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).

To be clear: Rolls DO NOT count until they are called for. And not every DC/Modifier will be shown. Choices with checks on them may not always be highlighted or obvious.

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. It also can only be used every other session.


As a point of order, any votes which are solely motivated by sex will be ignored from this point on. Flirting is fine. Trying to mindlessly “get some” not so much. If you can’t control yourself then don’t bother voting/writing-in in the first place. Simple as that. I’m not here to write you smut.

In addition, the “waifu-factor” is a secondary or tertiary consequence rather than the main driving action in this quest. The inevitable “route lock” should happen organically and over time. Trying to force it one way or the other via a single voting period before that time is just going to end up with me having to take that choice away from the playerbase.

Thanks for sticking with me through this reboot. I’m sure there will be some bumps, so just bear with me!

>>45786214

You settle on trying to determine the exact moment where your memory goes dark. Aria had just given you a short monologue about how her plans for the future involved the space elevators and why she was playing things close to the chest. It was somewhat compelling, though it lacked some detail. In the process of formulating a reply, you took a bite of your sandwich. Then the room started to spin, followed by nothing.

“Someone tried to poison me?” you mutter to yourself. “Who would do such a thing, and why?”

Your empty room offers no reply. As you take another look around you find a remote lying next to you. It must be for the currently-off television up in the right corner of your room. Given that you have nothing else to do at the current moment, you turn it on. It just so happens to be set to a news channel. It’s currently a report on the latest and greatest news coming down from the space elevators, but what sticks out to you is the date. It’s two weeks since your “date” with Aria.

Before the weight of lost time sinks in, a nurse walks into your room. She takes one look at you, then smiles.

“Ah, you’re awake Mr. Weldon. Good. I’ll go and fetch the doctor.”

After about five minutes, she returns with a white-coat bearing individual with recognizable light chocolate skin.

“Welcome back to the land of the living,” says Qwin. “How do you feel?”

> [1] What the hell are *you* doing *here*?
> [2] Since when are you a doctor?
> [3] Play along for now
> [4] Write in

>>45786261
>> [3] Play along for now

>>45786261
> [3] Play along for now

>>45786261

Your intuition tells you that Qwin being here is no accident. So you play along for the time being.

“A little disoriented,” you reply. “And curious as to what happened.”

Qwin plays her part by idly picking up the chart at the end of your bed and flipping through it. “You should be more careful with what you eat, Mr. Weldon. If it weren’t for the filtering systems in your cybernetics we would have lost you. The good news is almost all traces of the poison are gone. You should be able to leave after a few more days.”

You take a moment to process what she said. Then you ask, “What about Ar- I mean Ms. Mizuno? Was she poisoned as well?”

“No. At least, she didn’t show any symptoms. It could be that her cyborg body simply is advanced enough to be above such trivialities.”

“I see…”

Qwin turns to the nurse and asks her to give you both the room. Once it’s just the two of you, her demeanor changes completely. She seems far more serious than before by several orders of magnitude.

“I knew letting you see those files was a risk, but I didn’t think *they* would go this far. For that you have my apologies.”

> [1] They?
> [2] So you set me up?
> [3] A little warning would have been nice
> [4] Write in

>>45786542
> [1] They?
> [3] A little warning would have been nice

>>45786542
> [1] They?

>>45786542
> [1] They?
> [3] A little warning would have been nice

Some sort of combo then, back in a tic!

>>45786542


“A little warning would have been nice. Or some sort of disclaimer that I might be risking death by viewing them.”

“I thought my security was airtight. And by all indications it was and still is. Which is why I’m standing here instead of your actual doctor.”

“Go on…”

Qwin moves to sit at the foot of your bed. Then she continues, “The way I see it, there are two possibilities. One, someone found out you had those files and wanted to make sure their secrets stayed, well, secret. Two, someone entirely unrelated to them wanted you out of the picture for some reason.”

“So you don’t know who ‘they’ are then?”

She shakes her head. “I’m afraid not. When you went down Aria almost went berserk. Luckily it turned out the people in that restaurant were all Lancers, otherwise a lot of innocents might have gotten hurt.”

