't want to say any longer than necessary
<Fidelus> Happy hour is just starting.

(cont.)

>>45128251
Petty/Jealous college student that learned how to tame a demon? Look I didn't say that had to be it, but I'm not throwing anything out, dumb as it may seem.

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>>45128342
>“How about some desert?”
>“Can we get some desert menus?”
>desert

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>>45128342

You text something along the lines of “be right there soon” and tuck your phone back into your pocket. Suddenly, a thought occurs, and Fitz notices the figurative light bulb go off above your head. “What is it?”

You raise your spoon in a thoughtful gesture. “Random thought here: Think the fundraising could be a possible motive? Like, this isn’t just a wild ‘animal’ causing this to happen. You think someone’s using a demon to kill people to raise enough hell to get things shut down? Like the beach, or this fundraising? Just shooting the breeze with what we have so far.”

She looks at you with an incredulous expression, but just as you think that she’s going to laugh, she shrugs. “Maybe. I’ve seen people kill for less…rational and thought-out reasons.”

With that, you hand Olivia the cash, plus a nice tip of ten bucks, courtesy of Fitz. “Least I can do to make sure your ass doesn’t go broke,” when prompted about the reason. Besides, Olivia was real upbeat and positive about her job. You can’t say the same about the other servers that you’ve had back home.

One “demon bag” later full of a last strip of founder, the two of you clamber into the Cadillac and drive towards the Drydock. Within a few minutes, you see the familiar sight of your friends hailing you down by the entrance of the bar.

“Well that was a productive two hours,” Brady mutters as he slides into the seat. “I’m not being sarcastic. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get people talking when you’re buying a few rounds.”

Victoria sticks her tongue out at the Englishman. “At the cost of smelling like a brewery. Yeeesh. This is gonna take awhile to get out.”

“If anything,” MacKay muses as he shuts the door, “I’m reminded of the illicit parties the members of my football team had back in high school. Not that I ever partook in the offered alcohol.”

>They go over their info first.
>You go over your info first.

>>45128404
>They go over their info first.

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>>45128400

>>45128424
You have shamed all lawfags

Rolled 31 (1d100)

Warming up my nat 1

>>45128404
>>They go over their info first.

>>45128404
>You go over your info first.
it's easier to piece together the drunk info after sorting through the sober ones.

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>>45128417
>>45128527

You turn into the intersection with a smooth and steady motion of the wheel. “Let’s debrief right now. How’d it go on your end?”

Brady shrugs in the back mirror. “Rumor has it that the governor wanted the beach reopened as fast as possible to assure the locals that everything was alright and that the situation was under control. Caved under voter pressure, if the sloshed political science major can be believed.”

“The man’s an idiot,” MacKay snaps. It takes everyone, including you, staring at him before realizing himself and coughing. “Pardon my French, but it would be unwise to open the beach. Even if he’s one of the blessed few to not have seen ‘Jaws’, that’s no excuse to cave into external pressure.”

“Not if they’re Phi Alpha,” Victoria points out. “They were really dead-set on having that cancer awareness fundraiser. It’s one of their big traditions that’s been going on since forever, or at least for the past eight years.”

Fitz nods. “We heard something similar along those lines at the crab shack. Some of the girls were there talking about their sorority leader being depressed and freaked out about its possible cancellation.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine the political shitstorm the guy would get if he denied the girls their charity drive,” you muse. “They’d have to scrape it off the wall for decades.”

MacKay chuckles. “Crude, but aptly put. With that said, I was able to talk to one of the lifeguards that was on duty when the first half-eaten bodies began washing up on shore.”

“Lemme guess,” Fitz says with a smirk. “If he was there, he had to have been nose-deep inside a beer bottle, right?”

Victoria mimes a gagging gesture as Brady rolls his eyes. “Try Tennessee whiskey. I could smell that shite from halfway across the room.”

(cont.)

>>45129029
>“I can’t even begin to imagine the political shitstorm the guy would get if he denied the girls their charity drive,” you muse. “They’d have to scrape it off the wall for decades.”

