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Post by acathala on Mar 4, 2020 1:06:21 GMT -5
"You should go. Leave the money and drugs for the police." Tom uses his former foe's phone. Tells them where the money and drugs are at. Also warns them about where Corvus is going. Tom nabs food from the kitchen before he goes. After being shot, he considers the food on the establishment. Tom heads home after that. Corvus is becoming a bigger problem and Tom frankly doesn't know he's going to stop him.
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 4, 2020 2:34:00 GMT -5
MISSION SUMMARY:
NEW VARIANT LEARNED! Tom's martial ability has improved.
LESLIE'S HEALING PRICE HAS REDUCED TO $400
WAR COCK Added to Tom's contacts
CORVUS BLAZE'S STATUS HAS IMPROVED TO NEUTRAL
LAIR OF THE DRAGON
Tom finds his way back to his lair. After a brief run-in with the landlord, who is quick to remind Tom that he owes rent, Tom drags himself to his room. He flops into his bed and quickly falls asleep.
Tom wakes to his phone ringing. There is a text message from the detective. A few moments later, there is a knock at his door.
"Let's go get breakfast. I've got a coupon," Holhardty says when Tom opens the door. "Come on. We should talk about some stuff."
TOM -5 HP
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Post by acathala on Mar 4, 2020 5:58:09 GMT -5
"Fine. Let's go then." Tom gets dressed and follows the cop.
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 4, 2020 15:21:38 GMT -5
Tom follows the detective to his beaten up old car. The landlord is quick, again, to remind him that he owes rent, and Tom is quick to reply that he still has the rest of the week until his rent is actually due. The landlord responds with a rude gesture, but Tom ignores it. Most of the people living in a building like this are the types to wriggle out of paying for anything. The landlord has to be tough. Tom learned long ago that acting mean is not the same as actually being mean.
Tom steps out onto the street and reaches for the rusty door of the detective's clunker. The door whines noisily as it opens prompting numerous disapproving looks from passerby.
"It's not a classic," is the detective's response to all of the looks.
Tom glares at the pile of trash on the passenger seat.
"I'd say excuse the mess but, screw you, this is my car and I've been doing you a shitload of favours," Holhardty responds. He settles into the seat and sparks the ignition. It spews a cloud of blue smoke. Tom pinches his nose. It's been a long time since cars made any kind of smell. He sweeps the trash off his seat and settles into the car.
"There is this nice little place at the end of the street. Hope you like cheap pancakes," the detective explains as he joins traffic. "Radio is off, so don't worry about talking freely. Doesn't kick in until my shift officially starts at 9am. Bastards won't give me a new car but they have no trouble installing some fancy-schmancy digital system that can instantly upload everything it records to the police network." The detective shakes his head. "So, you were busy last night. Got me putting out fires all night, and I'm not just talking about Gainer. Hope it was worth it. You know I'm not vice, right? You can call me, but I don't process them."
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Post by acathala on Mar 4, 2020 18:19:22 GMT -5
"Yes it was worth it. It's stopped them from operating in the trench for now, which means Leslie can work safely there. I also learned there's a drone blind spot, and I'm willing to bet there's lots more I don't know about. Learned the name of a player. I'm going to have to take a few days off. I need to make rent, and to do that, I need to work a job."
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 4, 2020 22:35:47 GMT -5
"Worth it, huh? All right, kid, let me tell you what actually happened. Those guys you took out? They all walked, scot free. See, desperate people have this funny habit of looting, so by the time your leprechaun friend was picked up, the vultures had already picked his carcass clean, so to speak. When questioned, they described a mugging, and all the mugger took was the victim's phone. Your green friend will be back on the street in a couple of months.
Now your friend in the white suit could have been charged with possession," Holhardty continues, "but it just so happens that he was mugged by the same guy who, once again, took the victim's phone. So, when Mr. white suit claims he was attacked for no reason and that the drugs were planted on him, well...without a drone to confirm the mugging, and a bunch of lazy ass kids who can't solve a simple mystery without a computer to guide them, they're just going to believe whatever story they hear. A mad mugger stealing phones? Open and shut case! Now give me a day off, captain.
As for that night club, I got the call because of our good friend Gainer, but it turns out all of those drugs you mentioned were hidden behind one-way doors and security gates. Which are conveniently locked down for 8 hours during an alarm, by the way. By the time the firefighters got into those rooms, every one of those rooms were empty.
Oh, and speaking of Mr. Blaze, I only submitted the portion of those security cameras containing him. I didn't mention you at all. Good job keeping that quiet, by the way. Do you know how hard it is to edit security tapes in about 10 minutes?" He sighs. "I did tell that burger joint you mentioned to keep an eye out for Gainer, so it's not all a waste. At least you are making headway on this super problem."
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Post by acathala on Mar 4, 2020 22:47:05 GMT -5
"Was there anything else?" Tom asked. Perhaps he should just hang up the suit. It doesn't feel like he's doing any good at all right now.