Lancers. Short for freelancers. Mercs that will do almost anything for a price. Typically used for corporate espionage and sabotage. And according to Qwin here there was a whole team of them that day. You do a quick mental count based on your memory. If everyone in the diner was a Lancer, then there were six in total including the one behind the counter.

“She killed them all, didn’t she?” you ask.

“More that she maimed them and took two for questioning. I shudder to think what happened to them. Aria has quite the fire, as I’m sure you’ve come to realize.”

“In more ways than one,” you admit. “What about the SCU? Did they get involved at all?”

Qwin’s stern expression softens. “Actually they helped with the cleanup. The four Lancers that survived Aria’s wraith got taken in for a more sane interrogation. But they’ve all been tight-lipped and not said a single word.”

“Well that’s a pleasant surprise. It’s not quite a collaboration between Fokir and Raziel, but it’s a start.”

“Indeed. A shame it only came about due to your near death.”

> cont

>>45787128

Qwin pauses for a moment, biting her lip. Then she asks, “Have you given my proposal any more thought?”

Her proposal, such as it was, was to somehow work both the SCU and Aria as a neutral third party to benefit everyone involved. The only snag was it meant trusting Qwin absolutely, or so she claimed. Which makes sense, given the nature of the players involved, but is still a hard call to make.

> [1] I need more time to decide
> [2] I don’t know that I can trust you that much
> [3] After all this, you’re ready to try something new
> [4] Write in

>>45787159
> [2] I don’t know that I can trust you that much

>>45787159
> [3] After all this, you’re ready to try something new

>>45787159
>> [2] I don’t know that I can trust you that much
>> [3] After all this, you’re ready to try something new

>>45787159
> [3] After all this, you’re ready to try something new

I think [3] with just a smidgen of [2] at the beginning is what we're going with. Back in a bit!

>>45787159

“I’m not so sure I can trust you as much as you probably want,” you begin. “But after all this, I think it’s time to try a different approach.”

That earns you a smile. “The seeds of trust need only be planted and cared for to blossom. Besides, if you were naive enough to blindly follow me then I wouldn’t be wasting my time.”

You’re not 100% sure how to take that. “Thanks, I guess?”

Qwin continues to smile. “In any case, our time together has reached its end. Both Ms. Mizuno and Ms. Raziel will soon be notified of your awakening, and I’m sure at least one will be rushing here to visit you.”

“So that’s it then? Nothing for me to do right off the bat except to say ‘I’m in?’”

“Well, unless you want to try and slip a worm of my own design into both of their personal networks, I think it’s best we wait until you’re out of the hospital before acting.”

> [1] You’re no expert at network infiltration, but you could give it a shot
> [2] Play it safe and do as she suggests
> [3] Write in

>>45787640
> [2] Play it safe and do as she suggests

>>45787640
> [2] Play it safe and do as she suggests

>>45787640

You’re in no shape to do anything even semi-sneaky. So you bow your head slightly and say, “Waiting it is then. I assume you’ll simply show up when it’s time?”

“Indeed. Though next time try not to get cooped up in a hospital. I may be a wizard when it comes to modifying memories and manipulation but even my talents have limits. Far too many people coming and going. And to fake being your doctor? Woo boy. But I can give you grief about that at a later time.”

Qwin stands and moves for the door. Before she departs, she turns back and says, “Oh, one last thing. Don’t let either of them take you home. Early or otherwise. Showing too much favor to one side right now might break the temporary peace and make our lives that much more difficult.”

“No argument here,” you reply.

“Good.”

Then she’s gone. Funnily enough, the nurse returns ten minutes later with your actual doctor as if nothing had happened. This time you’re given a boring rundown of your current symptoms and status, along with a request that you stay at least an extra few days for observation. You have the option of leaving sooner, but only after signing several waivers that release the hospital from any responsibility if your condition worsens. You pocket that option for the time being.

>cont

>>45788015

The next few hours pass uneventfully. You’re kept somewhat entertained thanks to the TV, but you’re close to nodding off by the time there’s a knock on your door.