Interesting.

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>>45129029

“The man claimed to have seen shapes in the water before the body washed ashore. But it was quite the struggle extracting that when he was desperate to go back to the bottle. But he out before we could ask more questions.”

“I wouldn’t blame him.” You shudder. “I still haven’t seen the pictures, and I’m already getting queasy. Jaws really messed me up as a kid.”

“Is there anyone that didn’t?” Fitz blithely asks. “You did happen to get the guy’s name, right?”

Brady nods, pulling out a notepad from his pocket and flipping to the appropriate page. “Maxwell ‘Max’ Lewis. Managed to get his number as well for a follow-up. Had to pose as a reporter doing a big story to do so, but it was worth it.”

“But I also heard some of the elder folks saying that it’s all Phi Alpha’s fault,” Victoria observes. “Like…Betty White old kind of crowd. Something about disturbing the peace and bringing down hell. But keep in mind that those were from the religious folks.”

“The secular seemed to be muttering about how the quiet days of billiard and checkers are gone ever since the college students showed up for summer break,” MacKay says. “Since last month, it’s been nothing but loud music, wild parties, and waking up to discover that someone vomited on your azalea garden.”

You chortle. “Well, here’s what we got from our end…”

You and Fitz take a moment to explain what you observed at Lazy Susan’s, minus the irrelevant bullshit. One collaboration later, and you line up all your available facts together. It takes about another thirty minutes for you to do so, finishing at around five-thirty. The sun’s starting to set, but it shouldn’t go down for another two to three hours.

Since you’re the team leader, you make the decision to…

>Investigate the boardwalk.
>Drive back to the condo

>>45129215
>Investigate the boardwalk.

>>45129215
>Investigate the boardwalk.

>>45129215
>Drive back to the condo
rest up, then investigate at night. We can pretend to just be hanging out with drinks, if need be.

>>45129215
PLEASE tell me I caught it live this time. Damn these American timezones, I can never get them right in my head :')
>Investigate the Boardwalk

>>45129309

I can still go for a bit longer. You're in the clear, Anon-kun.

>>45129309
Probably catching it near the end. Its 2:30 am. I'll probably be sleeping soon so you can take over for me.

>>45129320
Splendid, I do say!

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>>45129232
>>45129243
>>45129309

“Let’s check the Boardwalk,” you state as you pull onto the road leading to the beach. “We should scope it out before we hit the beach tomorrow, just so we can get a good idea of what we’re dealing with.”

Brady nods. “Makes sense. I’m down for it, if only for the saltwater air to get the alcohol out of my nostril.”

“Ditto,” Victoria moans, slumping back in her seat. “How can you Americans drink this toxic brew of a beverage and live?”

MacKay looks out the window, towards the distant sun. “With great resilience and a desire to forget about the past.”

“Damn,” Fitz whistles. “That was pretty deep, and I didn't even take philosophy in college."

Since the beach is still closed until nine, finding parking is slightly easier than you’re otherwise used to. Still, the other attractions like the arcades, restaurants and novelty stores still remain open. As a result, there were still some people being tugged along by their children or running along the boardwalk, moving from activity to activity not unlike a monkey with ADD.

As you park the car, some thoughts run through your mind. Considering the fact that you already split the group up and headed out with Fitz earlier, it might be bad form to do it again. The team that stick together and investigates together, stays together, right?

On the other hand, you could always just swap her out for someone else. Or pull someone onto your group to make a trio.

>Who’s coming with you? (Maximum of two)
>Brady
>Fitz
>MacKay
>Victoria

>Where will you go?
>Up North
>Down south

>>45129333

So where're you from, anon?

>>45129461
>So where're you from, anon?
Well, I found it pretty amusing when you mentioned Greek night last thread (which I sadly ended up missing), because that's where I just so happen to live!

>>45129461
>Victoria
>Brady
>Up North

>>45129461
>Brady
>Victoria
>North

>>45129461
I'll support >>45129482

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>45129461
>Victoria
Gotta make it up to her for leaving her behind
>Brady
Why not.
>rolling for direction, doesn't seem to matter much either way.