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 4, 2020 23:13:34 GMT -5
"You tell me. You called me about the drones yesterday," the detective replies. "Something about a blind spot?"
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 6, 2020 17:16:14 GMT -5
(Did you notice Tom got a new Trait Variant?)
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Post by acathala on Mar 6, 2020 20:19:12 GMT -5
(I did. Considered headbutt, however going with dodge and counter.) "There was a blind spot, and the gang knew about it. It might be just a single glitch, but that's not the impression I got. Thought it might be a good thing to investigate whilst I recover."
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 6, 2020 22:33:56 GMT -5
"Right," Holhardty replies slowly, allowing the word to trail for a long time. He drives quietly for a few minutes before reaching down to grab a dossier.
"So, this isn't really my department. More of a personal curiousity, but...it's part of the reason why I'm stuck with this job," the detective begins. "Some time back when this city was still struggling with gangs, during the transitional period, there was talk about implementing a purely autonomous robotic force. It never got off the ground. Too many problems. The tech wasn't quite there yet.
The thing they don't tell you is...well, they were fully prepared to launch after a tough summer, but then a certain rookie cop caught wind of a problem when he just so happened to bust one of the lead programmers for possession." Holhardty pauses for a moment while he navigates a left turn. "Rookie was still green. Didn't know when to keep his nose out of other peoples' business. Discovered there were some serious problems with the program. Reported it to the state department, New Millenia gets in trouble, the program is indefinitely delayed...and rookie cop gets promoted. The poor bastard didn't realize it wasn't a promotion, but a collar. Just a way to keep tabs on him. And everyone knew it."
He gestures to the dossier. "About this time last year New Millenia quietly announces the Millenia Guardian program in some local indie newspaper. I didn't think much of it, but...I still had contacts. I still knew things. Still haven't learned my lesson. Decided to give the old programmer a call. Sure enough...he was dead, and everyone on that team had either died or disappeared within five years of the old program shutting down. I start digging, because I'm an idiot, and there they are...the signs. Just like last time, but this time New Millenia is trying their best to get the drones out there before anyone can shut them down.
Maybe I'm just paranoid because I know a lot of good cops are going to be laid off when those drones take to the air, but...I just can't shake that feeling."
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 0:02:35 GMT -5
Tom is silent as he processes the information. Finally he speaks. "I don't know what's going on with the drones. It could be a one off, pattern of malfunction, incompetence, or corruption. Gang could have gotten lucky but I don't buy it. I'm going to keep going til I find out which it is. You don't want to follow, no hard feelings. It's likely going to get really bad, and you're not a super."
OoC What if I hadn't picked up on the drone?
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 0:21:57 GMT -5
(He was going to mention it anyway, but more in the context of a pet project)
"Hey, I'm not going to feel bad about letting you get shot at, but, yeah, I was going to mention it to you anyway. Figured you might stumble upon something while you're doing all...of this." Holhardty shrugs. "But you likely won't. Like you said, probably just a glitch. They happen. It's probably nothing and I'm just an old man seeing ghosts." He pauses. "Wonder if it has anything to do with the New Millenia CEO disappearance? Or that weirdo on the rooftops? Okay, we're just going to stop here for a moment."
Tom watches curiously as the detective pulls the car to a stop next to a pair of police cars parked by the side of the road. A crowd has gathered around the cars, and a pair of police officers are directing everyone to stay away from a particular shop.
"Check this out. Don't worry, we'll only be a minute, and then it's pancake time," Seamus says.
Tom, knowing the detective just has a way about him, follows the detective out of the car and onto the sidewalk. As he approaches with the detective, one of the other officers steps in front of him.
"Who is this guy?" the officer asks.
"Relax. It's an...assistant. Civilian consultant, you can say," the detective replies.
The officer nods and steps aside. They only have to walk a few more steps to behold the grisly scene.
Standing within the display window of a party shop, along with other mannequins in costume, is a ninja wearing a cheesy ninja costume.
But it's not a ninja. Tom can clearly see the contours of a real man beneath the black cloth. He can also see blood trickling down the man's mouth. Tied to the bloody hands of the dead ninja man was a pair of white mittens with a dragon motif.
"Nobody noticed it was real until around 8am. He had a note in his mouth," Holhardty explains as realization fills Tom's face. "It read 'Good job at the club. Now do 155 Hunter and Rendon. Do good, money where we first met'. What do you think of that?"
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 7:34:58 GMT -5
"I think you need to be careful. Whomever it is knows or suspects I have a connection on the force. I doubt it's Corvus, as we would smell burnt flesh. The most logical conclusion is that it is another crime boss, a rival of the guy I just hit. The only crime boss I know, is Bandersnatch." Tom looks at the body. "I have a horrible feeling this poor guy was at the club last night."
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 8:08:45 GMT -5
TIP OF THE PAGE: Earning Leslie's trust goes beyond simply busting up gangs. He needs to prove himself a real hero.