“Mr. Weldon? There’s a Ms. Mizuno here to see you. Should I let her in?” asks the nurse.

You take a moment to mentally prepare yourself, then you reply, “Of course.”

Sure enough, Aria almost rushes into your room moment later. She’s in one of her power suits, her face the definition of worry.

“I’m so sorry, James,” she begins after taking a seat at your side. “I would have been here sooner but I had other matters that needed my attention. Is everything alright? Can I get you anything?”

> [1] Thank her for the concern, but you’re fine
> [2] A smile would be a good start
> [3] Don’t worry about you, what about her?
> [4] Write in

>>45788034
> [1] Thank her for the concern, but you’re fine
> [3] Don’t worry about you, what about her?

>>45788034
> [1] Thank her for the concern, but you’re fine
> [4] What happened?

>>45788034

You head her off at the pass before she gets too worked up. “I’m fine, really. But thanks for the concern. It means a lot.”

“Of course,” Aria replies, slightly less tense now. “I do feel guilty that this happened under my watch though. I should have been more careful.”

“How were you to know the sandwiches were poisoned? Unless you deal with that sort of thing often…”

A smirk briefly flashes across her face. “You’d be surprised. In this body I don’t need to worry about 99% of biological attempts on my life. But there’s still a reason I prefer to choose where I eat with people. Less chance of Lancers getting involved.”

Her last sentence is accompanied by a scowl. You’re not sure whether it’s because she’s still blaming herself or because of the Lancers themselves. You decide to ask her about it tactfully.

“So it was Lancers then that did it? Any idea why?”

Aria shakes her head. “No. Even after interrogating two of them personally I’ve gotten nothing. Whoever hired them made sure to pick people who had nothing to lose. But my guess? Someone’s not happy I’m seeing someone. That or they’re trying to get to me through you.”

> [1] Wasn’t that always a risk?
> [2] You don’t have any crazy ex’s, do you?
> [3] Maybe it’s best then that we limit our interaction for the time being, until *they* are caught
> [4] Write in

>>45788333
> [2] You don’t have any crazy ex’s, do you?

then

> [3] Maybe it’s best then that we limit our interaction for the time being, until *they* are caught

to avoid making it seem like we're trying to get rid of her

>>45788333
>> [1] Wasn’t that always a risk?
>> [2] You don’t have any crazy ex’s, do you?

>>45788333
> [3] Maybe it’s best then that we limit our interaction for the time being, until *they* are caught

>>45788333
>2

>>45788333
> [2] You don’t have any crazy ex’s, do you?

File: She's probably the crazy (...).jpg (197 KB, 1000x1650)

197 KB JPG

[2] has it I believe. Back in a bit!

>>45788333

You have a hunch you already know the answer to your next question, but you ask it all the same. “You don’t have any crazy ex’s, do you?”

Aria actually laughs at that. “Not at all. I don’t often date, let alone harbor friends with benefits. My last relationship was over five years ago. And it was him who called it off, not I. Granted, he was headed up in the world, quite literally.”

She must mean that the guy in question was one of the few that have the privilege of using the space elevators. You’re not sure whether to feel humbled that Aria’s even interested in a guy like you after someone like that, or to feel like you have a lot to live up to in her mind. So you do what comes naturally and try to change the subject.

“I suppose that leaves rival companies then. Or people in Fokir that would benefit from seeing you removed from the CEO position.”

“Perhaps. I’ve had Valeriya check the usual suspects but she’s still looking. The fact that this attack seems to be random frustrates me to no end. Only so many people knew where we were eating. And there’s also the matter of how quickly the Lancers replaced both the staff and the patrons. Something’s not right. But I promise you, James, that I will find out who did this to you and make they suffer.”

Her tail twitches agitatedly behind her. You should probably say something to calm her down, or at least get her to look less murderous.

> [1] Make a joke about how interesting your dates have been thus far
> [2] Offer to try and use the SCU to aid in the search
> [3] Simply smile and ask her to lighten up
> [4] Write in

>>45788881
>make they

I feel like we should bring back the drinking game of a drink every time I make a typo, but then everyone would be dead.