>>45129461
>Victoria
>Brady

>North

Last vote for me. G'nite guys.

Probably won't get that far tonight, but remember if these attacks do have human motivation behind it, disgracing a governor cause had to cancel a cancer fundraiser might be a decent one. Maybe check if he has any political opponents or there is an election coming up or something. Just an idea, might not be that at all.

>>45129539
As good a motive as any.
We'll hold the fort here, anon, go to bed.

>>45129461
Meant to ask and forgot about it: Kaz,did you end up writing those character perspective interludes you were talking about in the previous threads? Couldn't find them in the pastebin.

>>45129478

Never been to Greece. Really want to, though. Rich culture and history. Big fan of ancient world history.

>>45129622

Almost done with Fitz's. I'll tweet when that's done.

Currently dicking around with a "Things Task Force 666 Agents are Not Allowed To Do" list.

Have a sample:

>5. The proper protocol when dealing with demons in possession of prehensile tentacles is to employ Slashing techniques, not to say ‘I’ve seen enough hentai to know where this is going’.
>5a. We do not care about what you do on lonely Friday nights, nor do we want to know what you gravitate to. What is important is finishing the mission in a timely manner.
>5b. For agents partaking in foreign operations in any Asiatic country, especially Japan, you should know well better than to say it for the sake of diplomatic relations.

8. Commander Sparda of U.S. Operations is a valuable member of the Task Force. Referring to him an ‘angsty pretty boy’ or ‘katana cultist’ shows a grievous lack of respect.
8a. Saying that a white-haired stranger in a red trench coat asked you to do so not a valid excuse.
8i. We don’t care whether or not he bought you pizza. As a matter of fact, accepting gifts from non-Task Force employees in exchange for favors is in direct violation of the rules.

16. While we understand that Summoners with demons that possess the ability to fly may make snide remarks to ‘groundwalkers’ and ‘ants’ from time to time, carrying Stinger Missile Systems outside of anything lower than a Class 7 Assault is explicitly forbidden.

21. Cosplay. Demons. No.
21a. We’re looking at you, Agent [REDACTED]. Remove the maid outfit from the Ippon-Datra immediately. What in God’s name were you thinking?
21b. Addendum: if the clothes in question are solely used for the purpose of distinguishing your demons from others within your Division’s possession, than approval will be given out on a case-by-case basis.

>>45129673
>. Remove the maid outfit from the Ippon-Datra immediately.
Oh you

>>45129673
>Remove the maid outfit from the Ippon-Datra immediately.
goddamnit Kaz. I fear there might be some who won't get it, though.

>>45129673
>5. The proper protocol when dealing with demons in possession of prehensile tentacles is to employ Slashing techniques, not to say ‘I’ve seen enough hentai to know where this is going’.
My fucking sides.

It's definitely worth taking a holiday to once- lot of museums and monuments, plus a lot of great beaches and sun. Lot of disreputable shopkeepers literally fleecing foreign tourists though, sadly.

>>45129719
New thread in 14h

>>45129673
16. While we understand that Summoners with demons that possess the ability to fly may make snide remarks to ‘groundwalkers’ and ‘ants’ from time to time, carrying Stinger Missile Systems outside of anything lower than a Class 7 Assault is explicitly forbidden.
...What about "accidental" saturation attacks with a .50cal?

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>>45129482
>>45129488
>>45129501
>>45129539

Alger was kind enough to leave some change in the glove compartment for parking. Once you deposit a safe amount of money (at least an hour and a half), you turn to address your team. “Victoria, Brady, you guys are with me and we’re heading north. Fitz, MacKay, I need you to scope out the area down south.”

Victoria visibly beams as she and Brady go to join your side. Fitz seems to be neutral about the decision, while MacKay nods dutifully. “Don’t hesitate to call us if you get into trouble, okay?” You ask.

“Understood./You got it, Sawbones.”

>Victoria approves +8

With that, you swiftly go about your separate ways and start exploring the boardwalk.