Seamus shakes his head. "Nah. Just a random nobody. Grabbed off the street." He knocks on the window. "It's Bandersnatch's MO. And he knows of you. The real question is what he hopes to gain from busting up another operation. Selling drugs is not one of his interests. That would actually make sense. Nothing about Bandersnatch's actions make sense. If he wants something from you..." He shakes his head. "Do what he wants, and you play into his hands. Don't do what he wants, and he will pester you until you do. Damned if you do..."
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 9:15:48 GMT -5
Tom shrugs. "I don't have any answers about what he wants. I'm new here. Do we know anything about the address?"
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 15:48:25 GMT -5
"Nope. I'm not vice. I can kick a few cookies their way but the moment I put my hand in the cookie jar, they're going to start asking questions. I can say it's a pretty nice neighbourhood, though," Seamus replies. "Come on, let's go get those pancakes."
Tom joins Holhardty in enjoying a plate of pancakes. Sort of. You get what you pay for. While he's pulling up to the curb to drop Tom off, he taps Tom's shoulder.
"Listen, if you need a bit of work, I might be able to help you out. Well, if you're looking for honest work, anyway. Surprised you didn't take any of the money from that club. Must have been millions lying around. Anyway, after Gainer started torching buildings I was able to convince the chief to increase my funding. I was going to use the extra money to buy a TV, but...well, I suppose I could take you on as an assistant. Now the pay is shit, and you would have to do a bit of grunt work, but only for an hour or two. Just enough to actually look like you're working for me, plus it would explain why I keep hanging out with you. You would also remain entirely off the New Millenia database. Personal assistants don't need to be entered into the system."
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 16:38:28 GMT -5
"I can't fight crime if I'm stealing." Tom said. "Okay, thank you. I'll do the job."
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 17:05:24 GMT -5
"If you want to play the poor little super, that's fine with me, so long as you keep being a thorn in Gainer's ass. Just make sure you keep your strength up. Supers are supposed to look a little more, you know, impressive. Maybe grab some protein shakes or something." He opens Tom's door. "Oh, remind me to send you the bounty list. If you're going to be running around busting criminals, might as well turn them in. And if you're willing to do some work that is...kind of legal, there are some underground fight clubs where you can win some money. Shouldn't be a problem for you."
As Tom exits the car, Holhardty gives him a serious look.
Remember, if you learn anything about the Millenia Guardian program, even just a little bit...let me know. I just can't shake this feeling I'm having."
So what is Tom's next move?
UNKNOWN DOSSIER UNLOCKED: MILLENIA GUARDIAN
BANDERSNATCH UPDATED. He wants Tom to do a job for him, but it might end poorly for him whether he does the job or not.
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 17:43:38 GMT -5
Tom s going to do that assistant job for Holhardy.
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 18:04:26 GMT -5
The detective starts Tom off with a simple chore: clean his car while Seamus is doing some paperwork. It takes him a couple hours. He gets paid $100. By around noon, Tom is free to do as he pleases.
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 18:12:26 GMT -5
Tom is going to do a full day of work. How much rent does he owe?
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 18:28:49 GMT -5
Not that kind of job. It's more of a favour. Seamus wants him around just long enough to look like he is doing something and that's it. If Tom wants a regular by the hours job, he is going to have to get one.
His rent is $1000.
(It's easier for me to update this game because it's a modern setting. I don't really have to describe everything, so I can get it done much faster. Once I'm finished moving, I'll be able to put more time into the games. Still a lot of research I have to do for the western game)
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 19:32:28 GMT -5
Tom calls Leslie. "Hey. It should be quiet around the trench now. Let me know if that changes."
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 20:57:17 GMT -5
"I heard. Thanks," she replies. Then hangs up.
Definitely still paranoid.
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Post by acathala on Mar 7, 2020 21:09:02 GMT -5
Tom looks for labouring work outside the city, to last a few days.
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 7, 2020 22:05:21 GMT -5
Hell bent on doing this the honest way, huh?
Tom finds some work just on the edge of the city for "rough scrapping" which is essentially crushing machines by hand. Doesn't pay the best, just $150 a day, but at least it's a neutral job.
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Post by acathala on Mar 8, 2020 5:38:38 GMT -5
Yup. Tom does the work until he has enough to pay for his rent. Any free time he has is spent looking for drone blind spots.
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Post by TG Barighm on Mar 8, 2020 5:40:43 GMT -5
How does he search for the drone blind spots?
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Post by acathala on Mar 8, 2020 13:17:04 GMT -5
Tom checks the distance between the club and blind spot he knows about. From there he finds the radius and plots a circle, with the club bang in the middle of it. Within the circle, he looks for similar areas to the one he found the blind spot. Next is the field work. Tom goes to these areas to check for the blind spots. If it was a glitch, there shouldn't be others. However if it wasn't a glitch, then he doubts the drug dealers had only the one distribution point.
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