>>45788881
>> [2] Offer to try and use the SCU to aid in the search
I mean I DO work there after all. An attack on me is an attack on them.

>>45788881
> [3] Simply smile and ask her to lighten up

>>45788881
>[3] Simply smile and ask her to lighten up

>>45788881
> [3] Simply smile and ask her to lighten up

[3] seems to be what we're going with. Back in a mo!

>>45788881

You put on your best, genuine smile. Then you say, “Hey, lighten up. I’m alive and well and that’s what matters, right?”

It has about the intended effect on Aria. The angry, sadistic look in her eyes vanishes as she herself grins. “I suppose you’re right. Worrying about it right now won’t accomplish anything. I’ll just have to hope my sister comes back with something useful. That or the SCU turns up something.”

Surprisingly she doesn’t scoff at her own mention of the SCU. Seeing as how the last time you spoke with her about them was rather negative, it’s somewhat jarring. You do your best not to wear your emotions on your sleeve and continue on.

“Yes, well, I get the impression that they’re probably just as interested to know who’s trying to kill their Organic Verification Agent. Even if they think I’m nothing but a Fokir-plant.”

“I expect nothing less from *her*,” says Aria levely. “Though I wouldn’t put it past them to brush this whole affair aside if it suited them.”

So she still thinks rather negatively of Cathy. No shocker there.

“I guess we’ll find out either when they visit or when I return to work.”

“I guess.”

You stare at each other in silence for a few moments. Aria meets your eyes for most of it, but turns away towards the end. “I’m afraid Valeriya will have my head if I stay too much longer. I’ve already had to reschedule too many meetings today. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you before I leave?”

> [1] You’re good for now
> [2] Set up a third date
> [3] Some actual food would be nice
> [4] Write in

>>45789325
> [1] You’re good for now

>>45789325
> [1] You’re good for now
Tell her that we'll set up a date after the whole thing blows over.

>>45789325
>> [3] Some actual food would be nice

>>45789325
> [3] Some actual food would be nice
> [2] Set up a third date
Cant show fear
Be cocky

Hm. I'm inclined to tie-break with [3]. Back in a bit!

>>45789325
>[1] You’re good for now
> [2] Set up a third date

File: Where she keeps the pizza(...).jpg (702 KB, 2048x2032)

702 KB JPG

>>45789325

“Well, I could go for some actual food,” you respond. “Though I don’t think you have time to sit here and eat it with me.”

“Sadly no, but I’ll gladly have someone I trust bring you something. Did you have any preference?”

“Not really. After being out of it for so long pretty much anything sounds good to my stomach.”

Aria smiles. “Fair enough. I’ll make it a surprise then.”

She stands and turns to leave. When she reaches the door, she turns back and says, “Oh and don’t think I’ve forgotten that you wanted to talk about ‘us’ before this all happened. I trust that it will make for a… stimulating third date.”

She winks, then departs. Some twenty minutes later one of her suited bodyguards shows up with a platter of sushi. You’ve only ever had the stuff once before in your life, so you’re a little apprehensive at first. But once you bite into one of the rolls you find yourself fully enjoying the taste. You clean your plate in short order, giving you the satisfaction of feeling full. In the post-meal bliss, you nod off and end up sleeping through the rest of the afternoon.

You’re awoken some time in the early evening by another knock on your door. It’s the nurse again.

“You have another visitor, Mr. Weldon. Though I’m not sure she’ll fit…”

“Of course I’ll fit,” says Cathy from somewhere out in the hallway.

“Let her in,” you reply with a grin. Sure enough, Cathy somehow manages to squeeze her spider-like cyborg body into the room. There’s not much space left over, but it’s not like either of you are going anywhere.

“When was the last time you had something to eat?” she asks. “I brought pizza.”

> [1] You had lunch, but pizza sounds great
> [2] You haven’t eaten a thing all day
> [3] You’re still full from lunch, but the thought is nice
> [4] Write in

>>45789722
Gotta be faster on the draw, anon

>>45789780
> [4] Write in
Always time for pizza
Need to get back strength

>>45789780
>>45789831
this

>>45789780
> [1] You had lunch, but pizza sounds great

>>45789780

“I always have room for pizza,” you say, rubbing your stomach for emphasis. “Gotta get my strength back, after all.”