You’ve been to Virginia Beach and Ocean City way back in the day when you were a kid. Those places were huge, with towering buildings and lots of neon lighting that lit up the beach at night, even from a distance. It was as if someone had taken a slice of Las Vegas and put it right next to the beach.

Your siblings would probably think that Rehoboth is lackluster compared to the vibrant Ocean City. The tallest building on the boardwalk doesn’t exceed two stories, and the only neon lighting sources are the foot-tall “OPEN” signs hanging from the windows. The paint job for some of the buildings are even starting to fade or flake off.

Still, there’s a rustic and homely aesthetic that you can ascribe to the place. It doesn’t try to be gaudy or ostentatious in its presentation. It’s simple, straightforward, and honest in its appeal.

(cont.)

>>45129820
>we left the chaosfag and the lawfag together
This will be fun.

>>45129839

Well shit. I can't believe I didn't realize that sooner. This is gonna be interesting...

>>45129734

Disreputable shopkeepers are a thing everywhere I've been to, for the most part. Italy, Japan, and Mexico are filled with tourist-trap shops that even I'm not immune from. Still, I got some pretty neat things. Authentic rosary blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, bokken carved in the traditional way, and a sandstone Mayan ornament/mask thingy.

I still manage to enjoy myself, though. Silver linings and what-not.

>>45129754

That's what addendum exist for. I'll be sure to add that to the list when I put it on Pastebin.

>>45129839
that was the intention, yes

>>45129881
>Bokken carved in the traditional way
Now that's something I want to get as a souvenir if I ever visit Japan. My Kendo instructor has one and it's seriously sweet. Too bad he practically never uses it.

>>45129839
>Chaosfag
>Lawfag
I don't think this is the kind of quest where that matters, anon. It's not like we have an Alignment or anything.
Keeping the spirit of old quests alive is one thing, but this isn't SMT London Quest.

>>45129931
QM is keeping track of our alignment, currently we have +2 light.

>>45129981
...You're right, my bad. Adrian DOES have an Alignment on the character sheet (currently Neutral).
None of the other party members do, though.

>>45130047

Because those are secret...I'm keeping track of NPC alignment offline. Unlike mainstream SMT, I won't make it painfully obvious who the Law/Chaos/Neutral hero(ine) is.

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>>45130076
Curses, foiled again!
It seems to be pretty obvious so far, though. Should we be expecting a curveball?

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>>45129820

“I’ve never been to the beach before!” Victoria says, darting to see one sight to the next so fast that you fear for her neck. “I mean, an American one at the least. I spent most of my summer vacations either in Japan, learning how to fix Harley-Davidson motorcycles from mechanics in the South or touring national monuments across the country.”

Brady hums in approval. “I don’t necessarily approve of beaches, but they do make for nice holiday getaways every now and again. Visit too often and they lose the appeal. I for one would rather culture myself rather than play in the sand.”

“Still can’t deny how nice the sights are,” you say with a wry tone as you catch him ogling a bikini-clad girl. Shaking your head, you turn to Victoria. “Still, I wouldn’t have expected you to also be handy with motorcycles. I mean, I got cars and automobiles from general inflections, but motorcycles? Never would’ve expected that.”

She smiles sheepishly. “I’ve always been good with my hands since a young age. Legos only went so far before my otousan reluctantly let me help him in the shop. I guess I took to mechanics better than Barbie or Pokémon…”

In the distance, you can see some girls in pink tube-tops setting up some kind of booth on the boardwalk. You don’t need glasses to tell that they belong to Phi Alpha. It’s pretty obvious, even with the cancer-related paraphernalia they have on a nearby table.

>Chat up one of the Phi Alpha girls.
>Keep walking, just observe.

>>45130120
Anon.

The rowdy policewoman is STILL a policewoman.
The priest used to football, and clearly still knows his way around toughing it out.

Brady and Vict are still quite neutral, so where they'll ultmately end up is not yet in stone.

>>45130145
>I guess I took to mechanics better than Barbie or Pokémon
>Pokemon
spoke too soon, did you?