Cathy tries not to roll her eyes playfully as she removes a piping hot pie from her abdomen compartment. She sets the box on your lap where you can both reach it, then takes a slice for herself. You do likewise, savoring the taste of food that has no right calling itself a vegetable. After half of the pizza is gone, she works in a word between bites.

“So how much do you know about the attack?”

You pause, a slice halfway to your mouth. “I know that there were Lancers involved. But beyond that, nothing.”

“I see. Well you might like to know that we’ve interrogated four of the culprits thus far. They’ve not said much though, which obviously makes catching the person or persons responsible rather difficult. If they had brain cases or were cyborgs it might be a different story, but they’re flesh and blood for the most part.”

“I didn’t realize the SCU condoned brain-hacking as an interrogation tactic,” you admit.

Cathy grimaces. “We have to jump through a lot of hoops to do it, and even then only in the most dire or important of circumstances. Which might seem odd, given the nature of the SCU, but there it is.”

“I see…”

> [1] Any ideas or thoughts on who it could be though?
> [2] How are you holding up?
> [3] Ask if the SCU is still after the Puppetmaster
> [4] Write in

Oh shit, my favorite quest is back.

>>45790021
> [1] Any ideas or thoughts on who it could be though?

>>45790021
> [1] Any ideas or thoughts on who it could be though?
> [3] Ask if the SCU is still after the Puppetmaster

>>45790021
> [1] Any ideas or thoughts on who it could be though?
> [2] How are you holding up?

>>45790021
> [1] Any ideas or thoughts on who it could be though?
> [2] How are you holding up?

>>45790021
>[1] Any ideas or thoughts on who it could be though?
> [2] How are you holding up?
I love you Iggy. Welcome back. Please don't leave us again. I wouldn't be able to handle it.

[1] with [2] I think? Back in a bit.

>>45790150
Glad you're having fun, anon

>>45790021

“Do you have any thought to who might be behind it all? A hunch or something?”

“Well there’s always this company called Hesnos. They’ve been wanting to move in on Fokir’s territory for awhile now. But this is beyond their usual M.O. Usually they’re content to raid the smaller clinics and throw a wrench into their operation. Specifically poisoning someone just isn’t their style. Although… given that you have been seen in public with Ms. Mizuno before, it’s possible that someone’s trying to get to her through you. Someone other than Hesnos, I mean.”

“Aria doesn’t strike me as the sort to have jealous ex’s,” you carefully reply. “So it’d have to be someone who stands to gain from her not performing in her role as CEO.”

“And that list is about a mile long, even just here in Ocrania,” shoots back Cathy. “Unless one of our captives cracks, we might as well throw names at a wall and go after whoever sticks.”

“Somehow I doubt that’d be very productive,” you jest.

“Not in the slightest,” she replies with a smirk. “Although this does present an opportunity of sorts.”

“Oh?”

Cathy nods. “This is an excellent chance for us to audit Fokir’s security detail. Technically the SCU can get a warrant for such as you, an SCU employee, were attacked under their watch. It might not help us figure out who’s behind your assassination attempt, but it might help our case against Fokir and Aria.”

Somehow you doubt Aria would be pleased with that course of action. But if you’re too dismissive Cathy might pick up that there’s something wrong. Or eager, for that matter.

> [1] We don’t need to poke the beehive right now
> [2] If you think it’ll help…
> [3] Sounds like an excellent idea
> [4] Write in

>>45790390
>[1] We don't need to poke the beehive right now

>>45790390
> [2] If you think it’ll help…
Might start a shitshow that will only distract both sides though. Given the bad blood.

>>45790390
>[2] If you think it’ll help…

We can just let Aria know beforehand and let her feed us whatever info she wants the SCU to know.

>>45790390
> [4] Write in
couldnt that be the reason for this is attack in the first place?

Get the scu and fokir fighting while a third party wins big

Cause this chain of events make no sense otherwise really

>>45790454
here>>45790504
add this in

[2] with a little write-in flair I think. Back in a bit!

>>>>45786214
Reading through this, you did a good job of getting everything back up to speed. I couldn't even remember what SitS stood for.

>>45790390

It occurs to you that this might be the reason behind the attack in the first place. The SCU and Fokir feuding might open the door for some third entity to come in and score big. Up until now the two have been relatively civil. An actual audit might be the spark that ignites a debacle. It wouldn’t be the first time something like it had happened on Meridian. Especially in this day and age of MegaCorps and the like.

As such, you hesitantly reply, “If you truly think it’ll help, then I see no reason why not. But it might cause a shitstorm that blinds both sides while a third party moves in. In fact, that might be why I was attacked in the first place, given my connections to both sides. Whoever *they* are might be banking on the fact that there’s a lot of bad blood out there, ready to fuel the fire.”

Cathy considers your words for a full minute before replying. You guess that she’s probably conversing with the rest of the SCU inside her head. Eventually she responds, “You may be right. There’s a lot we don’t know right now, and diverting our attention to focus on Fokir exclusively would only hurt us in the long run. Still… I’d like to do nothing else than dress that smug witch down for letting you get hurt on her watch.”

And there’s the other side to the coin. It really is a two way street with these two. It’s what makes Qwin’s offer start to look all the more lucrative. Choosing one side over the other might lead to the downfall of the one not chosen. Whereas with Qwin you have the chance to help both sides towards a common goal. Or so the Puppetmaster has said.

> [1] Offer to take a strongly worded letter to Aria on Cathy’s behalf
> [2] Mention the fact that Aria was there earlier to apologize
> [3] Change the subject to something more pleasant
> [4] Write in

>>45790712
Glad it's working out so far!

>>45790808
> [3] Change the subject to something more pleasant

>>45790808
> [3] Change the subject to something more pleasant

>>45790808
> [2] Mention the fact that Aria was there earlier to apologize
> [3] Change the subject to something more pleasant

>>45790808
> [4] Write in
Was there any chance of the poison ever killing aria in the first place?

Were the scu watching this place since it was one of arias favorites?

reinforce the doubt among the scu that folkir is behind this to discourage the thought of waging war

>>45790885
The bistro you went to with Aria where this all happened was actually something you picked out. As for the poison, Aria herself answered that earlier.

>>45790920
Yes i know that about aria,
but bring it back up again to reinforce the idea that there was never any intent to kill aria and that we were the main target to start a war

Well the bistro i forgot about,

And ask if we can see the perks they got in custody, maybe we now some of them and if not we can make up some bullshit to waste their time on a wild goose chase

>>45790990
perps

>>45790808

In any case, you could do with a change of subject. Something more pleasant than the serious, somber nature of the current topic. So you finish another slice of pizza and remark, “It must be because I was out for so long, but this seriously is the best pizza I’ve ever had.”

Cathy chortles at that. “It’s from the same place as usual. Nothing fancy or groundbreaking.”

“No I mean it. This was the perfect meal to end off the day with. I really appreciate it, Cathy.”

She waves you off. “Don’t mention it. Truly Hatos and Mariet wanted to come as well, but the former had a meeting with Orlin and the latter had the last minute idea to reach out to her old Lancer contacts.”

You’d almost forgotten that the semi-reclusive, runner-up hacker wiz Mariet used to run as a Lancer. What better way to track down who wants you dead than by seeing who’s running those types of jobs. If nothing else you might save an innocent soul or two in the process. So, despite your attempt to move onto more matters more pleasant, you find yourself right back in the thick of it.

“That’s not a half bad idea,” you remark. “Especially since it was me who was targeted and not Aria as well.”

“How do you mean?” asks Cathy.

“Well she has that special cyborg body, yeah? I doubt any poison would work on her.”

“Fair point. I’m beginning to think you might be onto something with this third party notion. As does Hatos, as a point of order.”

“Glad the Chief approves,” you say with a smile. “And who knows, maybe Mariet will turn up a lead.”

“Maybe.”