>Chat up one of the Phi Alpha girls.
nothing wrong with checking out the official pamphlets and stuff

>>45130120

That all depends on how you interact with your party members. Getting Fitz to open up about herself MAY cause her to shift alignments, while sending Brady to do certain things may push him towards a certain ideology.

Human beings aren't static. That's what I want to illustrate in my quest, as opposed to making the Law/Chaos hero set-in-stone from the get-go of the story. Sure, they may act a certain way and exhibit traits of a certain ideology, but in the end, they're deeper than what they are on the surface.

Humans are constantly changing, and are susceptible to going certain directions due to various influences. Even the slightest interaction inevitably causes some form of change. Butterfly Effect, essentially.


Whoo, I was going into Persona territory for a moment there.

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>>45130230
We must turn them all into lawful people.

>>45130145
>Brits
>Knowing anything about beaches
HAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I'll vote for >Keep walking, just observe
No need to cause a misunderstanding
with a side of
>Send Brady to chat them up
He already has his cover as a reporter, so it should be easier for him to question them.

>>45130145
>Chat up one of the Phi Alpha girls.

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>>45130200
>>45130301

Since Phi Alpha seems to be inevitably tied to the case, it’s probably best to make some introductions sooner rather than later.

You raise a hand to stop the others in their tracks. “See those girls?”

Brady squints before whistling. “Phi Alpha. Guess they decided to set up shop early in anticipation for tomorrow since it looks like their event is still going on thanks to the governor.”

“Clearly, and…oh, brother,” Victoria moans, face-palming, “That’s not how you’re supposed to hold a drill, you…imbecile…”

“Educate them in the finer ways of how to properly hold power tools later,” you retort before you wince yourself. “Or sooner, given how she might just make her friend the stigmata on her hand. Change of plans. I will go talk to one of the girls to get information out of them. You guys go check out the pamphlets, okay?”

They nod, and head straight for the table with the phamphlets, cancer resource cards, and tip jar with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital taped on the hard plastic bottle. Judging from how it was half-full with change, they seemed to be doing something right with their marketing.

You approach one of the girls, a rather fair-looking brunette who’s inspecting something on her phone. Given how she keeps checking the tool box and squinting at her screen, you approximate that she’s looking for something and is unable to find it.

>Write-in
>Roll 1d100 + 10 Social to avoid coming off as a creeper.

--------------

And that's probably it for tonight since being the lawfag I am, I have to go to Sunday mass in a few hours. We'll use the rolls you make to kick off the next session. With that said, I will still be up to shitpost and answer questions for a bit.

Lots of plot and character showcasing tonight. Next time, I promise action at the beach!

Rolled 45 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>45130518

Rolled 88 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>45130518
Guess I'll leave the write-in for the next session, then, because I legitimately can't think of anything non-creepy to say right now.

Rolled 99 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>45130518
We are the creepiest

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>>45130559

Holy fucking shit. That has got to be one of the greatest rolls I've seen in this entire quest, barring the Natural 100 we had during the Orthus fight.

After thirteen threads and five natural ones, is our good karma is finally pushing through?

>>45130518
I wonder about just flat out saying "please dont use the drill that way, that's how people lose hands"

>>45130559
Uh oh. Too suave. Victoria is gonna get jealous or something.

>>45129673
Suggestion to be added (actually, I'm surprised you didn't put it up as rule #1):

>1: It's a demon, not your waifu.
>1a.Especially if it looks like a kid. You creep.
>1b. That goes double if it also has tentacles.
>1c: I SAID NO, DAMN IT.

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>>45130589

"Hey, Adrian-kun~ I couldn't help but notice that you were really, really hands-on when it came to teaching her the error of holding power tools incorrectly..."



I am having waay too much fun with the character image generator.

>>45130609

Funny that you mention that. Also, keep in mind that it was a sample list that I randomly pulled from the list. Here's what I had so far for rule No. 1.