“In the meantime, though, do you have a list of the Lancer names? I could try and reach out to an old friend of my own to see if he knows any. Assuming the bastard’s still alive, anyways.”

“Sure, let me just set you up on a datapad.”

> cont

>>45791183

Cathy rummages in her abdomen to produce a datapad. She runs a line from the back of her neck to the device, then disconnects after a few seconds. “Here you are.”

“Thanks Cathy. I’ll let you know if Taras has anything for us.”

“Let’s hope, anyways. In any event, we have a code 19 that I must run off to deal with. You have everything you need here?”

> [1] You’re good
> [2] Some company tomorrow might be nice
> [3] A change of clothes and a bathroom bag would be great
> [4] Write in

>>45791192
> [3] A change of clothes and a bathroom bag would be great
Company too if only so I can avoid the cheesy soap operas they show around here. Ugh.

>>45791192
> [2] Some company tomorrow might be nice
> [3] A change of clothes and a bathroom bag would be great

>>45791192

“If you get a chance to swing by my apartment, a change of clothes and a bathroom bag would be great.”

Cathy nods as she begins extracting herself from your room. “I’ll do that right after this Code 19 then.”

“What’s a Code 19 anyways?” you ask.

“A cyborg streetfight sans weapons,” she’s quick to reply. “One that the usual Police can’t break up.”

“Ah. Well have fun with that. And if you get bored tomorrow, some company might be nice.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Then she’s out of the door, leaving you alone once more. Now that you have a datapad, you have a wealth of entertainment opportunities, as well as a means to send and receive both calls and emails. You start off by…

> [1] Trying to call up Taras
> [2] Ringing your apartment to see what your VI has to say
> [3] Web searching Hesnos
> [4] Write in

>>45791384
> [1] Trying to call up Taras
> [3] Web searching Hesnos
> [4] Write in
Look to see if the incident made the news in any form

>>45791384
> [2] Ringing your apartment to see what your VI has to say

>>45791384
>[2] Ringing your apartment to see what your VI has to say

>>45791384

You still haven’t named your VI, but the little bird-avatared program is damned useful. Or, at least, it has been for the few days you’ve had it. So you remote into your apartment via the datapad and call the VI up. In only takes a moment for the green bird to appear on your screen.

“Hey you’re back!” it displays in a joyful font. “I was worried you’d forgotten about me! While you were gone, you’ve received three emails. One from your parents, apparently they got a new dog. The other two are from SCU’s legal department detailing how to bill your hospital stay to them. Though all that was handled when you were checked in so I hardly see the point of the emails.”

“Anything else?” you ask aloud. You figure it’s best to have a one-sided conversation in case of eavesdroppers.

“Just one thing! That bistro you liked was on the news. Apparently it got shut down due to a water main leak. I’ve already come up with several alternatives if you’d like…”

“No that’s fine. Thanks. Instead, could you look up Hesnos and give me a quick rundown of what they do?”

The bird does a cartwheel, then disappears into the side of the datapad’s screen. Seconds later a two sentence blurb pops up in a chat window:

“Hesnos is Meridian’s leading provider of optical augmetics twelve years running. They also deal in low-cost alternatives to cybernetics.”

Guess that explains why they might want Fokir’s turf then, if they’re into the community clinic angle. That just leaves Taras as a point of order. The first call you try doesn’t go through. The number’s been disconnected. The same story repeats itself for the two backup numbers that you can recall. He’s also not in any of his usual haunts. Maybe he’s actually gone. Poor bastard.

> [1] Settle on sending him an email for now
> [2] Keep trying around
> [3] Get your VI on him
> [4] Write in

>>45791661
> [3] Get your VI on him

>>45791661
> [3] Get your VI on him

>>45791661
> [3] Get your VI on him

> [4] Write in
Ask the VI if it ID anyone else who may have watching us that wasn't with SCO or Fokir

>>45791661

As your VI comes from Qwin herself, it’s equipped with many non-standard functionalities. One of which you’re pretty sure is the ability to track down any endpoint user within reason. So you order the bird to get to work. Sure enough, you’re provided with a new phone number within minutes. And it actually works.

“Yeah?” grunts Taras after he picks up.

“So you *are* still alive then,” you remark. “And here I thought you might be ten feet under.”

“Jesus Weldon, I could say the same about you after that stunt with the Fokir CEO a month ago. How are you even still-- You know what, I don’t want to know. What do you need?”

“Several Lancers tried to off me. I was hoping you could look through their names and let me know if they ring any bells.”

“Christ Weldon. It’s always one thing or another with you. It’s never ‘Oh hey Taras, let’s go bowling!’”

“You hate bowling.”

“It’s the principle of the thing!”

“So are you gunna take a look at the names or not?”

“Yeah yeah, just send them over.”

He provides you with a new email address, then hangs up. You promptly send off the list of names and wait for a reply. One comes back after ten minutes with a single name highlighted: “Hyun Soong.” Taras added a note next to it:

“This guy only does wetwork if the price is right. And that price is about five Lancer’s worth. But he’s worth the value. Never fails to get his target. Until you, I guess. Good job with that.”

So you now have a lead. It’s not much of one, mind you, but if that much money’s being shuffled around then there ought to be a way to track it down. Between your VI and the SCU you’re pretty sure one of them could do it easily. All the better too, as you’ve never been great with numbers. It’s just a matter of deciding who to trust with this information.

> [1] SCU
> [2] VI/Qwin
> [3] Aria

>>45791864
> [1] SCU

>>45791864
Have Qwin find a way to leak it to Aria
Give it to SCU

>>45791864
>>45791892
this

[1] has it, with >>45791892 happening as well I think. Back in a bit!

>>45791892
A bit late, but seconding.

>>45791864

The SCU is at the forefront of your mind as you consider your options. They should definitely know about Soong as he’s currently locked up in their basement. As for Aria and Qwin, you figure the latter can somehow leak the information to the former if it’s warranted. It’s hard to say what good might come of letting Aria know, but it certainly can’t hurt to tackle this from multiple angles. So you forward Taras’ email to Cathy’s inbox and also have your VI relay it to Qwin.

Once that’s taken care of you’ve run out of pressing concerns. Which means you have all the free time in the world until tomorrow. Unfortunately that time has to be spent in a hospital bed, but what can you do. Sleep finds you in short order after you set the datapad aside. When you awake some time the next morning, you find a small box of bagels along with the requested items from your apartment waiting for you at the foot of your bed. You still could do with an actual shower and a shave, but the act of brushing your teeth makes you feel at least semi-human again.

The rest of the morning passes dully and slowly. By midday you’ve started to debate whether or not to leave the hospital early. You feel perfectly fine. You might as well be doing something productive rather than sit here bored.

> [1] Leave early
> [2] Stick it out

>>45792178
> [2] Stick it out

> [2] Stick it out
Bait someone into making move on us

And if not try to figure out how many groups have us under surveillance

>>45792178
>>45792218
This more or less

>>45792178

Then again, this might be the only opportunity you have in the coming days to actually relax. You’ve got no idea what Qwin has in store, and who knows what Aria has in mind for your third date. The only semi-solid person or group is Cathy. You’re fairly confident that she’ll still be running around doing SCU-related work regardless of what you do next. For some odd reason you find that charming. Maybe it’s because she’s a known in a world of overwhelming unknowns.

Regardless, you’ve got at least another day or two here in the hospital. You might as well try and enjoy it.

> Housekeeping next post

Perhaps a shorter thread than I would have liked, but at least we're back on the board. Hopefully I did a good enough job rehashing the story up to this point so everyone's on the same page. I'm sure there's questions, so I'll stick around for a bit to answer whatever's on your mind.

Next thread next Thursday about the same time. Or at least that's the plan.

>>45792368
GG
My paranoia senses hadn't had such a good work out since the last hive queen quest

>>45792368
Thanks for running Iggy. So how many monkey wrenches are in play?

>>45792368
Thanks for running ELH, see you next week.

>>45792386
It was actually tamer than I thought. Towards the end of thread 8 there was quite a bit of paranoia to go around. I'm sure that'll return in time.

>>45792412
Exactly nine

>>45792466
How many did we throw?