>1. In spite of their human-like behaviors and mannerisms, demons are still creatures of the supernatural, and should be treated with the utmost caution even at maximum Loyalty.
>a. Agents caught having sexual relations of any sort with demons, either from the wild or from the agent’s own COMP, will be subject to an immediate removal from the combat roster and a court-martial for indecent behavior.
>i. Addendum: The same penalty applies for humans trying to solicit sexual favors from demons without the demons in question reciprocating.
>ii. No, we don’t care that you haven’t had any luck with human men/women. This does not excuse inter-species relationships.
>iii We are looking at you, Operative [REDACTED]. Stop asking other Agents to hook you up with other demons.

>>45130609
>36: In the interests of tactical flexibility, you are not allowed to form your team of demons according to a specific theme.
>36a. Colour coding counts as a theme.
>36b. The same goes for the Power Rangers.
>36c. Creating a team of nothing but female demons is grounds for immediate termination.

>>45130675
There needs to be an addendum for when sex becomes involved in negotiations.

>>45130684
Some themes are allowed, though. Fae like working with fae, etc.

>>45130684
>>45130721

Gonna make those get into the list somehow~

Last sample of the list before I end with the usual ending.

>10. There has never been, and never will be, a psychological warfare mascot in the history of this agency. Remove the body paint immediately.

>11. Your Commander is to be obeyed at all times. It is completely unacceptable to literally throw down the Gauntlet and challenge him/her to the ‘field of honor’.
>a. Addendum: if you suspect that your Commander is unfit for duty, behaving in a suspicious manner, or under demonic influence, report them to HQ as soon as viably possible. This is the appropriate and only course of action.

>13. Agents are to be reminded that minimizing collateral damage is one of our mandates, and our procedures reflect that. Thus, while shouting ‘OH YEAH!’ when conducting a breach and clear is not technically against the rules, entering through the wall generally is.

>15. The concept of ‘shipping’ is for works of fiction – not real people. Agents, specifically.
>a. This goes for Commanders and Team Leaders as well. Putting two Agents on patrol together will not ‘spark off their obvious sexual tension’.
>b. Using the power of demons to somehow get two Agents together is not only immoral, but in direct violation of our rules.
>c. We are looking at you, [REDACTED]. You are hereby ordered to cease and desist with the publication of doujinshi involving Task Force personnel.

19. Agents are to be reminded that the chain of command is determined through a multi-faceted system of factors, including age, martial prowess and personal experience. As such, the only thing a ‘Klingon Promotion’ will accomplish is a reduction of our combat effectiveness.

>>45130721
Having one or two of a race doesn't really count as a theme, the problem only starts if you /only/ use one race (or anything else).

That said, this is actually pretty fun.

>27: Demon-to-demon sparring is allowed and encouraged in the interest of promoting cooperation between summoners in the same team. Placing bets on such fights, however, is harshly forbidden.
>27a. Needless to say, the same goes for using it as spectator sport. You know who you are, Agent [REDACTED].
>27b. Duels by champion are not covered in the Task Force's Charter. If you challenge someone to a duel, you damn better know how to use a foil.

>>45130782
>13. Agents are to be reminded that minimizing collateral damage is one of our mandates, and our procedures reflect that. Thus, while shouting ‘OH YEAH!’ when conducting a breach and clear is not technically against the rules, entering through the wall generally is.
no wonder. Kool-Aid was actually a MASSIVE coverup, going through reams of footage to replace the offending summoner with a big enough character to also hide the demons behind him.

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Gonna archive it in a few minutes.

Follow me on Twitter for session times and other TF666-related stuff: https://twitter.com/TaskForceKaz

Don't forget to vote for the previous threads on suptg: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Devil%20Summoner%20Task%20Force%20666%20Quest

Hope y'all have a good night/morning/day/afternoon wherever you based anons are.

>>45130782
>It is completely unacceptable to literally throw down the Gauntlet
Oh wow. This hadn't even appeared when I wrote about duel via champion.
Adrian fighting a duel for Fitzgerald's honor when?

>>45130843

Not in this operation. Maybe the next deployment or two?